Metropolitianmindset

What Color Is Your Aura?

June 28, 2025
Ever wonder what color your aura is? I’ve always been curious — mostly because I’ve felt like I’ve carried a very specific type of energy with me for most of my life. So, I finally decided to get my aura photographed and read, and I have to say, the results totally tracked with what I already felt deep down.

Before we get into my own aura color (spoiler alert: it’s very Scorpio-coded), let’s break it down.

What Is an Aura, Anyway?

Your aura is essentially the energy field that surrounds your body. Some people believe it reflects your emotional, spiritual, and mental state — kind of like a snapshot of your current vibe. Aura photography, usually done with a special camera that captures electromagnetic energy, visualizes this energy field in different colors. Each color represents something different: your mindset, personality, how you relate to the world, and even what phase of life you’re in.

Can Your Aura Change?

Yes — your aura isn’t static. It can shift depending on what you’re going through emotionally, physically, or spiritually. Big life transitions, burnout, healing, even heartbreak — all of it can impact the colors in your aura. That’s why some people like to get theirs done regularly as a way to check in with themselves energetically.

Where to Get Your Aura Read in NYC

If you’re in NYC and want to try it for yourself, here are a few places that do aura photography and readings:
1. Magic Jewelry – Locations in Chinatown and Williamsburg. This is the one most people know — they take your aura photo and give you a mini interpretation on the spot. Super popular and a fun experience.
2. Modrn Sanctuary – A luxe, calming wellness space in NoMad that offers a more spiritual and intuitive reading alongside the photo. Great if you’re looking for a deeper session.
3. The Alchemist’s Kitchen – This downtown space sometimes hosts aura photography pop-ups — keep an eye on their event calendar for upcoming dates.
4. House of Intuition – Originally from LA, they now have a NYC location and sometimes offer aura photography as part of their spiritual services and events.
My Aura Color: Deep Violet, Purple with a Hint of Blue

When I finally had my aura read, it came out as deep violet, purple with a tiny bit of blue — which honestly didn’t surprise me at all.

Purple is known to be the color of spiritual awareness, intuition, and deep insight. People with strong purple energy are often creatives, healers, or people who just feel everything on a deeper level. That definitely resonates with me — I’ve always felt sensitive to people’s energy, emotionally aware, and super connected to my inner world. It’s like my intuition’s been loud since day one.

Violet (especially when it leans darker or richer) is associated with a strong connection to the spiritual realm, transformation, and even leadership in a more cosmic sense. It’s the color of old souls, thinkers, and people who don’t quite fit into the mold. Again — I felt seen.

And that hint of blue? Blue energy relates to communication, honesty, and clarity. It can also signal a calm, peaceful presence — or someone who often plays the role of the listener or counselor. That definitely checks out. I often absorb the energy of a space before saying a word.

What’s wild is that before I even went to get my aura photographed, I knew this was going to be the color. I’ve always felt aligned with that deep, introspective, slightly mysterious energy. The reading just confirmed what I already felt.

Why It Matters

Whether you believe auras are real or just a fun, spiritual snapshot of your current mood, I think there’s something really powerful about seeing your energy visualized. It’s like a mirror for your soul — and it invites you to pause, reflect, and reconnect with yourself. Plus, let’s be honest, it’s also just really pretty to look at.

So if you’re curious, trust your intuition (mine hasn’t steered me wrong yet) and go get your aura read. Who knows? You might discover that your energy has been telling you something all along.
The Power of Monochromatic Dressing

June 8, 2025

Monochromatic outfits have truly been a lifesaver for me. As a native New Yorker and a Scorpio, it’s no surprise I wear a lot of black—it’s easy, it’s sleek, and in my opinion, you instantly look more put together. But beyond just wearing black, I’ve realized the real key to looking effortlessly chic is leaning into monochromatic looks in general.

Matching sets have become my go-to for lazy days when I don’t want to think too hard about what to wear. Whether it’s an all-black fit or a creamy off-white ensemble, there’s something about sticking to one color palette that just works. Lately, I’ve been loving soft neutrals—ivory, oat, buttercream tones—they give such a clean, elevated vibe.

Of course, all-black will always be a classic, but I think it looks especially good when broken up with gold or silver jewelry—or even mixed metals if you’re feeling bold. Accessories can make all the difference.

And here’s my number one rule: if your hair and nails are done, you’ll always look polished. You could be in a matching sweatsuit and still turn heads if your hair is tamed and your nails are neat. That doesn’t always mean a full manicure—just clean, shaped nails and moisturized cuticles go a long way.

Investing in good basics is essential. Think quality tees, a great pair of jeans, and a few versatile pieces that you can dress up or down. While it’s fun to play with prints and trends, I think it’s important to really understand your personal style before diving into bold patterns. For example, I probably wouldn’t wear a bright yellow top, but I’d consider a soft butter yellow. Red? Totally—but only with the right undertone.

That brings me to another tip: knowing your undertones, skin tone, and hair color can really help you figure out what colors and styles suit you best. It makes shopping—and dressing—so much easier.

And finally, remember: it’s just fashion. It’s meant to be fun, expressive, and ever-evolving. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you look back at an old photo and cringe at the outfit. We’ve all been there.
From Nervous to Empowered: How Saying Yes Led to My First Big Speech

May 31, 2025

Back when I was in college, I applied for a scholarship that, honestly, I didn’t think too much about at the time. It felt like a long shot—but to my surprise, I ended up winning it. What I didn’t realize then was just how much that one decision would change the course of my life. Yes, it paid off my tuition, which was a huge relief, but what I wasn’t expecting was how many doors it would open afterward. That scholarship connected me with an entire network of people—mentors, professionals, and peers—who would go on to play a major role in my growth, both personally and professionally.

Looking back, I know that part of the reason these opportunities kept coming was because I kept showing up. I kept pushing myself to say yes, to speak up, and to put myself out there—even when it felt intimidating or new. That mindset—just doing the thing, even when you’re unsure—has been a major theme in my journey. And it led me to one of the most powerful experiences I’ve had to date.

I’ve stayed in touch with the program manager—truly the sweetest woman—and about two months ago, she reached out with a special invitation. She asked if I’d be interested in giving a speech at an intimate wine tasting event in an upscale SoHo apartment, aiming to inspire potential donors to contribute to the scholarship program.

Of course, I said yes. The scholarship had helped me so much, and I was more than happy to give back. But at the time, I didn’t really think it through—I’d never given a speech before. Sure, I’m generally good with people, but this was a whole new arena.

This year, I promised myself I’d say yes more often and step into new opportunities, even if they scare me a little. So this was one of those moments. To make things even more chaotic (in true me fashion), I’d also booked a week-long trip right before the speech, and when I returned, I was stepping into a new role managing our summer internship program at my 9–5, after my boss left. Honestly, I don’t know what I was thinking—but I tend to live in extremes. It’s the Scorpio in me: all or nothing.

Thankfully, I was connected to an executive and leadership coach. We met three times to go over my speech. She gave me incredible advice—like the fact that while it’s great to have a written speech, what really matters is hitting the key points and staying connected to your story. I told her I wanted to sound like me—not a robot—and she emphasized the importance of practice, rest, eating well, staying hydrated, and wearing something that makes me feel confident. All solid tips, and honestly, I took them to heart.

The speech itself was deeply personal. I re-edited it multiple times, focusing on my upbringing, my journey, and how the scholarship supported me in ways that went far beyond money.

The big day came. I’m a firm believer that your mindset shapes your reality. Even though I had a hectic morning at work, I kept telling myself, This is going to be great. I’ve got this.

And then—I gave my speech.

I didn’t expect to get emotional, but I did. Halfway through, I realized the entire room had tears in their eyes. That was the moment I knew I had done exactly what I set out to do: be genuine, be vulnerable, and connect.

Afterward, I was surrounded by people who wanted to thank me and share how deeply my story had impacted them. It was overwhelming in the best way.

So yeah—I gave my first big speech. It didn’t go exactly how I planned…

It went better.

This whole experience was a reminder to say yes more often. Put yourself out there. Take the chance, even if you’re unsure. And believe that things might just work out better than you could have ever imagined.
From NYC to LA: A Ride-or-Die New Yorker’s West Coast Wander

May 26, 2025

I’m a ride-or-die New Yorker—grew up here. This city is in my blood. There’s always something going on, and boredom simply doesn’t exist here. The chaos, the buzz, the energy—it’s my vibe. Sure, it can get overwhelming, and there are definitely places I avoid (looking at you, Penn Station and 42nd Street), mostly because they’re packed with tourists and pure chaos. But if you’ve got the money, you can carve out a peaceful little bubble for yourself in neighborhoods like Tribeca, the Upper West Side, or the West Village. Those spots are calm & charming.

For the longest time, I never thought I could live anywhere else in the U.S. But something about LA always lingered in the back of my mind—those palm-lined streets, the hills, the laid-back vibe. I finally made the trip out there for the first time, and wow… it hit different.

I spent five days in LA, mostly exploring solo, but luckily one of my friends who lives there played tour guide too. From the moment I landed, I felt the shift in energy. It’s softer, calmer—but still alive with hustle. That signature California pink — it’s everywhere, and it’s absolutely stunning. I couldn’t believe how much I was loving it. I’ve never had anything against pink, but as someone whose wardrobe is basically all black, being surrounded by so much color actually made me want to add a little brightness to my own fits. The sunsets were next-level beautiful, and I was completely captivated by the dreamy homes tucked into every corner — each one more charming than the last.

As someone who’s big into wellness, LA seriously delivered. Smoothie bars, juice spots, healthy cafes—you name it. I think Urth Caffé was my favorite; way better than Erewhon in my opinion (sorry not sorry). I loved walking through the Arts District and Silver Lake—so many cute boutiques to discover. And West Hollywood? A total vibe. I could stroll down Melrose and browse shops for hours.

But the hikes? The hikes stole my heart. The views were absolutely breathtaking. I work out regularly, but I don’t hike much, so let’s just say those trails humbled me real quick—but in the best way. My legs were burning.

Culver City surprised me—it gave major Brooklyn energy, in the best possible way. I skipped most of the big tourist stuff (except for Griffith Observatory and a quick drive past the Hollywood Walk of Fame). I didn’t feel the need to linger in the Times Square of LA, if you know what I mean.

I even did a beach day in Santa Monica and Venice. I’m not usually a beach person, but I figured, when in LA… And I’m glad I did.

I walked a ton—within neighborhoods at least. But when it came time to jump between areas, yeah, I had to hop in a car. LA isn’t exactly walkable the way New York is. Oh, and the people? Super friendly. Like… almost too friendly. They’ll talk your ear off just because—and I guess when you’re living in year-round sunshine, it’s hard not to be in a good mood.

LA feels like a softer life. Slower pace. Beautiful views. It’s not a place I see myself settling down in full-time, but I’m definitely manifesting a life where I can be my own boss, work on my own schedule, and escape the brutal NYC winters for some West Coast sunshine. A little East Coast grit, a little West Coast glow—that’s the dream.
Is the Hustle Culture Toxic or Necessary in NYC?

May 3, 2025

If you’ve lived in New York City long enough, you know the rhythm of the city isn’t just fast—it’s relentless. As a native New Yorker who’s called the Lower East Side and Chelsea home my whole life, the pace of NYC isn’t something I just tolerate. I crave it.

There’s something electric about the way this city moves. The constant buzz, the grind, the urgency in everyone’s steps—it’s like a pulse that runs through your veins once you’ve been here long enough. I grew up with that. It shaped how I think, how I work, how I live.

But even for someone like me, who loves the hustle, I’ll admit—it’s not always sustainable. There are times when I feel myself getting burnt out. When my to-do list feels like a never-ending scroll and the FOMO from all the things I could be doing starts to weigh me down. That’s when I know I need a break. Sometimes it’s a weekend getaway, sometimes it’s just a slow Saturday morning in my own city. And you know what? After a day or two away, I miss it. I miss that energy.

And maybe that’s the point. Maybe for some of us, the hustle isn’t toxic—it’s vital. It’s our fuel. Not because we have something to prove, but because we genuinely feel alive when we’re in motion. The list of things to do here? It’s never-ending, sure. But maybe we need to stop seeing that as a burden and start seeing it for what it really is: abundance. Abundance of opportunity. Of inspiration. Of connection. Of ambition.

We get access to that because we live here. Because we choose to stay in a place where no one’s waiting around for anyone to catch up. Not everyone can thrive in that kind of environment—and that’s okay. But for those of us who can? It’s magic.

That said, I’m learning the value of balance. I’ve started reclaiming my weekends. Letting myself sleep in. Making my morning tea or matcha slowly, without a rush. Taking a walk through a quiet neighborhood. Running errands at my own pace. These slower moments don’t take away from the hustle. They support it.

So, is hustle culture toxic? It can be. But in NYC, maybe it’s just a misunderstood way of life. Maybe it’s not about overworking ourselves into the ground—but about tapping into a level of motivation and momentum that only this city seems to provide. We just have to find our own rhythm within it.

And for me? That rhythm is fast. But not unmanageable.