Oak & Poppy partners Kari Spector (left), Eric Evans and Sean Roth are excited to bring their piercing studio concept to Old Towne.  The trio knew that Old Towne had the right aesthetic and felt that it was an ideal location for their next studio.

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Oak & Poppy

A piercing studio with roots in Los Angeles has chosen the Plaza for its next chapter.  Oak & Poppy soft-opened in February, with a grand opening on May 9.  It is the studio’s third location, joining shops in Woodland Hills and Beverly Grove.

Founders Sean Roth and Eric Evans have worked in the piercing industry and been best friends for nearly 30 years, and have long dreamed of opening a studio together.  They founded Oak & Poppy in 2016 and immediately brought in longtime friend Kari Spector as a piercer and now a partner at the Old Towne location.

“I just knew that I loved the industry, and I’ve been in it ever since I realized this was something I could do for the rest of my life,” says Spector, who was first a client of Roth’s and then inspired to become a piercer. “It’s not a nine-to-five job, but I love it.”

Spector, who lives in Orange, will lead the Old Towne location.  The team knew for years they wanted to expand to Orange, and when a space became available, they felt it was the perfect moment to make the move.

“We wanted to fit in with the local Old Towne aesthetic,” says Spector.  “We didn’t want to bring anything too industrial to the area.  We wanted to feel cohesive and offer an elevated, sophisticated atmosphere that’s welcoming.

Evans, who is also a tattoo artist and offers tattooing services at the Woodland Hills location, sketched the initial design for the Orange space and worked with local architects to bring it to life.

The studio offers implant-grade titanium, solid gold and a curated collection of gemstone pieces, along with jewelry from local brands.  The partners describe themselves as operating at the peak of cleanliness and safety in the industry.

“We want this to be a welcoming environment for the whole family, so people of all ages can feel comfortable getting pierced here,” says Spector.

For Evans, working alongside his closest friends is one of his favorite elements of Oak & Poppy.  “It’s one of the best things in the world,” he says.  “We have nothing but love and support for each other, and we have each other’s backs.  We’re able to succeed because of that support and trust.”

Looking forward, the team hopes Oak & Poppy will become part of the fabric of Old Towne.

“I’m excited that we’re able to introduce our brand to Orange because we do feel like we offer a special experience,” says Roth.  “When people come here, they feel that difference.”

Oak & Poppy
117 North Olive St., Old Towne Orange, CA 92866  /  714-202-5868