The Artist Altar

In this episode, I sit down with Clare Storck- a midwife, mother, and longtime friend—who shares the powerful journey that led her to get an intuitive tattoo during one of the most challenging seasons of her life.

Clare opens up about her daughter Tilly’s diagnosis, the intensity of a 70-week chemotherapy treatment, and how she found strength in marking that experience through deeply meaningful body art. She shares how she felt called to get a tattoo placed exactly where her daughter’s tumor had been, how Tilly’s favorite color “rainbow” shaped the design, and why the experience was more than just an image—it was a spiritual experience.

We also talk about what it meant to bring her daughters into the studio space, how consent and communication are at the heart of both midwifery and tattooing, and how a previously painful tattoo experience was transformed into something joyful and bright.

In this episode, we talk about:

This conversation is a reminder that even in the most difficult times, there can be moments of joy, beauty, and transformation. Clare shares her journey with so much grace and strength—and witnessing the way she mothers, heals, and creates space for her daughters' voices is something I’ll never forget. I’m so grateful that our paths crossed again. This was one of the most meaningful tattoo experiences I’ve ever had the honor of creating.

If you’re feeling called to mark a moment, honor a story, or co-create something meaningful through tattoo—whether it’s clear or still unfolding—head to https://www.justinealmaraz.com/

Connect with Me:

Instagram: @thejustinealmaraz
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JustineArtStudio

I’d love to connect.

In this episode, we’re diving deep into creativity, healing, and reclaiming your power as an artist with the incredible Jade Chung—art therapist, healer, and visionary guide.

We talk about what it really means to be an artist, how art connects to healing, and how trauma can show up in our creative process.

This conversation is for you if:

✅ You’ve ever felt blocked or shut down when sitting down to make art
✅ You wonder if you’re “allowed” to call yourself an artist
✅ You’ve felt like being with yourself in the creative process is too intense
✅ You’re curious about art therapy, somatics, or healing through creativity

In this episode, we cover:

✅ Why Jade left the art gallery world and what felt “soulless” about it
✅ The power of reclaiming art as a healing process, not a commodity
✅ The difference between product and process in art
✅ How trauma is stored in the body and how creativity can help move it
✅ Why people are scared of making art—and how it’s tied to inner child wounds
✅ What somatics really means and why it matters for healing
✅ Practical tools like pendulation, breathwork, movement, and reparenting
✅ How creativity is our life force—and how to reconnect with it

Jade also shares her year-long healing program Alive, a space for women to process pain, work with the nervous system, reconnect with the body, and explore creative healing through art and somatic practices.

Connect with Jade:

Instagram: @jadechung_
Website: jadechunghealing.com

Connect with Me:

Instagram: @thejustinealmaraz
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JustineArtStudio
Website: www.justinealmaraz.com

Thank you for being part of Her Ink Empire. Your art is your truth. Your life is your art. Your empire is already unfolding. Let’s keep building—together.

In this episode, I’m joined by Sophia Kaminski—an LA-based musician and singer who recently launched her own singing and piano studio, Kaminski Voice Studio. We explore her return to music after an eight-year break, and how she’s consciously choosing to come back to singing on her own terms—through embodiment, intuitive movement, and expression.

Sophia shares how her journey with voice started at 11, how classical training shaped her, and why now, she’s letting the groove get in. We talk about what it’s like to move through resistance, what different sounds feel like in the body, and how singing soul and R&B can be both painful and freeing.

We also dive into Sophia’s intuitive tattoo experience—how she jumped into her very first tattoo by getting half her body tattooed—and how those flowing abstract shapes, especially in deep blue tones, became a way to reclaim her body and integrate her expression.

This conversation is about movement, embodiment, and honoring what’s true in the moment. It’s also about what happens when we get weird, let go of perfection, and create with intention.

Key Highlights:

Connect with Sophia:

Instagram: @sophia_kaminski_singer
Linkedin: Sophia Kaminski

Connect with Me:

Instagram: @thejustinealmaraz
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JustineArtStudio
Website: www.justinealmaraz.com/

 
Thank you for listening to Her Ink Empire. Remember: This is only the beginning. Your empire is already unfolding

Welcome to the very first episode of Her Ink Empire! In this episode, I’m sharing something a little different. Recently, I had the opportunity to be a guest on Rebecca Lapage’s podcast, where we dove deep into my journey as an intuitive tattoo artist. I wanted to share that conversation here because we explored so many meaningful aspects of my story and how my sacred tattoo process came to be.

During the interview, I opened up about how my journey with intuitive tattooing really began—from being that creative kid who loved face painting to discovering my own unique approach to sacred tattooing. I talk about how visions, meditation, and spiritual guidance have shaped not just my art but how I build deeper connections with my clients.

We also discuss how my practice has evolved over the years—from complex, ritualistic sessions to a more intuitive and focused approach that feels more aligned with who I am today. My hope is that this episode inspires you to think differently about your own creative process and how you can honor your story through your art.

Key Highlights:

I loved having this conversation with Rebecca, and I’m so excited to share it with you. Let me know what resonates!

Connect with Me:

Instagram: @thejustinealmaraz
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JustineArtStudio
Website: https://www.justinealmaraz.com/

Welcome to "Her Ink Empire," where I, Justine Almaraz—tattoo artist, educator, and founder of Earth Altar Tattoo Studio—am on a mission to redefine what's possible in tattoo education and creative entrepreneurship.

As a passionate tattoo artist, I spend my days creating meaningful art on my clients' skin, while also guiding fellow artists to build thriving, creatively aligned practices. Whether you're just beginning your journey, an established artist looking to scale, or a visionary creative building your own empire, this podcast is for you.

My experience spans years of perfecting my craft, growing a successful tattoo studio, and helping other artists turn their passion into sustainable careers. I believe in blending artistry with strategy, creativity with intention, and passion with purpose.

In each episode, you’ll gain insights into mastering your tattooing skills, building client relationships, growing your income, and staying rooted in your creative authenticity. You’ll hear from industry leaders, successful tattoo artists, and creative entrepreneurs who share their stories, strategies, and inspiration to help you elevate your craft.

"Her Ink Empire" is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. If you find value in these episodes, please leave a five-star review and connect with me on social media to stay updated on upcoming content.

Join me in celebrating the craft, the community, and the transformative art of tattooing—together, we’ll leave a mark that lasts.