We had the good fortune of connecting with Justine Almaraz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Justine, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
For me, starting my own business wasn’t just a career move, it was a soul-level decision. I wanted to create something that didn’t exist yet: a space where tattooing could be deeply intentional, artistic, and healing all at once. That vision became Earth Altar. I was guided by a desire to redefine the tattoo industry from the inside out, to elevate it with integrity, beauty, and inclusivity, while providing both clients and artists with a safer, more conscious experience. I knew that if I wanted to work in a place that felt sacred, where art and energy could coexist in their highest forms, I’d have to build it myself. Over time, Earth Altar evolved from a studio into a collective, a community of artists across the globe whom I’ve had the honor to mentor (teach them tattooing and the business of the tattoo industry) and who share a common mission: to offer transformative tattoos rooted in fine art, emotion, intention, intuition and ethical eco-conscious practices. The Earth Altar Tattoo Collective was born out of the belief that artists deserve autonomy and support, and that the most powerful work comes from collaboration, not competition. At its heart, this business has always been about legacy, creating a living, breathing movement that honors where we’ve been and boldly shapes where we’re going as artists, as healers, and as visionaries.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art lives at the intersection of intuition, transformation, and fine-line precision. Whether I’m tattooing, painting, or mentoring other artists, my work is rooted in the belief that art is a sacred language one that can mark not only the body, but the soul. What sets me apart is my devotion to honoring the emotional and energetic depth behind every piece. I specialize in freehand, fluid, abstract, and paramedical tattoos, blending intuitive design with deep listening to create work that flows with the body and tells a unique story of healing, resilience, or becoming.

Professionally, it wasn’t an easy path. I didn’t follow the traditional route, I forged my own. I started my studio, Earth Altar, out of a need for something that didn’t exist: a clean, inclusive, energetically safe space where tattooing could be deeply intentional. Over time, that vision expanded into the Earth Altar Tattoo Collective, a global sisterhood of artists who share this mission. So, if you or someone you know is looking for a high-caliber tattoo artist, you can find us at earthaltartattoo.com or on Instagram @earthaltartattoo and book directly with each artist.

What sets us apart is that we also bring our tattoo experiences to select retreats, private gatherings, and high-profile events. Whether someone is seeking a transformative one-on-one session or wants to curate something deeply meaningful for their group or community, we offer something really special. Our current artist collective includes myself, Justine Almaraz, based in Orange County, Alexandra Husmann in Los Angeles, Jasmyn Hamblin in Sonoma County, Sammi Lee in Vancouver, Washington, and Katinka Lucas in Périgord Vert, France.

One of the most powerful tattoo experiences I co-facilitate is the Resonance Tattoo Sound Ceremony™, a sacred sonic immersion designed to transform the body, mind, and spirit. In partnership with Kathryn Eipl, certified sound healer, Reiki Master and nervous system coach, we’ve just launched a one-of-a-kind journey that blends freehand intuitive tattooing, live sound healing, Reiki, breathwork, and ritual into a deeply intentional ceremonial space. We are so excited about being able to offer this and make this dream a reality for so many!

Also known as The Sound Bath Tattoo Experience™, this offering is ideal for guests navigating personal awakenings, rites of passage, healing journeys, or energetic integration. Kathryn supports each session with trauma-informed care and profound energetic grounding, while I create custom tattoos drawn directly onto the body as a living altar—symbolic of transformation, remembrance, or rebirth.

We offer this work in several formats:

Private 1:1 tattoo ceremonies (often within larger retreats)

Group sound bath activations with optional symbolic tattoos

Creative embodiment workshops

And full-day VIP rebirth immersions for solo clients

These sessions are deeply sacred, energetic portals, rituals of becoming, and a celebration of intentional mark-making.

What I want the world to know is this, my brand isn’t just about tattoos. It’s about legacy. It’s about creating beauty that heals, building creative careers that are sustainable, and mentoring a new generation of artists who are here to change the industry for good. Earth Altar isn’t just where tattoos happen. It’s where artists rise, where stories are honored, and where bodies become living altars for personal power.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’d start by taking them to the Orange Circle in Old Town Orange right next to the studio, there’s something timeless and charming about the architecture, the antique shops, and the small-town feel. We’d grab breakfast at Urth Caffé, sip matcha lattes, and people-watch on the patio. After that, we’d explore some of my favorite vintage shops and cozy, tucked away coffee spots where creativity just feels alive in the air.

Later in the afternoon, we’d head to the beach for a long walk along the shore, grounding barefoot in the sand and watching the sunset. I’d probably pack a little picnic or stop by a local juice bar on the way. The whole trip would be a mix of slow beauty, good conversation, great food, and soulful inspiration. That’s my favorite kind of vibe.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Without a doubt, I want to dedicate this shoutout to every single artist I’ve had the honor of teaching and guiding through tattoo apprenticeship. While they often thank me for the knowledge and support I’ve given, the truth is, I’ve learned just as much, if not more, from them. Every mentorship experience reflects something back to me: new perspectives, deeper patience, creative insight, and a renewed passion for this work. They think they’re getting the bigger end of the stick, but honestly, it’s me. These artists continuously challenge me to grow, not just as a tattooer, but as a human, a leader, and a teacher. I’m endlessly inspired by their courage, commitment, and raw creative energy. So this isn’t just my journey, it’s ours. And I’m so grateful to walk alongside them.

Website: https://www.justinealmaraz.com and…. https://www.earthaltartattoo.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/earthaltartattoo and….. https://www.instagram.com/justineartstudio

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FPg3hs9hqw

Image Credits
https://www.instagram.com/ETERNALMEDIA_/

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