THE AURA PROJECT

Somewhere between the world of beauty and wellness lies a major philosophical question; what is beauty, and who is it for? We’ve heard “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” referencing attraction, but what about our perception of ourselves? In an attempt to define beauty, I explored the connection between confidence and spiritual alignment. On the surface, one might assume beauty is skin deep, and that cosmetic enhancements are just for vanity. I’ve found this to be untrue and learned there is more to beauty than meets the eye.

Through my client work over the years, I’ve seen first hand how insecurities can hold us back from living into our greatness. My favorite way to explain what I do is saying I help transform insecurities into strengths, but now I have the photos to prove it. Cosmetic tattooing isn’t meant to make you look better, it’s to help you FEEL better.

The Aura Project was an artist collaboration and promotional experiment I dreamt up in 2023. The goal was to prove that the impact of cosmetic tattooing can shift more than ego, and under the surface there are major changes to confidence, personal voice and spiritual alignment.

I recruited the help of Maggie Bromfield of Soulshine Aura. Using aura photography before and after the cosmetic tattoo process, she captured proof that cosmetic changes can shift the energy we carry. These photographs were each taken roughly 6 weeks apart, shortly before the tattoo happened and freshly after healing.

 

Zanne

Before: energetic, passionate, potential survival mode, grounded and stable
After: harmony and emotional balance, deep connection and wholeness, higher state of alignment, heightened confidence
Difference: a positive shift towards self-acceptance, balance, harmony between physical and emotional

Katherine

Before: Hamorny, balance, growth, new beginnings, clear communication, spiritual insight, deeply intuitive, vibrant emotional landscape
After: creativity, enthusiasm, connection to the divine, zest for life, multi-faced balance
Difference: deep healing and emotional balance, vibrant passionate energy, more personal power

Laura

Before: personal power, intellectual vigor, rationality, deep emotions, passionate care, strength
After: enhanced personal empowerment, harmonious blend of intellect and emotion, vitality
Difference: growth, blossoming harmony, equilibrium, regeneration, open heart, inner serenity

Adrienne

Before: vitality, passion, assertiveness, practicality, grounded and in tune with higher consciousness
After: healing, growth, open heart, spiritual wisdom
Difference: increased self love and acceptance

Sara

Before: passion, vitality, complex emotions and thoughts, determination, courage, strength, resilience
After: healing, renewal, balance, empowerment, self-care, social confidence, joy, and a peaceful mind
Difference: increased optimism, personal renewal, balance, healing, and a refreshed outlook

Laurie

Before: creativity and emotional expression, uncertainties with personal power
After: empowered and self-assured, shift towards balance and healing, growth and enlightenment
Difference: balance, confidence shift, healing

Steph

Before: tranquility, clarity, creativity, spiritual insight, grounding and nurturing energies, healing in process
After: clarity in outward expression, renewal, balance, state of completeness
Difference: unification of energies, clearer sense of identity, inner harmony and self-assurance

Kelsey

Before: insight, tranquility, mental clarity, cheer, inventiveness, emotional equilibrium
After: amplified intuition, upheld sense of peace, introspection, deeper connection to self
Difference: spiritual awakening, enlightened wisdom, stronger bond with higher self, personal evolution, and a redefined self-image

Mary

Before: energetic momentum, robust work ethic, passion, imagination, deep emotional resonance, vibrant creativity and outgoing personality
After: emotional healing and rebalancing, compassion, creative self-expression, confidence
Difference: increased positivity and mental sharpness, more focused passion and cheer

Shelly

Before: growth, vitality, optimism, passion, dynamic state of being, full of life and forward movement
After: depth, intuition, tranquility, clarity, inner peace, sustained optimism, new beginnings
Difference: refreshed sense of balance and well-being, harmonious blend of soft nurturing energy with confidence and joy

Risa

Before: clarity, vitality, compassion, higher consciousness, purity, communication, joy
After: increased focus on inner wisdom, truth, calm and clear, connection to higher self
Difference: rebalanced and rejuvenated personal power, self-esteem, emotions and inner strength

Monet

Before: passion, strength, dynamic personality, vitality, strong life force, assertive nature
After: blossoming outward expression, newfound balance and confidence, alignment
Difference: boost in confidence, joyful and sociable disposition, zest for life and passion

Emily

Before: creativity, growth, optimism
After: sustained optimism, newfound balance
Difference: personal power, cheerful outlook

Lauren

Before: intellectual strength, vital and fervent disposition, potential emotional blockages, empowered spirit, self-assurance
After: clarity, awakening passion, balance between drive and communication, emotional purity
Difference: inner peace, strong personal agency, deep healing, alignment, rejuvenation, acceptance