We were lucky to catch up with Julia Kushner recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Julia, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

I had started my career in the arts as soon as I graduated art school, working in various galleries, agencies, and consulting firms. I gained experience in the different art markets such as public art, residential, commercial and hospitality. With each experience, I built new knowledge, skills, and trusted relationships that I knew would benefit me wherever I would go. After a decade of working for different businesses, curating and consulting artwork for collectors, designers, developers, and public spaces all around the world, I was confident enough in myself to begin my own venture and say goodbye to the stable bi-weekly paycheck many creatives would dream of having. I was ready to 100 % invest in myself and all the hard work that I had put in thus far.

This epiphany did not happen overnight though. For years, I had planted seeds wherever I would go, slowly but surely, I watered and nurtured my garden, and waited patiently for each seed to bloom. I knew that one day, the universe would tell me it was time and that it did. It was after an opportunity where I had the pleasure of commissioning the world renowned artist, RETNA, to paint (2) 50 ft private murals for a client, that I found myself sitting in the LAX airport on a Saturday morning waiting to board my flight home. Happy tears streaming down my cheeks. I always knew I had the potential and this was the moment that I had been waiting for.

1 month later, I found myself submitting my 2 week notice and announcing to the world that my company, hARTfully curated, that was once my side hustle, was now my full-time devotion and I was ready to unleash its fullest potential!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I grew up in Chicago, first generation American. My parents immigrated from the USSR in 1979 and had instilled the love for arts & culture in to me from an early age. As a young girl, I was fascinated by the great artists Van Gogh, Rothko, Monet, and Degas. Each time I would visit a museum, I would leave with a heart full of love and inspiration that I was eager to share with others.

I graduated from the American Academy of Art in Chicago with a fine arts degree in oil painting. With a handful of gallery internships under my belt already and a small obsession with Charlotte from Sex and the City, I was quick to pursue my dream in becoming the next gallerista in the art world.

I expanded my gallery experience into different art markets, such as public arts, where I curated murals for non profits, schools, commercial businesses, and residential developments. I then landed an incredible opportunity working in the hospitality art market consulting and curating artwork for hotels, restaurants, and luxury multi-family developments world wide.

I started my own company in the beginning of 2023, with a mission to bring joy into peoples’ lives through art. From years of navigating various art markets, I understood the value that art brings to not only art collectors but communities near and far. The knowledge and relationships that I’ve made in the contemporary art world have allowed me access to the highest-quality works through exceptional artists, galleries, collectors, and private dealers.

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I act as an art advisor to established and emerging art collectors, designers, and enthusiasts assisting them with fine art acquisitions, commissions, sales, and collection management. I’m a true believer in the joy that art brings to peoples’ lives and I’m devoted to making my clients’ wishes come true.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an art advisor is the trusted relationships that I naturally build with my clients, artists, and gallerists. My goal is to create long lasting relationships by connecting art lovers to artwork and artists that are inspiring and meaningful. Each project is a treasure hunt, and the gold at the end is seeing my client’s face light up when their new artwork is installed in their private space.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Attend gallery openings, connect with local and non local artists, and promote the creatives who are inspiring to you! Happiness is meant to be shared and art is most fun when experienced with others!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hartfullycurated.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliakushnerartworld/ https://www.instagram.com/hartfullycurated/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliakushner/