Meet Julianna Aguirre Martinez | Creative Director, Stylist, & Model

We had the good fortune of connecting with Julianna Aguirre Martinez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Julianna, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor that has contributed to the success within my creative journey has been establishing a community. As a independent creative and someone who previously did not have access to the technology and resources I do now, starting from scratch can be difficult and overwhelming. Through building relationships with likeminded individuals I have been able to not only gain a support system but as well get the opportunity to work along side and learn from other creatives from my city.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

My name is Julianna Aguirre Martinez, I’m a creative director, stylist, and model born and raised in Highland Park, Los Angles. At a young age I always had a drive to be apart of the creative field. However, it seemed farfetched given the lack of conversations around the topic. In High school I decided to begin modeling, which consisted of me moving around all my furniture to one side of the room, so that I had a blank wall to take photos in front of, or collaborating with photographers from my community. Slowly, I was able to build my portfolio and brands started reaching out. With the realization that I was styling and producing these collaborative passion projects, I began to look more into creative direction.

Fast forward a year after deciding to focus on creative direction, I have successfully directed two runway shows and currently directing “Ambiente Central” which is the curation of stories and sounds carried down by the new generation of Latin Americans born and raised in Los Angeles. My work is heavily influenced by my identity being raised Mexican and Honduran in Los Angeles. I drive inspo from walking out my house and seeing the ongoing changes in my community from the heavy gang violence in the early 2000, to the mass gentrification that has displaced many families in present day. I not only like to pay light to the mourning in my community but as well focus on highlighting the faces that came from those same communities, how others just like myself have been able to use their environment as an influence and motive to go against stereotypical conversations but put on for their community in a positive light.

Its definitely easier said than done, there were multiple times I felt like giving up because the fear of failure. Battling your own self thoughts has been the most difficult process but having that drive to create something bigger/longterm has always overpowered any other negative thought. Finding the balance between personal relationships, life, work, and the relationship with myself has also made it easier to take a second an breathe and allow myself to take those moments of reflection.

The biggest lesson I have learned along the way is being patient within all areas of my life ranging from work, relationships, and opportunities. One thing I would like the world to know about myself and my creative journey is that it all started with an idea and a passion. I had a set goal and knew I needed to reach it but didn’t know how. Instead of waiting around I took the time to educate myself, network, and invest. Something as simple as getting out of your comfort zone and entering conversations you would shy away from could have the potential to redirect you to new paths.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I had a friend that didn’t live in the city and came to visit LA for the weekend I would for sure have to take them to the callejones or santee alley. If you were raised in LA you know that the callejones has everything you need from basic ts, jewelry, vintage clothes, botas, food, music, and more. A good place for food would be Hurache Azteca in Highland Park, it was been a staple for as long as I came remember, my favorite dish is the carne asada Hurache. For a quick outdoor hike I would take my friend to Debs Recreational Park. There are multiple hiking trails to choose from with an amazing view of Northeast LA and the Dodger Stadium. 

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
If I had a friend that didn’t live in the city and came to visit LA for the weekend I would for sure have to take them to the callejones or santee alley. If you were raised in LA you know that the callejones has everything you need from basic ts, jewelry, vintage clothes, botas, food, music, and more. A good place for food would be Hurache Azteca in Highland Park, it was been a staple for as long as I came remember, my favorite dish is the carne asada Hurache. For a quick outdoor hike I would take my friend to Debs Recreational Park. There are multiple hiking trails to choose from with an amazing view of Northeast LA and the Dodger Stadium. 

Instagram: juliannna.am

Other: Tik Tok: juliannna.am

Image Credits
@noface.06 @johnnysecko @briasxgraphy @californiazomb Instagram