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Welcoming Aiya and her Sacred Tattoo Ceremonies

Hi everyone I’m Aiya! I’ll be tattooing at the Be Free healing center and here’s a little bit about me! 

I’ve always been an artist since I was little but divine intervention brought me into tattooing. It was never something I thought I was going to do and now here I am and I love it so much. I apprenticed at a tattoo shop for 2 years, after that I’ve tattooed for about a year and half now. It’s such an incredible honor that people trust me to work with their bodies in this way and want my artwork on them forever! In the tattoo industry, there’s not a lot of intention or consciousness around how impactful the work we’re doing can be on so many different levels. So I want to create a space where not only can my clients have the opportunity to make it more ceremonial, but in general know that they are going to be with someone who cares about the energy that’s being put into their body. I’m Reiki certified, which I think naturally flows into the work that I do and am deeply connected to Mother Earth, plant/animal spirits, ancestors, spirit guides, and am so appreciative of all these different medicines that flow through me. What a gift that they can cocreate in this process with us.

I’m so grateful to be moving into a place that really honors the intentionality and sacredness I want to bring more of into this work. I can’t wait to expand and grow in so many new ways thanks to the supportive energies of this new environment! A lot of tattoo shops can be overstimulating so I am very grateful that my clients can be in a place where there isn’t much going on externally so they can have more ease in this time just for them. And that’s important because a lot of emotions can come up during tattoos; I’ve done a lot of pieces in honor of loved ones who have passed away and with something that vulnerable, being in a relaxing more private space is so helpful in feeling safe to process and unwind. 

When I’m not tattooing or holding spacing at be free I loveee to be in nature, dance, sing, create, hang out with my little sister, read, journal, enjoy some tea or chai, and connect with friends.

Before someone’s first session I’d prepare them with some reminders to eat and drink before coming in, that they’ll need to bring their ID for when they fill out the consent form, and other logistics like that. In person I usually ask if they prefer to talk during their tattoos just to get a feel for what they’re wanting. sometimes people prefer to be in their own process whereas some really like to chat because it helps distract from the discomfort or maybe they’re somewhere in between. All of which I’m good with! Then we’ll be getting into the stencil process which is a time to decide the placement of the tattoo, they’ll get to check that out in the mirror and let me know if they like it or want to move it. I’ll also remind them that if they need anything at all during the tattoo to let me know, a break, a snack, the restroom, and to not forget to breatheee! I’d also love to offer/ask if there’s any intentions, blessings, prayers they would like me to put into the ink before we start so that the energy they want is woven into their piece/experience. Maybe that’s self love, courage, protection. Whatever that is I think it’s a beautiful addition to be able to have that choice. It’s something I wish would’ve been an available for my tattoo sessions, especially being that I’m highly sensitive, so my artist’s energy and intention does matter and have an impact on me. My clients are allowed to listen to their own music during their sessions, read, be on their phone, pretty much anything so long as they keep their movement to a minimum. Otherwise, if there’s a lot of movement the tattoo can take a lot longer. But that’s what breaks are for, if they need to stretch or wiggle! When we’re done I go over the aftercare, explaining the healing process and give some instructions. 

I will probably create a new booking system eventually, but for now people can find my tattoo account on Instagram and direct message me through there to book an appointment. I can do custom designs where people bring their ideas to me or people can choose something from my own tattoo designs that I’ll post on Instagram here and there! 

What I love about Be Free is the freedom to discover and be whoever you are, the support from community, expression, a place where you can come as you are and that’s more than enough (even on your worst days), and I love that we honor & acknowledge the origins of the different wisdom traditions we share and practice. Everything that Be Free is, is an embodiment of hope, revolution, and an act of resistance in the face of hatred and division in the world, anyone who walks through that door is loved unconditionally and not only that but embraced, accepted, and respected. Be Free honors the full spectrum of what it means to be human. I’m so grateful to be part of a space that cares about the safety and wellbeing of Mother Earth and everyone. The love here ripples out to the world a prayer of liberation and peace for all our brothers and sisters on this planet. 





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