From North Carolina to Paris, Mrs. Sarate has transformed body art into a universal language of culture and new identity.

When Mrs. Sarate first picked up a paintbrush, she never imagined it would take her across the world. What began as an invitation to body art conventions in Florida and Texas grew into a career that has earned her international recognition and inspired countless transformations.

Trained by Master of Fine Arts, Sarate quickly stood out in competitions. In 2008, she won first place at the national competition in North Carolina. A decade later, her talent carried her overseas to Austria and Paris, where she competed against the world’s best. In 2018, she placed third in the world–an accomplishment that still stands out as a source of pride. In her most recent competition in Austria, she was the only American artist ranked among top competitors.

For Sarate, however, body art is more than medals. It’s about empowerment. “People see themselves differently when they’re painted,” she explained. “If someone doesn’t feel comfortable in their own body, body art allows them to see themselves transformed. They look at themselves in the mirror and discover a strong version of who they are.”

That belief– that body art can empower and heal–stems from her culture perspective. Sorate sees art as a universal language. “My English wasn’t very good, but the language didn’t matter,” she said. “Everyone had a paintbrush in their hand, and we communicated through painting. Body art connects people across every culture.”

Today, clients can book appointments with her through her website, Bella Brush Art, where she continues to share her version of art as transformation. Whether competing on a global stage or painting in her own community, Mrs. Sarate’s mission remains the same: to use art not only to decorate the body, but to strengthen the spirit within.

some of her works include: