The shop I went to is House of Freaks in Hollywood, CA. I found them through research I did online. The place was spotless and very professional looking, complete with three small piercing rooms that looked more like doctor's offices. The girl that helped me was very nice and open to questions. She took a look at my nipples and picked out the jewlery for me. She opened the needle in front of me to prove it was new and unused. That was the last time I looked down... it was the biggest needle I've ever seen! She swabbed me up and then clamped my nipple. She was surprised the clamp didn't hurt me, but all I could think about was that huge needle I saw, so a little pinch from the clamp was the least of my worries. Then the big moment came. Two deep breaths and then... OUCH!!! It was a split second of blinding pain. The second nipple hurt no more, no less. My nipples hurt for a couple of hours afterwards but then it was all good. All in all it was a pretty cool experience.