We had the good fortune of connecting with Julio Chavez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Julio, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born in Watsonville, CA and raised in Aurora, IL. When we lived in Watsonville, my family worked in the strawberry fields and we lived in a small hut on the property owner’s ranch. When I was 2, my mom and I moved to Chicago for a couple years and later settled in Aurora, IL. My mom and I lived with her sister and my cousin and I remember my mom and my aunt worked multiple jobs to support us. To pass time I would draw, which helped me tap into my creative side. We didn’t have much and seeing my mom always working to support me instilled in me the work ethic I have now. I’m always working on different designs and pushing my boundaries to learn different techniques.

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.
I started out shoemaking by taking a week long workshop and never really stopped. I’ve come a long way in my design and craft. I’m most proud that I can make contemporary, wearable pieces that are out in the world.

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?
I would show them around my neighborhood, Highland Park. You can get a juice at Tropical Juice LA, try to catch a Leaving Records live set at Tierra De La Culebra Park or a movie at Highland Theater. I like Galco’s Old World Grocery for a soda pop and sandwiches, Triple Beam or Town for a slice of pizza, El Huarache Azteca or any of the many pop up taco vendors for Mexican. Uno market has the best carnitas in town. I’d also take them hiking with our dogs Ruby and Maude around Eagle Rock Canyon Trail. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Mom. She has sacrificed so much for me and emigrated to the US from Mexico to provide a better life for me. Whenever I am working on something, I think about how to make it something she’d be proud of. She’s my mentor, my style icon, my number one supporter.

Website: https://solidstatestudios.us/

Instagram: @solidstatestudios

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