We had the good fortune of connecting with Julien Elizabeth and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Julien, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
Beyond skill, finding growth in the wellness and yoga space requires continuous personal work to maintain and expand self-worth. Having a service-based business that is based on self-offerings requires knowing the self, respecting the self, and staying true to self through it all. This is tough and brave work! In this space we’re balancing a lot – not only our craft, but also marketing, operations, scheduling, customer service and more. In the beginning, pay does not always follow effort, which requires a lot of willpower to stay positive and perseverant.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart from others is my willingness to try new things and get creative with what I’m offering. I am endlessly learning and growing and not afraid to pivot and take risks. This ability to say yes and dive in has been a big part of my success and an even larger part of how I’ve learned and stayed true to myself. As I look towards the future, I am really excited to be able to offer more experiences for people to get in touch with these deeper aspects of themselves. I’ve been expanding my business a lot through virtual retreats and programs and am really thrilled by the intimacy and reach that’s possible in this space. I’m also really looking forward to being able to create hybrid online and offline experiences as we are able to expand back into in-person events and retreats. Last year I co-created an Astrology and Stargazing Retreat with a fellow teacher, which was such a cool way to bring astrology to life. My journey has not been easy and I still come up against doubt and inner-conflict, but through it all I continue to say yes to what inspires me. When I feel inspiration flowing through me, I cannot turn it off. I’ve come to trust this flow and know when I feel it I am on to something. Along the way, I have learned that to stay compassionate and open in this field of work requires strong boundaries and focus. I’ve had to say no or walk away from opportunities and relationships that I care a lot about, but are no longer working out. I can be one to wallow and dwell, so I’ve had to recognize that I am not here to be nice or self-sacrificing, but strong and true. This has been everything. I want people to know that this brand is intrinsically connected to who I am as a person and my own growth. I am committed to developing as an individual and I am always in studentship. My journey is one of trust – I trust and believe in my own evolution and I trust and believe in yours. In everything I do, I hope I can contribute in a way that helps you feel grounded and safe so that they can be open to the power of your own transformation. This is my priority to myself and to those I work with.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh! I love this question. I have lived on both the Westside and Eastside, so anyone coming to visit won’t stick around one area of LA – there’s too much magic in this city to stay in one place. My favorite way to explore any place is to drive, walk and bike so my first suggestion is pick a neighborhood and explore! On the westside, Venice is one of the best areas to wander, window shop and people watch, especially around the boardwalk, Erewhon and Abbott Kinney. There’s nothing better then Flower Boy Project for coffee and toasts and my yoga home Love Yoga Space across the street for a class. Even if you’re virtual, their online classes are led by some of the world’s best and most creative teachers. I’m also a big fan of Mar Vista and their restaurants: Lodge Bread, Little Fatty and Alana’s Coffee are some favorites and I’m always into tea or a cocktail at Casa Del Mar in Santa Monica. For Beach and Nature I usually go north up the coast – Hiking in Will Rodgers park is my go-to so that I can visit with the horses, Leo Carillo is my favorite for a lazy day reading at the beach or just across the PCH for a quick hike. Eastside, I really love spending a day Los Feliz, perusing the selection at Skylight Books and the shops on Vermont Ave. followed by happy hour at Cafe Figaro or a sunset picnic at the Observatory in Griffith Park. My favorite lunch spot in LA right now is Jewel in Silverlake. Hands down they have the best coffee, plant-based creations and friendly vibes. Clearly, I love coffee and food!
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
So much of my success is directly attributed to the people who have supported me by joining in a class, signing up for readings, coming to workshops or participating in retreats and programs. I am endlessly inspired by anyone stepping into transformation. Friends, mentors and guides have been a huge part of my growth as well, often reminding me to keep going. I have to give huge thanks to everyone I have studied with, learned from, collaborated and co-created with (at this point it’s too many to name!)
Website: www.julienelizabeth.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/julienelizabeth
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julienhatfield/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/julienelizabeth
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXW1rX6E3a5L8ndeeAwG0jg
Image Credits
Grayson Gilbert Tyana Arviso cartera Wild Child Village