We recently had the chance to connect with Mayra Benavides and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Mayra, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
Honestly, I’m most proud of building myself — all while building my business, raising my children, and nurturing my relationship with my husband.
It’s one thing to grow a business from the ground up, but doing that while also unlearning old patterns and learning how to show up for myself has been the deeper, more personal journey. I grew up believing I had to put everyone else first, and it’s taken time and intention to understand that caring for myself isn’t selfish — it’s necessary.
At the same time, I’ve been focused on growing closer to my husband, not growing apart, and really letting us both discover the new versions of ourselves along the way. And as a mom, I’ve changed so much since the beginning. I want my kids to see that we’re all constantly evolving — and that it’s not only okay to change, but it’s also a beautiful part of life.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Mayra — the hands, heart, and creative mind behind Miss Ink Aesthetics. I specialize in cosmetic tattooing, where my mission is to help women feel more confident, empowered, and seen. There’s something truly special about watching that spark come back to someone’s eyes after a session — it’s a feeling that never gets old.
At Miss Ink, I take pride in being honest, professional, and treating every client like family. It’s really important to me that everyone who walks through my door feels comfortable, cared for, and respected. I’m always learning and pushing myself to grow, both personally and professionally, and one of my biggest goals is to build a team that shares the same passion and positive energy.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that has served its purpose and needs to be released is conformity. For so long, I lived by the expectations of others — doing what was “safe” or “acceptable,” and never truly stepping into my own voice. I was content with the minimal, just going through the motions, not fully embracing who I am or what I’m capable of.
But over time, I realized that living in that space wasn’t serving me or the people around me. It took a lot of soul-searching and self-reflection to shed the fear of judgment and start choosing my own path. I’ve come to understand that the real growth comes when you let go of that need to fit in and start embracing who you truly are, unapologetically.
Releasing conformity means letting go of the idea that I have to play small or follow a prescribed script. It’s about honoring my own journey, making my own choices, and trusting that I’m worthy of more than just getting by.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me that you can’t truly grow if you don’t fail. Success is great, but it’s often the tough moments, the setbacks, and the struggles that really shape you. It’s in those moments of discomfort where you learn the most about yourself — your resilience, your patience, and your ability to rise again. Without failure, there’s no real progress. It’s through falling down that you find the strength to stand taller and do things differently next time.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, the public version of me is the real me. I’ve come to realize that if I want to attract the right clients — the ones who truly align with my energy and values — I can’t hide behind a facade. I have to show up as myself, fully and unapologetically.
That said, my clients do get a version of me, but it’s still 100% real. It’s not about pretending to be someone I’m not; it’s about being adaptable, meeting people where they are, and matching their energy. Every interaction is unique, and I want my clients to feel comfortable and understood, so I adjust to make sure they get the best version of me in that moment.
In a way, my work is an exchange of energy. I don’t just do my craft; I connect with my clients, and that connection is rooted in authenticity. And at the end of the day, it’s that authenticity that builds trust, makes the work even more meaningful, and creates the relationships that go beyond just the service I’m providing.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m absolutely doing what I was born to do. I’ve found my calling in cosmetic tattooing, and it feels like everything is falling into place. Not only am I building my business, but I’m also creating meaningful connections with my family — making time to homeschool and teach my kids all I can while I’m present in their lives.
Growing up, I was told that success meant becoming a doctor or a nurse — something stable, in the medical field, where job security was guaranteed. I spent 10 years trying that path, and while I did enjoy certain aspects of it, deep down, I knew it wasn’t my true purpose. Cosmetic tattooing, on the other hand, lights me up in a way nothing else ever has.
When I decided to have kids, I wanted the freedom to be with them. I never wanted to spend 40 hours a week away from them, away from the moments that matter. I wanted the balance of being present with my family while also building something of my own — something that feels true to me and my vision for my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Missinkaesthetics.com
- Instagram: @missinkaesthetics
- Facebook: Miss Ink Aesthetics
- Other: Booking link: Missinkaesthetics.glossgenius.com
