In Conversation with Yurga Juozapa
Tell us about your background:
I have been in Los Angeles since 2004 via Paris where I studied communications and cultural mediation at Sorbonne. While in Paris, I worked at Isabel Marant before she blew out in the United States as a fit model which was an incredibly inspiring experience of what taste, creativity, entrepreneurship and quintessential Frenchiness is at its best. Coco Chanel, Isabel Marant and Phoebe Philo are my 3 fashion goddesses.
In my career, I have almost always worked in this fascinating mix of creative and managerial. A lot of fashion offices require fast pace, structure and creativity + adaptation all at once, so that’s what I am best at - being “a creative manager”. That’s what I could offer to be part of this industry where detail oriented and creative immediate implementation is a strong asset.
Creativity and crafts are my element since I was born making stuff as well as fixing, repairing, re-using (grew up with a mom, the industrial designer). Re-using is a big part of my current venture.
Writing about style and societal phenomena is another passion of mine, (I have a Master’s in Journalism); since I was 18 years old I had my own style advice column in one of the best-selling magazine in the Baltics.
I started my second jewelry company after spending some time at Just One Eye in LA. JUNETHINGS jewelry has been worn by very loyal clients who can’t get enough of it and wear it everyday (my main goal is this timeless aspect of jewelry) but also by public personas such as Courteney Cox, Julia Roberts, Jessica Chastain, Charlotte Lawrence, Courtney Trop, Caitlan Hickey, Kendall Jenner, Madeline Fass, Debora Watson, Tali Lennox, Brooke Shields, Kriste Stankeviciute, Beata Tishkevich, Emily Weiss - I just realized how awesome this list is after writing it!!
JUNETHINGS is not only jewelry but also styling consultancy, and recently I added a sustainability aspect - I help people repair and recycle their belongings - be it their emotionally important but never worn grandmother's necklace which they want to incorporate in a new and fresh way (we would take it apart and reassemble with a twist); or a dress that feels too fancy or stuffy which we split in two with a seamstress and make a new life for the item. Reducing the waste and inviting people to see value in old things rather than buying per se is my goal here. Honestly, we all have enough. It’s time to focus on different forms and shapes of newness by occasionally getting something new that really excites us.
This work is super satisfying where I get to be of service for women - empowering them and inspiring to be more confident, and for the world - reducing waste and textile in the landfills. Teaching do-it-yourself and artistic aspect helps to consume mindfully and consume less of crap. As a cherry on top - I also do merchandising as a freelancer which is also something I wholeheartedly love.
So many things in here - always looking for new projects to get involved, new people to meet and new adventures to launch into.
What do you wish you’d known when you started out?
> That a lot of people are figuring it out as they go. You don’t have to know all before you start. Just start!!
> Don’t be afraid to ask. A lot of people are very happy to help.
> Don’t be embarrassed to take everything seriously. Good results require a lot of hard work, discipline, and even hardship.
Best career advice you've ever received?
> If you are in doubt, it’s a NO.
> Also, your energy goes where you put your attention to.
What leadership qualities are important to you?
> Work like it’s your own company.
> Courage, humility, curiosity, initiative, responsibility, accountability, teamwork, respect for others - a good person is always a gold standard.
What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far?
> Coming to this country without really knowing anyone.
Which I see as value now - it helped me grow tremendously and become a better me.
And for fun, what is your favorite wardrobe staple?
My uniform: texturized black silk shorts below the knees + ample sleeveless top in the same fabric. I wear this with my Nike Air Forces, with loafers, with cut at the ankle thighs (I have learned that from Isabel Marant who wore them when she was pregnant with her son when I was working with her), with suede boots, ballerinas, etc. Also with a masculine blazer, cardigan, or a trench coat basically a whole year round in California.
It's comfortable - makes me feel confident - fun & creative but at the same time makes me invisible and doesn’t require more than 5 minutes in the morning. Chic and sporty - something between Paris and LA which is always my state of mind.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yurga-juozapa/
Website: www.junethings.com
Instagram: @junethings_official
