We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Julie Fuller a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Julie, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
This is a tricky question and a little hard to answer. I would like to think that I am over impostor syndrome but it seems to creep back in whenever it wants. It’s hard not to get totally bogged down by social media and thinking you could be doing more, producing more, doing all of the things. However what has really helped me is to just think of it differently. I just keep the perspective that everyone grows and does things at a different pace and that it’s just really rad that so many creatives are out there putting amazing work into the world.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I have made jewelry on and off for a long time, but it was not something I ever really focused on. Then, towards the end of 2020, I realized I needed something creative to focus on and a place to put that creative energy that I had put on hold.
Starting out, I really only knew three things I wanted these pieces to be. I wanted each piece to be one of a kind. Something you can pick out, fall in love with, and know that you are the only person with that piece of jewelry. To me, there is something really special about that.
I realized that during 2020, color had brought me comfort. I wanted to be surrounded by it, and I also wanted to wear it. So, I knew I wanted to play a lot with color and the mixing of colors. Now, I am constantly looking for amazing color combos anywhere I go, whether it is a mix of colors that was thoughtfully planned out or some random colors that happen to be next to each other out in nature or on a building or something.
I also knew that I wanted to only use vintage beads. Vintage clothing is my love language. I live in vintage denim and vintage t-shirts and wanted to make pieces that would mix well with other vintage or be worn with anything else.
So now, I have been doing this for 3 1/2 years, and it has grown in a way I couldn’t have ever imagined. I truly get excited for every single order placed, or anytime I see anyone wearing a piece of mine. I love seeing how people style their pieces and make them their very own.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Honestly when I started Lawn Party I really didn’t know if I would drop the first collection and maybe some friends and family would buy it and that would be that. Honestly, it was more of a hobby and I needed to put creative energy somewhere. I had no idea it would take off and some many people would want to be wearing Lawn Party. So, I really don’t feel like I went into it with much knowledge or experience. However, I feel extremely lucky and grateful everyday that I am still getting to do this 3 1/2 years later. It’s really wild to me!
I think the best thing is to talk to other creatives whether they are in your field or not. I do this a lot on social media and DM with other small business owners to see what is working for them and what is not when it comes to marketing and getting their business out into the world.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
Oh gosh, I mean, new and different challenges come up daily. Lawn Party is a party of one, so trying to do all the things every day and figuring out which of those things are the most pertinent for that day. Right now it’s really just taking it day by day to not feel completely overwhelmed with what I am doing or need to be doing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lawnparty.store
- Instagram: lawnparty
Image Credits
Whitney DeVoto
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