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

Ana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?

My journey in the visual arts began at fashion school, where I discovered my passion for illustration. I was always captivated by painting, drawing, and design. Eventually, my artistic explorations took me into the realm of body painting, and that sparked the curiosity for making that body art more permanent.

At the same time, my spiritual journey was unfolding. During my teenage years, I delved into spirituality through esoteric libraries, yoga, and meditation classes. My mom introduced me to my first oracle and tarot deck, and I became known as the friend fascinated by the mystical and occult, always believing in the power of magic.

In the summer of 2015, I experienced a profound dream where ancestral figures shared their wisdom about sacred tattoos. This inspired me to study the anthropology of tattooing, revealing incredible ritualistic practices that ranged from harnessing powers, to celebrating heroic journeys and even providing protection for mothers. This exploration deepened my connection to my own ancestry, honoring my Mexican and Bolivian roots. The more I connected with my heart, the more I was able to create and help others express their own stories by weaving ink, skin and blood, honoring their own powers and guiding them to their hearts.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Ana, I currently reside in the Seattle area but I am French/Mexican/Bolivian. Born in Mexico, and very fortunate to had been raised everywhere by a very mixed family. I am convinced that my mixed heritage paved the way for what I do now both artistically and spiritually.

I got into visual arts through fashion but then everything took so many twists and turns. I currently have the amazing privilege of offering ceremonial tattoos which I mix and infuse with other practices like: reiki, sound healing, astrology/birth charts readings, tarot and my own mix of eclectic intuition.

Everything I do is very intentional and ritualistic. Not just my art work, but my every day life too. It’s important for me to stay genuine, grounded, aware and honest with myself and with others. I am not a big fan several words like: “healer” or “spiritual/energy worker” amongst many other terms. I am just here to be of service for those who feel called to my art style and heart centered practices that often times may feel likeI get to help spark that “inner fire” in others by being able to open a safe, open and comfortable space where I like to create art while making others feel truly seen and understood.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I am actually going through a pivoting moment in my life and career at the moment. I have transformed and evolved so much over the last two years and while I love the work I have been able to do, my vision has now evolved.

I have arrived to that place where I have to let go of the old to make room for the new, for alignment. My first stage in business was mote focused around art, creating community and now It’s time to add heart to the center of it.

It’s not easy to let go of something that has been so good. But not letting go sometimes leads to stagnation and we have to choose between stagnation or growth. My call to being of service to others has expanded as much as my heart has and now I am about to embark on the unknown. Pivoting my business to something that feels bigger than me, to expansion. I have a few ideas of how this will evolve, but to be honest I am not quite sure how the final picture looks like yet, and I am getting into the waters of exploration. So I guess, I encourage you to follow close and stay tuned for whatever that “glow up” will bring.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

It’s actually very simple: AUTHENTICITY!

Just be yourself as much as you can. I think now a days there is confusion between being yourself and sharing your literal life away on social media. Authenticity is not about sharing every split second. In fact I definitely encourage not to do that.

It’s about being real, not in every aspect of you life but the one aspect you share about on social media. Whatever is important to you and your audience. Speak from the heart, from experience, be real. People appreciate and value realness. People will come for you and not for what you have or trends or whatever is trending out there.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mystikaink/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mystikaink
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OolBalam
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/alchemized.chaos/
  https://www.tiktok.com/@oolbalam

Image Credits

Photographers:
Ana Torres-Goitia – @brujamystika
Amber Karlberg – @slavetothetrigger

Tattooing Model: Kaylie @Kaylie_models