March 14, 2017

Meet Katy DeBra of Sun Valley

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katy DeBra.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In 1999, I made a crazy plunge into life as a self-employed artist painting murals. I had painted a few for family members and done a few other projects. After a few years of that I realized that this could be a business in which I made a living as an artist, something I didn’t believe was possible up to that point.

So B.I. (before internet), living in New York City, I picked up the phone after arranging a house-sitting gig back in California (thanks Mom!), and a business was born. For 2-3 years I had a steady stream of referrals from each job. Over time, one thing lead to another: murals and commission paintings led to faux finishes which led to color consultation to professional organizing. I landed in Los Angeles in late 2001. All came to a halt in 2008 with the recession.

Meanwhile, I had rediscovered my intuition via the painting work (how did you know I liked that color or that flower, etc.?) I also noticed the painting work tended to be seasonal and started looking for artistic work that had a complementary schedule. I started doing body art at private events in 2003, starting with henna, then adding face painting, glitter tattoos and doing intuitive readings. It was a side activity to my painting business, until 2008, when it became my main gig. They switched places.

Doing the body art changed my personal painting style and interests over the years and improved my design chops, I do some intuitive logo design. And my personal journey with energy healing that started in 2000 led me to becoming a certified Reiki Master in 2015. Today, the artistic, energy and intuitive work tend to combine together. Most recently intuiting body art designs for people has deepened into an intuitive reading that comes through a piece of body art or digital art.

Ultimately the single thread through all of my work is energy work. I create and amplify good energies via many methods.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No it is not a smooth road. It is 20/20 hindsight.

My biggest struggle was creating a steady income. Now that I cultivate multiple sources of it, the money part is smoother. Learning how to do business and value my work properly were also struggles. And now, the challenge is to stay current with my own intuitive callings to be and do more, to make bigger offerings, to have a more profound effect in the world, while translating what to offer in a more concrete sense. If I don’t heed them, my business suffers. There is no staying in one place. Surf is always up.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Katy DeBra – Artist, Intuitive, Energizer – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Creating harmony inside & out: in body, soul & living spaces, as an extremely versatile artist, designer, intuitive and energizer/ energy healer.

My main services are:
Body art and intuitive readings for events and by appointment.
Decorative painting and color consultation
Fine art paintings and commissions
Energy Healing

Overall, I specialize in helping people feel better, feel uplifted, clear, confident and ready to live from the solution not the problem.

When I entertain at events, I can create most any image in body art. A fire-breathing Chihuahua jumping off a boulder? Sure no problem. Or intuit something special just for you. And bring in clear, accurate information during a reading. My repeat painting clients often call me with unusual requests such as painting pool gratings to match in with a tile mural. I used nail polish.

Friends call me Vitamin Katy, the sparkle girl, and MacGuyverette.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I am preparing to offer Intuitive Art Readings remotely delivering digital art rather than or in addition to in-person body art readings, which are usually done in henna. Although some people prefer the temporary nature of henna or other form of temporary body art, many people have expressed an interest in viewing “the map” that comes through in this process for longer than a week or two.

Contact Info: