Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Parker.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up on a farm in Eastern North Carolina so I’ve always had a strong connection to nature and the land. In college I majored in Landscape Design. I think I intuitively knew it was a blend of what I knew from the farm combined with creativity.
Once I was out in the world, I saw that there were so many things to explore and one of the ways I did that was by trying out different careers. I was a floral designer, a hairstylist, a project manager in construction and I was a metalsmith and had my own jewelry business. Within these careers, I learned a lot about myself and about working with all kinds of people. Then about five years ago, I realized that landscape design was actually the best career fit for me all along.
I started working for a design-build company here in San Diego. I spent a lot of time getting better acquainted with all the plant options in San Diego because they’re totally different than what I learned in North Carolina. I would spend hours at local nurseriesand gardens and then online learning more about the plants. I love some of the natives here but I also drool over the Australian and South African plants we can grow. I love all the parts of landscape design but I’d say the plants are where I get really passionate.
After a couple of years working for the firm, I went out on my own and created Soulful Spaces.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I wouldn’t say it’s been an easy road but it has been an interesting one. One of the things that was tricky for me was that it took me a while to figure out what I wanted to focus on. Now I understand part of that was necessary for me to explore and develop myself. As a creative person, I have an inner drive to constantly recreate myself and try new things. Now that I feel settled, I see that I can nurture that need for creativity in how I design and expand my business as much as in the actual designs I do.
The other thing that was a learning curve for me was understanding that just because my life looked different than a lot of other people that didn’t make it wrong. We live in this culture that supposedly gives methods for what we’re supposed to do in order to be successful. Many of those things didn’t feel right to me so I thought I needed to adjust myself. It took a while to see that I get to create a life that feels good to me and that I get to determine my own version of success.
For other young women, there are a few things I’d say based on my experiences.
Take the time to develop your instincts and intuition. We’re often taught to push down our intuition but it’s actually a superpower. I think we have an opportunity to bring a more human, intuitive perspective to business and to the world as a whole. I say jump in there and be part of that change by contributing to the conversation, even if it sounds foreign to the other things being said and done. We’re looking for new solutions to old (and new) problems so it’s great if things sound weird at first. That’s a sign that we’re thinking differently.
My other suggestion is to surround yourself with strong, genuine, supportive women. There’s simply nothing else like it in the world.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Soulful Spaces – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I’d say the overriding theme in my work is connection. I get to be part of creating spaces where people will be connecting with their loved ones. I’m also helping to connect them to nature and to their memories of time spent in nature. Maybe most importantly, I want people to feel connected to themselves in the places I design.
Since we live in this amazing climate, one of my main focuses is creating outdoor rooms or spaces with an indoor-outdoor flow. There’s a certain freedom and expansion when we have experiences outside. We’re able to connect with the elements in a different way than when we’re in an enclosed space; regardless of how cozy it is.
My other commitment is to be a steward of the Earth. There are so many layers and connections within every single environment and I want to be respectful and contribute in a positive way.
I do full landscape designs and also work with smaller patios and balconies to create outdoor rooms. I also work with clients to create healing and memorial gardens. One of the things clients love about working with me is the 3D program I use which can really give them the feel of the space with different materials and colors.
Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
I think how I grew up showed me the importance of community and having integrity. These are big themes in my life and work.
It also gave me tenacity and grit that has served me really well in anything I’ve set out to do in my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.createsoulfulspaces.com/
- Phone: 6196724440
- Email: julia@createsoulfulspaces.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulfulspaces/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoulfulSpaces77/
Image Credit:
Monique Feil
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