Today, we’d like to introduce you to Julie Alexandria.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
“You Deserve A Medal” began as an homage to my grandmother, who came to the US in the 50s and collected Silver Dollars. After her passing, I wanted a way to wear one of her coins from her personal collection. It started with making just one and grew through word of mouth and Instagram. One of my New Year’s resolutions was to launch a small capsule collection, and in February, I presented 12 pieces, all handmade, which sold out in a week.
After that, I started to source more vintage chains and findings and eventually started the Instagram page, where I showcase new designs and bespoke creations weekly. I make and design the types of things I, myself, like to wear. I was always crafty and had to come up with creative ways to stand out while I was Broadcasting as a TV host and Sideline Reporter (my prior career).
I came up with the name “You Deserve a Medal” because – hey- we have all been through A LOT in the past few years, and I believe there is this collective energy of knowing we have all been through it, and we must keep going. We have all been affected by the events over the past few years, some more than others.
And still, we persevere, and thus, you deserve a medal. I’m thrilled to announce my collaboration with the Pendry Hotel in Newport, CA, featuring a collection of 13 one-of-a-kind pieces on display at the private Elwood Club and the Pendry Spa. In addition to selling via IG, I will also be hosting pop-ups in La Jolla, NYC, Chicago, and Kauai.
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting your own business and putting your art out there for others to consume is always nerve-wracking. Will they like it? Will they wear it? Whenever I get doubtful, I remind myself that my eye for composition and textures, colors and mixed metals, and styling is the secret sauce to each piece.
There was a bit of a technical learning curve as I had to learn new ways to work with the materials I wanted to use – even some I had little experience working with. I’m always striving to come up with new ideas, designs, and configurations, and I am inspired daily. Sometimes they hit, and sometimes they miss – but it’s all been a part of the learning and growing experience.
Putting a price on my work was something I never anticipated to be such an internal struggle. I want people to enjoy the experience of getting a one-of-a-kind, handmade piece of jewelry. I want the necklaces to be accessible and collectible at a price point that works for many. I try to use the best materials and offer the best value and biggest impact. Trust me when I say – these necklaces will garner so much attention and compliments; you’re gonna want more than one!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe you can tell us more about your work next?
In my former life, I performed on the Broadway stage in the award show Red Carpets and the Sidelines. I was a TV host and sports reporter with a background in theater, having performed and toured NYC and around the world. I then pivoted to Sports Reporting and Hosting after the economic downturn, and once I realized that Sports was recession-proof, I never looked back.
Famous for the Sports Drink baths on the field at the hands of players, my Hosting career took off and landed me jobs with Fox, CBS Sports, MTV, ESPN, and MLB Network. The San Diego Padres job brought me from NYC to America’s Finest City, and after my year covering the team was up, I decided to stay. In 2020, my husband and I launched a natural deodorant brand called Hume Supernatural, which I am proud to say you can now find at any Sprouts, Whole Foods, and Ralphs grocery stores, along with our flagship, Seaside Market in Cardiff.
As the mom to 5-year-old Kingston, I wanted to work from home and continue to do voiceovers (Voice acting) for various commercials and films via my home studio. “You Deserve A Medal” was not something I planned to “be a thing” and I refer to it as my “knitting”. Making these jewelry pieces is a way to decompress from the day, it’s my creative outlet, and my way to bring joy to others. I rely on feelings, not what I see others doing or what the trends are.
If I like a certain bead or stone – I add it. If I feel like something is too shiny, I make it even brighter. I don’t put any restrictions on my designs and solely go off of what I would be proud to wear.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Growing up in the theater, I have so many wonderful memories of being onstage professionally as early as middle school. It gave me a deep appreciation for costumes, props, and accessories. I remember vividly acting out scenes in my living room at home and designing costumes and headpieces for each musical number.
I love how a piece of jewelry can tell a story about a character. I want my pieces to become an extension of the wearer, and to project how they would like to be perceived.
Pricing:
- $95.00 – $350
Contact Info:
- Website: www.juliealexandria.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliesgoldcoins/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1077393234
Image Credits
@Jdixxphotography
