Meet Lacey OLeary and Julia Wunner Brilly Design co | Muralist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lacey OLeary and Julia Wunner Brilly Design co and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lacey OLeary and Julia Wunner, what do you attribute your success to?
The success of our business is a tapestry woven from various elements, but at its core lies the bedrock of mutual respect that defines our partnership. We revel in the joy of working as a dynamic duo. While it’s true that each of us could have embarked on this journey alone, we both know that our union is a force to be reckoned with. I wholeheartedly place my trust in Julia’s creative vision, her meticulous process, and her unwavering professionalism. There are moments when I lean on her expertise, just as there are times when she relies on mine. With Julia, I can always count on receiving honest feedback, as she is driven by the same desire to nurture our business and grow to our greatest potential. A partnership may encounter its fair share of challenges, but when two individuals share the same aspirations and pour their energy into cultivating what matters most to them, that relationship undoubtedly becomes the most important factor behind their success.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Lacey: It all began with a weathered fence, a symbol of my frustration during the pandemic. In 2021, I was feeling defeated in my job search and turned to art as therapy. A close friend mentioned her plan to replace her ugly fence, so I offered to paint it before she took it down. Over three days, I poured my heart into creating a tropical scene that she fell in love with. To this day, the fence remains, a testament to the impact of art. Those weekends became my sanctuary as I sought out walls to paint, fueling my obsession. I knew I needed more than just another artist’s help; I needed someone who shared my artistic vision.

Julia: As a self-taught artist from an artistic family, I had just finished my Graphic Design degree in 2021, only to be met with the challenges of the pandemic. I diligently applied for jobs, feeling discouraged by the lack of opportunities. Out of the blue, Lacey, an old schoolmate I barely knew, called me with a random proposition to paint a mural together. We embarked on the creation of a wide, colorful beach scene that surprised us both with its seamless blend of our creative styles. That day, we decided on a business name, marking the beginning of our journey. Since then, we have collaborated on over 60 murals and counting.

Our path hasn’t been smooth sailing. As self-employed artists with a business license, we encountered bumps along the way. Slow periods in business tested our resilience, and we braced ourselves for their recurrence. During these times, we seized the opportunity to explore new avenues and make the most of our time. Another challenge we faced was navigating taxes, a complex aspect of sustaining our business. Learning to manage our finances required dedication and collaboration with financial professionals.

Our true passion lies in designing and installing artwork that transforms spaces. Every project is a deliberate and customized endeavor. We involve our clients in the designing process, taking the time to understand their unique businesses, homes, or organizations. Our goal is to let their individuality shine through our work. This approach has allowed us to connect with incredible individuals who have left a lasting impact on us. We hope that, in return, we have made a positive difference in their lives and work.

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?
Julia lives in Los Angeles county and Lacey straddles Orange County and San Diego County. So we have a lot of ground to cover! Here are our favorite spots and where we would take our visitors! All wrapped up in a weekly Itinerary… If Lacey and Julia were planning a week-long trip to show their best friend the highlights of Southern California, they would aim for a blend of iconic attractions and local favorites. Here’s an itinerary that showcases the best of SoCal:

Day 1: Los Angeles
Start your day at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) to admire the diverse collections and take a photo beneath the “Urban Light” installation. In the afternoon, head to Griffith Observatory for stunning views of the city and stars1. For dinner, enjoy some of LA’s famous food truck cuisine.

Day 2: Santa Monica
Explore this coastal city near LA known for its iconic beach, pier, and shopping district2. Feast on fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants.

Day 3: San Diego
Kick off your day by hiking the coast at Torrey Pines3. Then, spend the afternoon beach hopping, perhaps even spotting sea lions and seals3. For dinner, savor authentic Mexican cuisine in Old Town.

Day 4: San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park
Visit the renowned San Diego Zoo45, followed by a leisurely stroll through Balboa Park6 with its multitude of gardens, museums, and cultural venues. Dine at one of the park’s eateries.

Day 5: La Jolla
Spend the day in “The Village” of La Jolla, exploring its boutiques, art galleries, and museums7. Don’t miss the opportunity to snorkel with leopard sharks8 or visit Sunny Jim’s Cave8.

Day 6: Belmont Park and Mission Beach
Enjoy the amusement rides at Belmont Park8, then relax at Mission Beach5. As the sun sets, have a beachfront barbecue.

Day 7: Free Day
Dedicate the last day to revisiting favorite spots or exploring new ones like the Pacific Marine Mammal Center9 or Queen Califia Magical Circle!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to our fathers! In the early days, launching our business and establishing ourselves in the industry was no easy feat. However, we were fortunate to have two incredible dads who were willing to go above and beyond to ensure our success. They scoured Craigslist for deals on essential equipment, such as ladders, that we couldn’t afford at the time. Whenever a major project required the use of a lift or scaffolding, one of our dads would surprise us with a visit to ensure our safety. And when we were working nearby, we could always count on them to drop by with sandwiches to keep us fueled. Lacey’s dad assisted us with our taxes during our first year, while Julia’s dad built us a remarkable 100 square foot wood canvas in less than 24 hours for an impromptu mural job. Whenever we have doubts or need guidance, our fathers (who happen to live just one block apart) are there to offer unwavering support, encouragement, and wisdom. They are our biggest cheerleaders, instilling in us the confidence to overcome any obstacle.

Website: Brillydesignco.com

Instagram: @brillydesignco

Other: TikTok: @brillydesignco