Times are tough for those seeking employment in the current economy. Times are even tougher if because of lifestyle and aesthetic choices a person is frequently denied employment. Fortunately, Pittsburgh has always been a haven for the alternatively garbed and has many established boutiques, shops, and cafes who welcome and even encourage the sub-culturally-inclined. Below is a list of established Pittsburgh businesses whose employees aren’t forced to take out their piercings.
Slacker: Established in 1991, Slacker is a fixture of Pittsburgh’s Southside. Offering vintage clothing, quality piercing supplies, vibrant and multicolored hair dye, and even a small section for sex and S&M gear, it’s no wonder that the employees are long-haired, tattooed folk. They’re also incredibly friendly and helpful and will assist you with anything you need in the store. There is more about Slacker at their website: http://www.slackernet.com/
The Beehive: Just next door to Slacker is a brightly colored and inviting cafe named for a popular 1950’s hairstyle. It’s The Beehive, where you can get the buzz about all the latest in the alternative Pittsburgh scene or just get a buzz from your coffee. The food, however, is what the real buzz is about, as The Beehive offers delicious vegan and vegetarian dishes alongside meatier fare. The employees there are a series of extremes, from a girl with a chrome dome to a man who wears button-ups and combs his hair neatly. For more on the Beehive, and to apply for employment, visit their website: http://www.beehivebuzz.com/
Joseph Beth Booksellers: Library nerds rejoice! It may seem unlikely that a national chain like Joseph Beth would hire punks and freaks, but many of the employees have full sleeves and hair like a ninety-four pack of Crayolas. Joseph Beth is located in the Southside Works, and there is more information on their website: http://www.josephbeth.com/
Pittsburgh’s many art and music galleries: While it’s not a specific place, it is something to look out for. Pittsburgh is blessed with an abundance of the arts, and the shops, galleries, and theaters that house them are often open to hiring an alternative crowd. A good place to start would be downtown’s Cultural District.
While this list is nowhere near extensive and the employers aren’t guaranteed to be hiring, it’s a good sign for members of the alternative crowd who are seeking employment: there are places in Pittsburgh who welcome a different social aesthetic, and they want you!
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