New Ear-Piercing Studio Rowan Opens at Danbury Fair Mall

A new ear-piercing studio, Rowan, is set to open at the Danbury Fair Mall this month. The New York-based business, which employs licensed nurses and offers only hypoallergenic earrings, is already taking appointments for its 101st location. This will be Rowan’s second studio in Connecticut, following the successful launch in Westport.

Louisa Schneider, founder and CEO of Rowan, expressed enthusiasm about the new location. “Danbury Fair is a vibrant community hub, and it felt like a natural fit for Rowan,” she said. Schneider emphasized the company’s mission to create a meaningful and memorable ear-piercing experience, rather than simply a transaction.

Rowan aims to transform ear piercing into a milestone moment for families, fostering a calm and welcoming environment. Schneider stated, “Our goal is to make ear piercing feel like a milestone moment families will remember fondly for years.”

Schneider’s journey to founding Rowan stems from her background in a family of medical professionals in North Carolina. After starting her career at Morgan Stanley and JP Morgan, and obtaining her MBA from Columbia University, she explored entrepreneurship. In 2016, she identified a gap in the market for a safe and celebratory ear-piercing experience while preparing to take her daughter for her first piercing.

Rowan began in 2017 as a concierge ear-piercing service in the New York City metropolitan area. The company expanded rapidly, partnering with Target in 2019 to offer ear piercing by licensed nurses nationwide. In 2020, Rowan opened its first brick-and-mortar studio on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, followed by the Westport location in 2021.

In 2022, Rowan made a strategic shift by exiting its partnership with Target to focus on expanding its own studios. “Today, we have 100 locations nationwide, and Danbury Fair will be our 101st,” Schneider noted. The company currently operates in 33 states and plans to continue its expansion, targeting at least three more states by the end of 2026.

Schneider reported a strong community response to Rowan’s approach. “It’s been incredibly exciting to see how strongly communities across the country are responding to a safer, more thoughtful piercing experience,” she said. She also mentioned that Connecticut has proven to be a promising market with potential for further expansion.

At Rowan, every piercing is performed by licensed nurses, ensuring a high standard of safety. Customers select their hypoallergenic earrings and discuss the desired piercing location with the nurse. The process includes sanitization and careful marking before the actual piercing, which Schneider described in detail.

“Once you take a look in the mirror, you and your nurse will discuss whether the mark is in the spot you want it,” Schneider explained. Aftercare is a priority, with staff providing guidance to ensure proper healing.

“We pierce following the Rowan Clinical Piercing Standard to ensure the safest, most celebratory piercing experience,” Schneider added. To celebrate the opening, Rowan is offering specials for its inaugural weekend. The first 50 customers to receive a piercing at the Danbury location will get a Rowan tote bag, and a percentage of proceeds will be donated to the nonprofit NextGenFace.

Schneider concluded by reinforcing the company’s mission. “At its core, Rowan exists to transform a moment that’s often rushed or uncomfortable into one that feels safe, meaningful, and joyful,” she said. The studio will be located on Level 2 of the mall, next to Urban Outfitters.

Mackenzie Fontaine, general manager of Danbury Fair, expressed excitement about Rowan’s addition. “Their specialized approach and strong connection with families make them a meaningful addition to our center,” she stated. “We’re thrilled to welcome a brand that brings both heart and expertise to our community.”