Jennifer
McMahon

Jennifer McMahon prioritizes the customer experience in her piercing career, making every appointment more than just a procedure—it’s an experience. She creates fun and welcoming spaces where clients feel comfortable and excited about their piercings.

Jennifer takes the time to connect with each client, ensuring they feel heard, informed, and confident in their choices. Her approach goes beyond piercing; she helps clients adorn, heal, and celebrate through the transformative art of body piercing, making every visit a memorable and empowering moment

Meet the Owner

Jennifer, She perfers, Jenn; is a multifaceted entrepreneur and community leader based in Eureka, California. As the co-owner and manager of Primal Decor, a renowned body art studio established in 1995, she brings over 27 years of professional body piercing experience.

Jennifer McMahon has been a proud member of the Association of Professional Piercers (APP) since 2000, making her a dedicated member for over 25 years. The APP (safepiercing.org) is an internationally recognized organization committed to safety, education, and the highest industry standards in body piercing.

When Primal Decor opened these values were always a priority, it became the first shop in Humboldt County to introduce these higher standards—and for over three decades, it has remained the only studio in the region that upholds the APP’s strict guidelines, which exceed both county and state regulations.

Why APP Membership Matters

Client Safety First – APP members are held to the highest sterilization and hygiene protocols, ensuring a safe experience for every client.
Ongoing Education – Members stay updated on new industry techniques, safety innovations, and best practices.
Quality Materials – APP studios use implant-grade jewelry to minimize reactions and promote healthy healing.
Accountability – Being part of the APP means following strict professional and ethical standards, giving clients confidence in their piercer’s qualifications.

Jennifer is the first and only female piercer in Humboldt County to be registered with the APP. She believes so strongly in the APP’s values that she personally invests in her entire team, ensuring they meet APP standards. Her mentee, Valente Gonzalez, has been piercing for over a decade and remains the only other APP registered piercer in Humboldt County.

Jennifer’s commitment to safety, education, and professionalism has made Primal Decor a trusted name in body piercing for over 30 years. Choosing an APP member piercer means choosing the best—and at Primal Decor, that commitment is a core value.

For more information on the APP and why certification matters, visit safepiercing.org.

Hand Sanitizer Shortage

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jennifer and her team stepped up to support their community during a time of national shortage. She produced over 80 gallons of hand sanitizer, which was donated to local police departments, Hospice of Humboldt, hospitals, healthcare workers, and individuals in need. In addition, she handmade over 150 face masks, distributing them for free to help protect her community. Her dedication to public health and community care made a meaningful impact during a critical time.

Humboldt Roller Derby

In 2006, Jennifer founded Humboldt Roller Derby, adopting the derby name "Jenneral Ms. Chief." Initially managing all aspects of the league , she transitioned Humboldt Roller Derby into a non-profit organization in 2010, officially donating it to the community. Jennifer served as President until her retirement in 2014.

Tedx Eureka

In 2014, Jennifer McMahon delivered a compelling talk at TEDxEureka, titled "Hard Hits & Hard Lessons: Founding of Woman's Roller Derby League." In her presentation, she shared the challenges and triumphs of establishing Humboldt Roller Derby, offering insights into leadership, community building, and personal growth. This talk reflects Jennifer's dedication to empowering women and fostering community engagement through sports

Woman of the Year

Jennifer McMahon was honored with the Woman of the Year Award by Wild Souls Ranch for her dedication to community service and empowerment. Her work has had a lasting impact, not only through the creation of a non-profit that uplifted women and girls, but also through philanthropic contributions.

Jennifer’s unwavering commitment to giving back continues to strengthen and uplift the Humboldt County community.

Future Entrepreneurs

Jennifer McMahon has also been an active volunteer with the Lemonade Day Project ( 2012-2018), a nonprofit dedicated to teaching young community members the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. For many years, she contributed by organizing the annual Window Promotion, helping to showcase and support young business owners.

Taking her mentorship even further, Jennifer personally guided two young entrepreneurs in 2016, sharing her expertise in business and community engagement. Under her leadership, her mentees earned the title of Most Successful Entrepreneurs that year, a testament to her dedication to empowering the next generation of business leaders.

Boobie Bombs!

For the last 10 years, Jennifer McMahon has been a dedicated supporter of the Breast & GYN Health Project in Arcata, California, actively participating in their Sales for Survivors fundraising efforts. Through her businesses, S.T.I.L Humboldt and Tickle Soap, Jennifer handcrafts Boobie Bath Bombs—a fun and meaningful way to raise awareness for breast health. She donates 100% of the proceeds from these sales directly to the Breast & GYN Health Project (BGHP), helping to fund vital services for those affected by breast and gynecologic cancers. Her commitment to giving back continues to make a lasting impact in the Humboldt County community.

Learn more about BGHP’s mission at bghp.org.

Car Maintenance 101

Jenn is the epitome of a DIY woman, known for rolling up her sleeves and working on her own cars with a spirit of " Why not try" . Her passion for self-sufficiency and hands-on learning extends beyond her own projects—she has also shared her knowledge with others. Jennifer helped teach a car maintenance class through the North Coast Economic Development Center, where she guided young adults on the importance of auto maintenance and how to properly care for their vehicles. From changing oil and checking tire pressure to understanding engine basics, she empowered students with practical skills to keep their cars running safely and efficiently. Her commitment to education and self-reliance continues to inspire those around her.

Tickle Soap is a small company based in Eureka, California, specializing in handcrafted bath bombs and soaps. Founded by Jennifer McMahon, the company focuses on creating fun and luxurious bath products. Jennifer's passion for baths and making things led to the accidental founding of Tickle Soap, which has been in operation for over 10 years. The products are made in small batches to ensure freshness and quality, and are sold through STIL, a business co-founded by Jennifer and her partner Jason in 1999. Jennifer's commitment to her craft and community is evident in the care and creativity she pours into each product, bringing a touch of subculture fun to Humboldt County

Tickle Soap

come see!

personal

Jenn loves nothing more than adventuring outdoors with her partner of 27 years, Jason Whitcomb, alongside friends, family, and—most importantly—her beloved dogs, Copper and Penny. Whether it's hiking, or exploring Humboldt’s natural beauty, she thrives in the great outdoors. While she has stepped away from social media, you can still find her immersed in creativity and craftsmanship at College of the Redwoods, where she takes classes in art, welding, and woodworking, continuously expanding her skills and passion for hands-on work.