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

Alright, Sarah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

The vision for Aura Theory came from one of those “life works in mysterious ways” moments. Back in 2017, I was living my best life in Austin, TX, working for a yoga company that was all about connection and wellness (very on-brand for Austin, right?). One day, I had the chance to hire an aura photographer for an event. It seemed like a cool idea at the time—but little did I know, it was about to flip my whole world upside down (in the best way).

We hit it off immediately, and I was so fascinated by her work that I basically begged to join her team as an assistant. Lucky for me, she said yes. Over time, she taught me not just how to capture these incredible aura photos, but also how to interpret the colors and what they mean on a deeper level. It was like unlocking a secret language of energy, and honestly? I was hooked.

Fast forward to 2022: I returned home to Virginia, determined to bring this magical experience to my own community. I wanted to create a space where people could see themselves in a new light—literally—and feel the joy of connecting with their energy in a way that’s fun, insightful, and just a little bit mind-blowing.

At first, I was dipping my toes into the “aura arts” part-time while working a full-time contracting gig. But then life decided to throw me a curveball: I unexpectedly lost that full-time role. I won’t lie, I panicked. There’s nothing like an “oops, no safety net” moment to make you question all your life choices. But in hindsight, it was exactly what I needed. That shove out of the nest gave me the chance to go all-in on my business—and let me tell you, I’m so glad it did.

Looking back, the logic of starting this business was solid. I had years of experience, a deep understanding of energy work, and a knack for helping people see and celebrate their unique vibe. I also saw a gap in the market—nobody in my area was offering something like this—and I knew that with creativity, authenticity, and a lot of heart, I could make it happen.

What started as a personal passion has grown into something much bigger. Aura Theory is about helping people connect with themselves and the world around them in a meaningful, colorful way. It’s about showing people that their energy matters, that their vibe tells a story—and I’m here to help them see it, celebrate it, and maybe even share it :)

Sarah, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hi there! My name is Sarah, and I’m the founder of Aura Theory, an esoteric business that bridges energy, self-discovery, and unforgettable experiences. My work blends aura photography, color analysis, and wellness practices like yoga, meditation, and breathwork to help people connect with themselves and each other in meaningful ways. Over the years, I’ve expanded Aura Theory to not only serve individuals but also partner with brands and companies to create unique, buzzworthy activations that leave lasting impressions.

My journey into this field began in 2017, when I was living in Austin, TX, and working for a yoga company. It was there that I first encountered aura photography while organizing an event. What started as a professional connection with an aura photographer turned into a life-changing mentorship. I joined her team, learning how to interpret aura colors, guide clients through their energy patterns, and create powerful, meaningful experiences.

In 2022, I returned home to Virginia and launched Aura Theory as a solo practice. Initially, I focused on offering individual aura photography sessions and wellness guidance, but I quickly realized the incredible potential for my services in the corporate and brand world. Aura Theory has since evolved into a multifaceted business that not only helps individuals understand their energy but also collaborates with companies to elevate their events, product launches, and team-building initiatives.

For corporate clients, I provide an interactive, highly shareable experience that draws people in and fosters connection. Aura photography is more than just a photo—it’s a conversation starter, a social media magnet, and an unforgettable way to engage teams, clients, and guests. Whether it’s enhancing an event with live aura readings, adding a personal touch to a product launch, or fostering team connection through energy insights, my work helps brands stand out while offering something truly meaningful to their audience.

On the individual side, my services include personalized aura photography sessions paired with in-depth color analysis to help clients explore their emotional, mental, and spiritual energy. For those seeking deeper alignment, I incorporate wellness practices like yoga, meditation, and breathwork to provide holistic support.

What sets Aura Theory apart is its ability to merge art, energy, and connection into an experience that’s both fun and transformative. My approach is warm, intuitive, and tailored to each client or event, ensuring that everyone walks away feeling seen, celebrated, and inspired.

I’m most proud of how Aura Theory has become a bridge between the personal and the professional, the individual and the collective. Whether I’m helping someone understand their energy for the first time or working with a brand to create an event people will talk about for months, the magic lies in making energy work approachable and impactful.

At Aura Theory, we believe your energy tells a story. For brands, it’s a story that can captivate an audience, create unforgettable moments, and foster authentic connections. For individuals, it’s a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Whether you’re looking to elevate your next event, explore your personal energy, or align through movement and mindfulness, I’m here to guide you. Your energy is powerful—it’s time to celebrate it.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

One of the biggest misconceptions about aura photography is that it’s something to fear or that it functions as a mystical, predictive tool. Let me clear that up right away: aura photography is neither of those things. It’s not about fortune-telling, and it’s certainly not a crystal ball for your future. Instead, it’s a tool for self-awareness, insight, and reflection—a way to explore your energy and emotions in a moment of time.

Aura photography uses technology to capture an image of your energy field, represented as colors. These colors reflect where you are emotionally, mentally, and spiritually at the time of the photo. It’s like a snapshot of your vibe—a mirror for your energy in that moment—not a prophecy of who you’ll be tomorrow or a map of your destiny.

For many people, the hesitation comes from unfamiliarity. There’s this idea that anything involving “energy” must be mystical or inaccessible, and that can be intimidating. But my goal has always been to change that narrative. Aura photography is approachable, fun, and deeply personal. It’s not about “fixing” anything or uncovering something you’re not ready to face. It’s an invitation to reflect, to validate what you might already know, and to connect with yourself in a new way.

What people might not realize about my journey as a creative is how much intention goes into balancing meaning with approachability. I want everyone, whether they’re brand new to energy work or seasoned in wellness practices, to feel comfortable exploring their aura. Each session is designed to be a safe, positive space where curiosity is encouraged, and there’s no pressure to believe in anything outside of your own experience.

At its core, my work is about connection—connection to yourself, your energy, and your potential. It’s not about fear or prediction; it’s about empowerment and reflection. Aura photography gives you a moment to pause, look inward, and walk away with both a unique keepsake and a deeper understanding of your energy. It’s my hope that even those who are hesitant will find something valuable in the experience. After all, who wouldn’t want a chance to explore their human experience on film.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

What has helped me build my reputation within the market is a deep dedication to being a lifelong student of the aura arts. From the beginning, I’ve invested significant time, energy, and finances into becoming knowledgeable about as many lineages and schools of thought surrounding aura knowledge as I can access. I believe energy work is a rich and diverse field, and I approach it with respect, curiosity, and a commitment to continual learning.

A cornerstone of my reputation has been my transparency and humility. I’m intentional about being clear on all my channels—whether online or in-person—about what I do, how I do it, and what my clients can expect. Aura photography and analysis are deeply personal experiences, and I work hard to ensure that clients feel informed, comfortable, and supported throughout the process. When I encounter a question or perspective outside my current expertise, I’m not afraid to say, “I don’t know, but I’ll find out.” That humility and my commitment to growth have helped build trust and credibility with my audience.

Beyond my expertise, I’ve been dedicated to crafting and upholding a strong brand story that resonates with both individuals and corporate clients. I’ve collaborated with professional partners to create bespoke experiences for brands and organizations, always focused on delivering exactly what they envision. Whether it’s an event activation, a team-building session, or a personal aura reading, I take pride in consistently meeting—and exceeding—expectations. I understand the importance of every detail in shaping the client’s experience, and I’m committed to ensuring that my work reflects their goals and aligns with their values.

Ultimately, my reputation has been built on authenticity and alignment. I don’t claim to know it all, but I approach my work with honesty, respect, and a genuine passion for connecting people with their energy in a meaningful way. By staying true to my values, maintaining strong professional relationships, and consistently delivering exceptional experiences, I’ve created a brand that my clients trust and return to, time and time again.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.auratheory.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aura.theory
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aura.theory