Influencer Dad Pierces Ear to Support Daughter but She Changes Her Mind

16 June 2025

Justin Flom and his daughters: Haven and Holly.

Justin Flom, a TikTok and YouTube creator known for his creative flair, planned a heartfelt father‑daughter outing that ended in a twist no one expected. He took his 8‑year‑old daughter, Haven, to get her ears pierced an experience she had eagerly anticipated. But at the last moment, overwhelmed by nerves, Haven backed out. In a stunning act of solidarity and love, Flom decided to go ahead with the piercing himself. The gesture revealed the intimate bond between father and daughter and underscored a lesson in courage lived rather than preached.

Flom, 39, viewed the ear‑piercing appointment as a family milestone. He and Haven approached the piercing studio with excitement, supplies at the ready, only to have her freeze at the crucial moment. The simple hallway, once filled with anticipation, turned quiet. Realizing his daughter's fear, Flom didn’t hesitate. He sat down, extended his ear, and allowed the piercer to do the deed. He emerged with a small sparkling stud and, more importantly, a glowing expression.

The moment cracked the tension. Haven smiled at her father’s bold display and offered to proceed but then thoughtfully decided she was still not ready. She asked to wait until she turned 10. Flom’s response was nothing but admiration and support. He praised her decision, telling People that bravery sometimes means knowing when to say, “Not today.” In an instant, a planned rite of passage turned into a lesson on emotional intelligence and self‑trust.

This event is emblematic of Flom's approach to parenting: experiential, vulnerable, and rooted in authenticity. Thousands of viewers saw him disclose that even influencers the people who post tutorials, advice, and inspiration grapple with the same parental uncertainties and unexpected outcomes as anyone else. He didn’t insist, didn’t film a dramatic payoff, and didn’t pat himself on the back. Instead, he stood firm in his empathy and let his daughter’s pace take precedence. That distinction, he said, is at the heart of his parenting style: to be present, to listen, to model courage, but never to push her beyond what feels safe.

Flom’s online content largely DIY living spaces, whimsical magic, and family‑oriented adventures often mirrors these spontaneous emotionally resonant moments. Behind the polished aesthetics and viral reveals is a simple truth: he shares honest slices of life with his two children, Haven and her younger sister, Holly, age five. Whether building backyard fortresses or cheering on a pulled tooth during a high‑speed motorcycle floss (one of his viral moments), Flom has cultivated a platform based on real‑life theatricality, vulnerability, and joy.

Justin Flom and his family.

The ear‑piercing incident garnered significant response. On TikTok, followers praised him for stepping up without question. Some admitted they would never have mustered the bravery to mimic their child’s request. Others discussed the emotional intelligence his response displayed valuing choice and respect over spectacle. “A dad who actually listens,” one comment read. Another wrote, “This is the kind of parenting we need to see more often.” The message resonated across digital feeds, generating thousands of supportive reactions and discussions. Many parents reflected on their own children’s moments of fear, hesitation, and longing for reassurance.

Flom describes parenting as less about asserting authority and more about illuminating opportunities for children to grow. The ear‑piercing, he said, was never about forcing bravery. Instead, it became the catalyst for a different form of courage. He explained that his daughters are taught mantras like “Five seconds of bravery” and “Flom’s do hard things.” But he encourages them also to recognize when doing hard things means saying no. His role as a father, he added, is to stand by them, not to push them into untested waters.

While the appointment was not covered for social media at first, Flom later shared it as a human‑interest moment not a marketing stunt. He emphasized the importance of “filming more than posting,” capturing memories without turning them into content. To him, the real takeaway was not the ear stud but the trust he and Haven reaffirmed in each other.

In a digital era where influencers are often criticized for overproducing every moment, Flom offered a counter‑narrative: real family interactions still happen off camera, unscripted and honest. His work underscores that influence doesn’t demand perfection or pressure it thrives in authenticity and empathy. And for parents everywhere, his story provides a lesson: true support is rooted in patience, respect, and sometimes, quietly following a child’s lead.

That afternoon in the pewter studio, Flom walked out with a tiny stud in his ear and a daughter who, in her own time, discovered what courage feels like. Neither of them came home with a story of flawless bravery but they returned with something far more valuable: empathy, trust, and a shared moment of quiet pride.

That unplanned ear piercing became more than a viral video. It was a testament to listening, leadership, and loving respect. And in that simple gesture, Justin Flom showed the world exactly what kind of father he intends to be.