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Inspiring Conversations with Vaughn Ara of Vaughn Ara Apothecary

Today we’d like to introduce you to Vaughn Ara.

Hi Vaughn, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It was about 23 years ago I started my journey into herbalism and the importance of taking a mindful approach to the products we use daily, including skincare and cosmetics. What came to follow was an adventure into understanding ingredients, how our skin responds, and the delicate dance between the two. With bioaccumulation in mind and how procedures such as tattooing affect our skin and the healing process.

Twenty three years later with 19 years dedicated to creating botanical cosmetics, 12 years to all natural tattoo aftercare, and 5 years to my dark glamour inspired fragrance line, Vaughn Ara has become a brand that is trusted not only for the integrity of the ingredient list, but it’s customer based business practices and no waste model.

Currently, Vaughn Ara Tattoo Aftercare products can be found in various tattoo shops in KC, and a few surrounding states. Fragrances and the newest cosmetic / skincare collection called Lux Rituale by Vaughn Ara is a by appointment and service based experience within a shared space at Evolve Tattoo Collective. And of course all products can be found online at vaughnara.com.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I hadn’t ever expected it to be smooth, virtually everything is a learning curve, and when we throw in the modern world of social media, algorithms, ect. I don’t suspect learning will halt anytime soon.

I still get excited to put my formulating ideas into practical application, not every one makes it out of the Apothecary and into the public’s hands, but when the challenge is a passion I never tire of trying.

Endless curiosity and persistence are required when building a brand that is not only multifaceted but also upholds a personal standard that carries ones name.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Vaughn Ara Apothecary?
Vaughn Ara Apothecary is an independent alternative luxury brand that produces botanical skincare, mineral cosmetics, herbal tattoo aftercare, small batch fragrances, and dark glamour accessories.

Each collection is thoughtfully crafted and curated.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My longstanding clients and customers are the real MVPs! Not many businesses can say they have held the loyalty of clients for nearly two decades, and for that I am deeply grateful.

Contact Info:

A round container with a yellow label reading 'HEAL' on a dark marble surface in a bar setting.

Vaughn Vra fragrance bottles displayed on a dark marble surface with a black background and gold accents.

Display of apothecary products with candles and decorative items on a dark surface, with a black background and warm lighting.

Tattoo aftercare kit with herbal ointment, cleanse gel, and applicator spatula on a dark table, in a dimly lit room.

A black container with a yellow label, a glass jar with white beads, a bowl with a wooden spoon, and a vase with dried lavender on a black surface. Text on the surface reads 'Two week post tattoo hydration'.

A black jar labeled 'Catalyst' on a dark countertop with candles and herbal products in background.

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