We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Julia Richardson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Julia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Any thoughts around creating more inclusive workplaces?
Inclusivity is something I’ve become deeply passionate about—not just in business, but in life as a whole. I firmly believe that inclusivity is the key to both success and satisfaction in nearly every area. Every person brings unique talents, skills, and perspectives to the table, and it’s essential to recognize and celebrate those differences without suppressing or discouraging them—whether it’s from family, friends, or colleagues.
I’ve had experiences where I felt “boxed in,” as though others were trying to define me based on what made the most sense to them, rather than who I truly am. Being naturally in tune with my body and instincts, I’ve learned to reject those situations because they didn’t feel right. A lack of inclusivity often shows up as feelings of being unappreciated, undervalued, or disempowered, and those experiences left a lasting impression on me.
These moments shaped the way I work today. When collaborating with others, it’s a top priority for me to create a safe and supportive space where people feel free to be themselves. It’s much harder to understand someone’s unique contributions when they’re preoccupied with simply trying to “fit in” or meet expectations. As a service provider and teammate, I believe in designing systems and processes that are flexible enough to honor individuality and make everyone feel seen and empowered.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’ve been creating art in various mediums for nearly a decade, and over time, I’ve come to see myself as not just an artist but also a problem solver, an innovator, and someone deeply in love with the creative process. To be an artist, I believe, is to create magic—and maybe that makes me a bit of a magician too.
My creative process often begins with a spark—something I’ve just seen or experienced ignites an idea in my mind. From there, I find myself obsessing over how to transform that vision into something tangible. This can take many forms: a photograph, a short essay, a video, a drawing, a painting, or even an entirely unexpected medium that the idea leads me to explore.
I also believe that my creativity isn’t just for myself—it’s a way to be of service to others. If I see a spark in someone else’s idea, I love stepping in to help bring it to life. Whether it’s through collaboration, problem-solving, or simply being a supportive presence, I enjoy finding ways to expand on ideas that align with my own creative energy. In that sense, my art becomes a bridge between my vision and the visions of others.
Ultimately, my art is about more than just creating; it’s about translating a personal vision into something others can experience, and at times, helping others do the same. It’s a process of bringing the magic I see in my mind into the world, and it’s a journey I’m continuously grateful to be on.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
What a beautiful question! I think the most rewarding aspect of being an artist—speaking from the heart here—is the way it invites you to connect deeply with yourself. It’s an indescribable magic when an idea or thought comes that only you can see, hear or feel, and let alone bring it to life.
And then there’s the moment when someone else resonates with your creation. That soft, shared recognition that says, Oh, you’ve felt this too? It’s humbling and deeply humanizing. It reminds me that we’re all carrying stories inside us, waiting for the right medium, the right moment, to bring them into the light.
For me, the process itself is somehow intense and calming. It’s like having a quiet collaboration with your soul. The empty canvas, or even a fresh idea feels like a safe space to explore and to question. It rarely comes out polished or perfect, but even the messy bits feel worthwhile because they’re real.
Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.
Art was my side hobby for a long time—something I loved but didn’t fully prioritize. Of course, I loved the idea of profiting from my creations; who wouldn’t? But I had this persistent doubt whispering, “You need to pick one thing and stick to it. That’s how you’ll find success.”
In a way, my subconscious advice was correct, but back then, I thought it meant continuing to build my full-time career in real estate. Don’t get me wrong—I love numbers, I love serving people, and I genuinely enjoy topics of real estate, but it isn’t my passion in the way that creating art is.
The turning point came at the beginning of this year when I had a realization: Why don’t I just pour all my energy into my art and see what happens? I’d always been encouraged to create, even while balancing a full-time job, and I used to tell myself I could juggle both. Then I asked myself, ‘Why not pursue your number one passion full-time?’
I think a lot of us hesitate because we don’t believe we can make a successful living from our passions. But I realized that if I truly devoted myself to my craft, it could turn out better than I ever imagined. So, I decided to go for it. Now, my art comes first, always. I’m no longer willing to sacrifice my passion just to “survive.”
The moment I knew this could truly become my full-time career was when demand for my services grew to the point where I had to start turning clients away until I finished my current projects. That shift put everything into perspective. It showed me that there are people waiting to work with me—and that’s an incredible feeling.
What’s been even more surprising (and such a blessing) is that most of my clients come from my immediate network. I haven’t had to pour all my energy into marketing; I can simply reach out to someone I trust, and just like that, I have a new project.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rosevisuals.myportfolio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosevisuals.jpeg/profilecard/?igsh=MWUxNnJrczlocTU4NA==
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrichardsonre?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Image Credits
Julia Richardson
Irwin Benitez
Keira Vega
Mya Correa