Meet Justine Almaraz

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Justine Almaraz. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Justine, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

I came into this world as an artist, eager to create. From my earliest memories, I knew I wanted to be an artist. Once I turned 6, I refused to wear pink, and from that moment on, I was on my way to making choices that set me apart from others. I dove into mediation at the age of 18, and it opened my inner vision, and I began to have very clear visions of my future. I saw myself tattooing in a spiritual way that would help and heal people in powerful ways. I didn’t know how to achieve this, but it became my mission. I set out to learn tattooing in a misogynistic, male-dominated industry and somehow carved out a sacred space for my style and meaningful experiences to thrive within. Standing out is painful until it becomes powerful. My work stands out now and evokes power in each beautiful soul who wears this sacred artwork on their skin.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Over the last several years, I have been developing a fresh way to learn the sacred art of tattooing in a formal, intensive, kind, conscious way that will forever change the traditional tattoo apprenticeship model. No one will ever have to learn tattooing in a traumatizing, unethical, gate-keeping, misogynistic, or uninclusive way again.

I am so excited about sharing this sacred way of learning. I have artists flying out from all over the world learning with me, flying into Los Angeles for these intensive trainings, and studying with me longer term virtually. Technology is profoundly changing tattooing and the seems that have been sewn so tightly have busted and I am honored to get to be a part in it.

The folks that I get to mentor are extraordinary artists and need a different way to learn tattooing and this method gives them a profound advancement into the industry of tattooing. I am so proud of my mentees and all their hard work. It brings tears to my eyes constantly to witness their rapid growth and self-sufficiency, even just after 1 intensive program with me! Its truly revolutionizing tattoo education.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back on my creative journey into entrepreneurship, I know that the most important quality I had going for me was my devotion to materializing the profound visions that came to me within my meditations. I have taken breaks from meditation over the years and find myself returning to it as it becomes a crucial part of my creative process. If you are an aspiring artist or tattoo artist, begin with daily guided meditation and find a mentor to help you navigate the swamps and facades of the “creative dream life.” It can change your life instantly to have a community of likeminded creatives supporting you too! Our community or artists and tattoo artists at Earth Altar Studio is one of a kind and we have open arms for you if you have any questions!

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

Our business has grown significantly over the last year. I have partnered with my husband, Luis, to create a new tattoo studio in the historic core of Downtown Los Angeles. We are actually in the Spring Arts Tower just above The Last Bookstore, which many of our clients love to visit after their tattoo appointments with us. At this point, we are a female artist-only studio and provide a sacred and welcoming space for all here. We host our tattoo education trainings here along with private tattoo events, wedding parties and bachelorettes here too. It’s a beautiful, bright, and airy studio privately tucked away on the 4th floor with an urban cityscape view from every tattoo station.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Katrena Chung Photography

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