Biz Trono: From CSU Biology Student to One of Fort Collins' Best Female Piercers

When Bismuth Trono first walked into Solana Tattoo Company, it wasn’t to start a new career. It was to support a friend getting a piercing. At the time, Biz was a Colorado State University biology major, taking a break from classes and working in veterinary medicine. She joined her friend for fun, not realizing that the visit would change everything.

By the end of that day, she was sitting in the piercing chair talking with Adam — Solana’s lead piercer and stepping into the path that would lead her to become one of Fort Collins’ most precise and respected female piercers. Today, there’s an ease to Biz’s presence, the kind that comes from finding the perfect fit.

From the Vet Clinic to the Piercing Studio

Biz prepping for a piercing. Photo by Geoff Worcester

Originally from Durango, Colorado, Biz had always envisioned a career working with animals. Before transferring from Fort Lewis College to CSU, she spent two and a half years working in a veterinary clinic, assisting with surgeries and daily care.

In Fort Collins, Biz’s roommate worked with a guy named Adam at an auto parts store. Adam was transitioning from working with cars to piercing full-time. When Biz’s car broke down, Adam and the crew helped fix it, and Biz later stopped by the auto parts store to drop off food as a thank-you. She got to know Adam better and soon joined her roommate to visit Adam at his piercing studio. After her roommate got a piercing, Biz ended up getting one, too.

That visit turned into an unexpected introduction to professional body piercing in Fort Collins.

“I was so accustomed to sterilization and cleaning. It was how Adam moves — his cleanliness and attention to detail blew me out of the water. Pre-Solana, I'd never seen that much in other studios that I'd found myself in,” she says.

When Adam mentioned he was looking for an apprentice, it felt serendipitous. Biz had always loved body modification and already had well over a dozen piercings.

“Everything lined up so perfectly,” Biz says. 

She started her apprenticeship while still working full time, until she progressed enough with her piercing to make that her sole focus, and she graduated her apprenticeship with flying colors. While she'd loved working with animals, piercing allowed her to still help others, and also feed her creativity. 

Biz piercing a client's ear. Photo by BAM Photography

Her scientific background and work in the vet clinic shaped how she approaches her career at Solana Tattoo today. That medical foundation is the backbone of her piercing work — one reason clients trust her for a safe piercing studio experience that never compromises on cleanliness or care.

“Working in a clinic -- having things cleaned for surgeries and operating rooms -- made me hyper-aware of my sterile spaces. If I bump it or so much as breathe on it, I will burn everything and set back up. I don't like taking any kind of risk," she says.

Her background in veterinary medicine also taught her to read subtle cues. 

“Animals can’t say when something hurts or is cold or when they're nervous. You have to learn to feel it through them and by watching their small movements," she says. "That has translated to working with people, feeling for any difference in behavior, like clenching of their jaw. I am really attuned to that."

As a professional piercer in Fort Collins, Biz brings that balance of structure and intention to every client she works with. She’s known for her meticulous setup, her calm demeanor, and her patience, especially with nervous clients. 

“I like to get to know my clients a little deeper than just the surface," she says. "A more personal experience can elevate everything and help relax somebody who might be nervous."

She walks you through every step of the way -- no surprises. She's happy to answer a million questions in as much detail as you need. She'll wait if you're nervous; sit with you and do breathing exercises; let you pick out the music. Whatever is required so you feel comfortable and safe.

Biz piercing a client's ears. Photo by Anthony Howard Crow

Biz approaches piercing as both technical and personal. For her, it connects the precision of science with the soul of art. 

“Piercing has always had a very grounding and meditative purpose for me,” she says. "That's why I enjoyed doing it so much."

That sense of purpose still guides her. 

“Over the course of history, piercing has consistently been used as a meditation across many cultures," she says. "This is fascinating to me."

Biz preparing for a piercing. Photo by Geoff Worcester

Finding Her Place as a Fort Collins Female Piercer

What Biz loves most about working in Fort Collins is the community itself, especially the students and creatives who come through Solana’s doors. 

“Fort Collins has turned into a home away from home,” she says. “I got a fresh start up here and got to develop myself independently of anyone who previously knew me.”

As a former student herself, she feels a special connection to CSU clients. 

“I love being close to the college and seeing the college students. I'm close to their age and can relate pretty closely," she says. "I remember the buildings, the professors, the courses.”

She especially loves working with clients who stand out a little. 

“I really love getting to know the clients who haven't felt like they quite fit in, whether because of how they dress or orient themselves in any capacity,” she says. “I love seeing how comfortable they feel, even just in the lobby.”

Grounded in Skill, Driven by Care

Face piercings by Biz

Biz is currently a “spectrumed piercer,” presently focusing on the most common piercings such as ear piercings, nose piercings, and facial piercings, while continuing to train under Adam toward advanced and specialty techniques, including more dermals, surface work, industrials, transverse lobes, and below-the-belt.

She especially loves symmetry work — sets of lip or brow piercings that require precise alignment. 

“The human body isn’t perfectly symmetrical,” she says. "I really enjoy that challenge, the detail required to make sure those piercings look good.”

Her goal is simple: to give every client a safe, positive, and affirming experience. 

“My studio space and Solana as a whole are very nonjudgmental,” she says.

“I'm not going to judge you for who you are, where you come from, or how you view things. I want to make sure this is a safe space for everybody.”

For many of her regulars, that means more than just jewelry changes or new piercings; it’s a chance to decompress and connect. 

“Sometimes people have a rough day and just need somebody to talk to about it. I'm here for that as well,” she says. “If that’s what they need that day, I’m happy to be that person.”

Looking Forward

Biz working with clients. Photo by Anthony Howard Crow

Biz is continuing to expand her craft, with an eye toward creative play piercings for art and photography projects. Play piercings are not permanent. They’re done for the aesthetic, feel, or the grounding experience some people get from them. Biz sees them as another way to explore how body modification can connect us to ourselves. 

Whether it’s a bold facial piercing or something subtle and symbolic, Biz’s focus never wavers: clean, safe, intentional work rooted in respect for every person. 

Book a piercing with Biz at www.solanatattoo.com/appointment.