20 questions with Julia Friedman
Julia Friedmann
@juliafriedmann
Photography by RYAN CHUA
Hello gorgeous, Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Hello! I’m born and raised in Los Angeles, California which is where I currently live. I am a lifestyle blogger and have a passion for creating and exploring. I am also an aspiring actress. Acting has been a passion of mine since I was 15 but life and school got in the way and I recently got back into it!
How would you define yourself in three words?
Savvy, compassionate, and ambitious.
In what ways have you been incorporating self – care into your daily routine?
I have been exercising regularly and taking my goldendoodle puppy on lots of walks which has been great for both of us! I also am very passionate about skincare. I love to mask about three times a week.
What’s the most fulfilling part of your job?
Meeting and connecting with people.
Can you tell us about an exciting time in your career?
I went to Italy with Atelier Cologne last year and it was the most amazing trip. We covered almost all of the Amalfi Coast and Southern Italy to local fruit groves and extraction facilities.
What would you title this current chapter in your life?
“The Rebirth”
How do you educate yourself on ways of maintaining healthy skin?
From fellow bloggers and beauty gurus, YouTube is great for honest opinions from real people as well!
What do you love most about Pixi Beauty?
That they are 1000% cruelty-free.
What are your top 3 favorite Pixi Beauty products?
Oooh I love their It’s Eye Time eyeshadow palette, their MultiBalm, and their brow gel!
What does the word empowerment mean to you?
I like to think of empowerment as a way to internally lift yourself (and those around you) by expressions of both passion and reason.
In what ways do you use your platform for the greater good?
I am very verbal with my beliefs on all my different platforms. I have been educating myself from people I follow and really finding time to take action by not working with brands who discriminate against any race or religion. I allow no hate speech on my account and I will have an argument (if necessary) with anyone who challenges my opinions on the much needed reform of this country.
During these tough times, what has kept you motivated?
Honestly, the thought of traveling again, but working out has definitely been my savior.
How do you remain fit, active, and healthy with stay-at-home orders intact?
In Los Angeles, gyms have finally begun to reopen. I have a personal trainer that I train with 4 times a week. Before the gyms were open I really liked doing Melissa Wood Heath and Wundabar On Demand which are both online pilates/yoga workout programs.
As a creative in quarantine, how have you found inspiration and ways to create?
I really have had time to focus on what makes me truly happy and what I am actually passionate creating content about, I started my YouTube channel at the start of the pandemic and it has become the thing I look forward to doing every week
(I post every Wednesday on there).
What and/or who has had the most influence on your growth and why?
I don’t think there is a single person, but I think myself. I am pretty hard on myself and being self-employed at 22 comes with the responsibility of holding yourself accountable day in and day out.
How can you as an individual actively take part in fighting a system of oppression and standing in solidarity with your peers of color to amplify their voices?
Well to start, I did a ton of research and learned what I can do to help fight. I have hard conversations, I actively post accurate information on my socials, and I will not support any company that discriminates against any religion or race. This is only the beginning for me, I know I can do more and I know I still have a lot to learn.
How have you found ways to educate yourself and those around you?
I follow and am friends with a bunch of influencers who are constantly posting useful information on their socials. I turn to them first, then I do my own research via Google and Twitter.
What do you think are ways that others can help society and our surrounding communities?
In my mind it’s very simple: don’t be a racist prick, yet many people have stereotypes ingrained into them and so I think we need to turn to the younger generations and people my age to truly show the future generations that we are all one and that we, as a whole, will not tolerate any discrimination in any environment. I was brought up with the idea that everyone is equal and that we are all given an equal opportunity, however just the mere fact that I am white is a privilege. I have had to educate myself and I think most people need to educate themselves. My advice to you would be: Have the uncomfortable conversations, shift peoples opinions, and help pave the path for change.
In what ways has your life changed due to current events?
I’ve been suffering with anxiety and honestly sadness. I can’t believe the suffering and loss our country is experiencing. The future is just so unknown, it’d scary.
What advice do you have for someone who aspires to create a career like your own?
Do not take no for an answer. If someone tells you no, you’re talking to the wrong person. Be passionate, be original, be you! No one is you, it’s your superpower.
