Susanna Merrick always knew she was different as a child. She was born with the ability to read people and their energies, but at the time she didn’t know what to make of this gift. When she went to art school in Savannah, Georgia to study experimental performing arts and textile design, she quickly fell in love with color theory– a language she already spoke, but had ignored in herself for all those years prior. As an actor, Merrick was always fascinated by “the human experience, emotions, and how we interact with each other,” which came from her perception of people and their energies. After graduating, she moved to New York to pursue acting professionally, but ultimately realized that talent isn’t everything and while she did have a passion for performing, it didn’t fully have her heart. From there she went on to take jobs in fashion and design, helping her to feel more aligned in her work.

It wasn’t until launching Aura Wear that Susanna Merrick found her true calling, fusing together a love for fashion and human connection with her own spiritual intuitions. Today, the thirty-four year old Founder and CEO of Aura Wear helps clients understand that their energy and style is actually a way to connect to their mental wellness and feel empowered in their self-expression. 

Who were you at twenty?

I was a hot mess, an actress, a waitress, a club kid. It gives me the spins thinking about that period of my life. I wanted everything and I was hungry for it, but I had no clue where to start. I definitely lived like to the fullest, I would get up at 5 am to travel an hour to sign up for a broadway casting. Since I was non-union I had to get there earlier and wait around till 2pm, finally get seen for 5 mins then head to my waitressing shift. Once I wrapped there I would head straight to the clubs to let off some steam, get home at 2am and do it all over again… As you can imagine, I burned out quickly.

How have you evolved since? 

I’ve learned that I don't need constant validation from others. I can take care of myself, feel more aligned with my day and work and not have to drain myself “proving or pleasing” others.. I used to believe you have to be boot-strappy and “hardworking” i.e no boundaries to get ahead. We know this now to simply not be true. My work is so aligned and never feels crazy difficult. 

On aura reading

Just like you can change your mind, you can change your aura. A big misconception people have about auras is it's like your astrology sign—I believe we're more like chameleons in the sense that energy is always moving but there are colors that can represent our souls. All life forces emit a small frequency of electricity. This is also known as our electromagnetic field. I see these energies in layers and believe they reflect your emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual health. 

On launching Aura Wear

I went through a very dark time in my life, losing my mom and it was really through quite an existential crisis that I found my true purpose and calling. By tuning into my spiritual gifts, I received a massive download on what my business should be and I went from there. It's pretty wild to think about honestly. But lots of those visions have stayed true to this day. 

Aura Wear is fundamentally based on incorporating energy elevating techniques for all aspects of life. When we are tuned into and understand the colors our energy is communicating, we can set intentions and take steps to better satisfy our needs. Color is a powerful tool we can use to make life-changing adjustments to our lives. This is truly what inspires me. 

What advice would you give to yourself at twenty? 

You’re capable. You don’t need to “pay your dues” you just need to strive for your goals. Be confident, stand in your word and your power and don't let others knock you down even if they don't agree with your ideas or see your vision. 

What would you say to a twenty-something year old about finding her place in the world? 

Wade the waters. Emotionally your twenties are hard, you’re learning lots of life lessons. Keep being vulnerable and let the waves of emotional pain come over you–the more you just breath and feel the sooner you will be out of the storm. Don’t listen to the opinions of others who cannot see your vision, they have none themself as fear of the unknown has a grip on them. You fear nothing. Take action!

Learn more about Susanna Merrick and Aura Wear here