Today we’d like to introduce you to Junuen.
Hi Junuen , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Junuen Navarrete. I’m an architect by profession, but for more than eight years I’ve dedicated my life to art, creativity, and live experiences. I currently lead two projects that have shaped my career: UNIKA Painting Bar, the first painting bar in Baja California located in Tijuana, and Live Painting by Junuen Art, where I create live watercolor illustrations for weddings, special events, and corporate celebrations.
I was one of the first artists in Mexico to offer this type of live painting service, and today I’m proud to bring it to cities across the country and even to Europe. In the past year and a half, I’ve had the honor of painting at more than 30 destination weddings, each one allowing me to connect with people on one of the most meaningful days of their lives.
My background in architecture has played a key role in developing strong perspective, composition, and the speed required to paint live. When I first started, I experimented with painting on bags, jackets, and other items, but I soon realized that my true passion was creating artistic experiences and building something that could generate opportunities—not only for myself, but for other artists as well.
What began as a small personal venture eventually grew into a creative community, providing work for several artists and shaping what UNIKA and Junuen Art are today. Seeing this community flourish in Tijuana has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Introducing a completely new experience to Mexico—one that had existed almost exclusively in Europe—was far from easy. Bringing something unfamiliar into a new market comes with uncertainty, slow openings, and people who don’t yet understand what you do. But when you choose to trust your vision and move forward despite the fear, something beautiful happens: people begin to recognize your work, connect with your artistry, and embrace what once felt unfamiliar.
Social media became an essential bridge in this journey. It allowed me to share my art, tell stories, and reach people I never imagined. Yet beyond the digital aspect, it required something much deeper: letting go of the fear of the unknown, daring to speak in public, showing my process, my hands at work, my nerves, my dreams.
This growth has been both professional and deeply personal. Looking back, I realize that every step has been an exercise in breaking my own patterns, turning fear into momentum rather than a barrier. Today, I know that every moment spent outside my comfort zone has led me to places I never thought possible… and to the artist and woman I have become.
This path hasn’t been simple. Beyond the artistic side, there’s also a corporate and administrative world that many of us don’t consider at the beginning—contracts, logistics, client communication, and anticipating potential challenges. These are lessons I learned through experience, and they have become an essential part of my professional growth.
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Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I create art that lives in the moment. Whether I’m painting live at a wedding or guiding people through creative experiences at UNIKA Painting Bar, my work is centered on connection—capturing emotions, stories, and the beauty of being present.
What I’m most proud of is the way art has allowed me to touch people’s lives. Seeing someone’s reaction as their portrait comes to life, or watching a community grow around creativity, has been more meaningful than I ever imagined.
What sets me apart is my heart for the experience behind the art. I don’t just paint; I listen, I observe, and I honor the moment. My goal is always to create something that feels personal, warm, and unforgettable—something that reminds people of the magic that exists in everyday life.
What’s next?
My future plans are to continue growing my artist studio. We are currently a team of six artists working under the name Junuen Art Studio, and my goal is to expand while preserving the quality and warmth that define our work. I also want to strengthen our presence in the corporate world—especially in brand activations, which we already do on a smaller scale. Now, I’m excited to focus on this area and allow it to grow into something much bigger.
Pricing:
- Live painting Tijuana BC starts at 800 Dlls / small package
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/junuen.art?igsh=Nm83NTd5aTdjaGQy&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DTi8hXGfN/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@junuen.art?_r=1&_t=ZS-923zEME0F2z
