119: From Survivor to Advocate: Marisa Laren’s Mission with War Party Ranch

In Episode 119, Sofia interviews Marisa Laren, a multi-talented entrepreneur, artist, athlete, and advocate with a passion for living life to the fullest. A professional tattoo artist since 2012, she gained national recognition as a contestant on Ink Master Season 6 in 2015. In 2020, she launched her own private studio, Common Place, where she continues to create custom tattoo work. That same year, she rekindled her love for painting, now specializing in custom oil paintings.

A dedicated athlete, Marisa has been a sponsored 1st Phorm athlete since 2014, originally competing in bodybuilding. Today, her training focuses on functional fitness, allowing her to pursue her love of adventure, hiking, and competitive shooting. She is also a vocal advocate for mental health and invisible illnesses, openly sharing her journey with multiple autoimmune diseases to inspire others.

Marisa serves on the board of War Party Ranch, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women from abusive or trafficked backgrounds by equipping them with skills in horsemanship and stockmanship. As a survivor of abuse herself, she understands firsthand the challenges of breaking free from toxic cycles and is committed to helping others achieve the independence necessary to rebuild their lives.

In addition to her creative and advocacy work, Marisa is an avid traveler. Since 2017, she has embraced solo travel and, more recently, has begun hosting group travel experiences around the world. These curated trips help individuals—whether solo travelers or adventure seekers—build confidence, form meaningful connections, and explore the beauty of the world together.

From her artistry to her athleticism and humanitarian work, Marisa embodies resilience and determination, making her an inspiring guest on She Shield.

Follow the pod on instagram for more episode updates @sheshieldpod. Thank you all for your encouragement and support. 

If you are interested in exclusive content, become a Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/sheshieldpod

Podcast Sponsors: Links and Codes

1. Big Tex Ordnance: your soon-to-be favorite retailer for all of your firearms needs. Use code “FIT4FIA” for 10% off your BTO order and to support the pod via https://www.bigtexordnance.com/?ref=79990 
2. Walkers Inc. Hearing Protection: Use code “SHESHIELD20” to save and to support the pod https://www.walkersgameear.com/ 
3. SOG: Use code “SHESHIELD” to save and to support the pod https://sogknives.com/ 
4. GPS Range Bags: Use code “SHESHIELD20” to save and to support the pod https://www.goutdoorsproducts.com/ 
5. Birchwood Casey: Use code “SHESHIELD20” to save and to support the pod  https://www.birchwoodcasey.com/ 
6. Cold Steel: Use code “SHESHIELD20” to save and to support the pod https://www.coldsteel.com/ 
7. Ciguera Gear:  https://ciguera.com/ 

All links: https://linktr.ee/sheshieldpod

Hold My Guns Firearms Storage for Those in Need: https://www.holdmyguns.org/

Episode shorts are made by the talented Lisa Hamilton and are mixed and mastered by the talented Brendon Galanos. 

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

1. Marisa's Website

2. Get involved with Marisa's nonprofit, War Party Ranch