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

Julia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I grew up with a love for all things creative and would often accompany my mother in her photo studio. She was a stay-at-home mom but attended an adult-education photography class at night and on weekends. My siblings and I would occasionally model for her and help out around the studio. I remember watching her direct shoots and develop film. I thought it was the coolest thing. This was also my only access to anything art related at the time. I think observing her do her thing inspired me to want a creative career one day.

I initially started out doing Visual Merchandising for retail in 2010 but knew I wanted to create things of my own. When my mom passed in 2012, I was heartbroken and didn’t have the drive to create anymore and seriously thought about giving up. I ended up picking up one of her cameras one day- hoping to be close to her. After a couple of months, I started linking up with some friends and family- asking them if I could style them and take their photo. With social media- it kind of took off from there.

Julia, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a Visual Artist, currently working in Los Angeles in Visual Merchandising HQ. I specialize in Photography, Visual Merchandising and Wardrobe Styling.

After high school, I took a year off of school and decided to work in retail. At the time, I didn’t have the funds or knowledge to nurture any sort of craft but decided to stick it out because I enjoyed being around fashion. One day at work, I asked one of the Visual Merchandisers if I could assist her with a set and immediately took a liking to it.

As far as Wardrobe Styling, a friend invited me to assist a wardrobe stylist out in LA. After the internship was over, I knew it was something I wanted to continue doing. I was then able to combine the skills I’d acquired over the years and start directing my own shoots in 2017.

I think being a solution- oriented person helps me because there were/ are times during a set or shoot when we had to pivot. Working in the retail industry taught me a lot about how to remain positive and maintain patience through challenges. I think that helps me to navigate any problems that may arise in the different fields I work in.

Overall, I’m most proud of the connections made with the clients, models and team. Even if it’s for a couple of hours or years- being able to work together to not only bring their visions to life but stay present and have fun in the process is fulfilling. Many times the models/ clients will tell me how much they enjoyed our conversations. My clients and friends know that if they have an idea- they can call me and we’ll work together to bring it to life. And if we can’t do it together- I’ll help them out with the research aspect.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My mission is to always stay true to my crafts. To keep learning and challenge myself to think outside-the-box. I want to ensure that anyone I do business with is satisfied with the product but also has a good time in the process. In the future, I hope to do more freelance merchandising for pop-ups or small businesses. There are other goals but I like to keep them private.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I think growing up in a low-income environment the idea of working in art or fashion seemed unattainable to me. When you have to wonder where your next meal is coming from- you don’t have time to think of other things. I know there are so many stories like this but I’m just grateful to have stuck it out when I wanted to give up so many times as a kid and as an adult. My life is a lot more peaceful nowadays and I can reflect on where I came from and where I’m at and how far there is left to go. So it’s all a blessing whether I’m up or I’m down.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.juleslaurenmejia.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-lauren-mejia-511ba4224

Image Credits
Green Dress: Wardrobe Stylist: Julia Mejia Photographer: Patrick Park Jewelry Set-up: Visual Merchandising by Julia Mejia Wedding Couple: Photography by Julia Meijia B&W Image: Wardrobe Styling & Photography by Julia Meijia Brick Wall: Wardrobe Stylist Julia Meijia Phtotographer: Ana Saavedra Grey Dress: Wardrobe Stylist Julia Meijia Phtotographer: iiamlegend Color Image with tweed coat: Self Portrait (Images come with a small description so it’s easy to add credits)