We’re looking forward to introducing you to Julyanna Roza. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Julyanna, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately, I’ve been finding so much joy in a side project with my husband – we’ve been designing and building furniture for our home! I usually start with sketches and mood boards, and he adds his own ideas (and skills!) to bring everything to life. We’re surprisingly good at compromising and finding that sweet spot where both our aesthetics and passions come together.
Of course, it comes with its challenges – surprise design changes, split wood, moving huge pieces upstairs – but we genuinely enjoy the process (and the result). Thrift shopping has also become part of the fun, and between the two, it’s been such a fulfilling way to make our space feel truly ours.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Julyanna, the artist behind Mona Botanical Jewelry, a nature-inspired brand where I turn real flowers into wearable art. Each piece is handmade with love using high-quality resin and natural elements like preserved botanicals, wood, and metal -designed to celebrate the delicate, raw beauty of nature.
Right now, I’m in the early stages of developing a second jewelry line – more to come soon! I’d love to come back and share all the details when it’s ready.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
I don’t think I could name just one person – I’ve learned about work from so many people in my life. My time in the corporate world gave me the foundation to manage a business, while my husband has helped bring my brand to life with beautifully crafted displays and a strong visual identity. A good friend guided me through the world of merchandising, and the kids around me have this magical way of reminding me to see nature with fresh, curious eyes.
And a big shoutout to my mom – her bold fashion sense and fearless style have definitely inspired me to create some of my most unique, statement-making pieces.
And then there’s me – a curious, self-taught, constantly tinkering kind of person. I’m always looking for new ways to do things, always challenging myself to grow. So I guess the real answer is: a mix of everyone… plus a little bit of that restless creative energy that never lets me stay still for too long.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
I’m an only child, and growing up, I always dreamed of being someone’s big sister. I had tons of cousins and a close-knit family, but when I was home alone, I’d channel my boredom into creative time – playing music, learning instruments, writing stories, coloring, dancing… you name it, I did it!
Looking back, I think those quiet moments taught me patience, focus, and the joy of making something from nothing. I’m a big believer in “creative boredom” – in learning how to entertain yourself and explore your imagination when no one else is around. That mindset has definitely shaped the artist (and person) I am today.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
I’m honestly kind of curious what people think of me -I tend to keep things pretty low key when it comes to my personal life, both on my personal and business accounts. I focus mostly on my work rather than sharing much about my day-to-day lifestyle.
I’d actually love to share more, but I’m a bit camera shy, and I don’t have the skills (yet!) to film and edit content the way I imagine it. Most of the time, I realize something would’ve made great content only after the moment has passed. So while the public version of me is real, it’s definitely a quieter, more curated version – and maybe one day I’ll get more comfortable showing the behind-the-scenes, too.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say I was someone who noticed beauty in unexpected places and saw life through a kind lens.
One of my favorite memories is from the time a wild bird stayed with me for almost two weeks. I was sitting by a canyon, eating an apple, when she landed on my head, then slowly made her way to my hand and started sharing the apple with me. Just like that, I had a bird companion!!! She stuck by my side, full of personality. I’d take her on walks perched on my shoulder like some kind of real-life fairytale.
One night, she flew off into the sky — and that was that. But I still have photos and videos, including the moment she chose me
Contact Info:
- Website: https://monabotanicaljewelry.net
- Instagram: @mona.botanicaljewelry
- Other: https://monarequests-zocus.wordpress.com
