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

Hi Juliana, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My though process behind starting my own business was creativity freedom. It’s as simple as that. When I started my business, I wanted to reach down inside of me to find that creative soul before I became a wife and a mother. I started my own business because I needed to have something of my own that I can get lost in, something that I am passionate about other than being a housewife and a mother. I love my husband and my kids, but I wanted to be an example to my children, that anything is possible with hard work, love, support, and prioritization.

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 business is that I hand-make bridal headpieces. What sets me a part from others is that I actually do all the metal work, bead work, and all the rhinestone work. My headpieces are not bought somewhere else and I slab my name on it, no, I actually design the pieces and hand-make them myself. One of many reasons why I started my business is because I wanted to be creative with what I love, which is sparkly things such as rhinestones and crystals. I am slowly building my name and reputation by word-of-mouth, and I am here today because of those brides who recommended me to their friends. Once a bride reaches out to me, I am locked in to her. I want to make her happy as much as possible, because ultimately that is my job. I get super excited when I see my bride’s reactions when they see their custom piece for the first time, it is priceless! It isn’t easy now a days though, especially with the health of our country currently; however, I am hopeful that the wedding industry will once again be flourished with newly love and passion that it once had before the pandemic. I’ve learned many lessons so far along the way through my journey, but the most important lesson I learned early on was that not every bride will like my creations…and that is perfectly fine! I came to realization as an artist that it is ok to have viewers who like my headpieces but would never purchase them due to the simple fact that the headpiece is not of their style. I am perfectly fine with that, because I ultimately want the bride to be happy with her headpiece that I created so she can pass it on for generations to come. My utmost goal with my headpiece creations is that I want brides to know J Lewis Bridal as exquisite hand-made one of a kind heirloom headpieces that don’t cost an arm and a leg to own one.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m such a big home person that I don’t get out much even though I grew up here. I hardly have any time to go anywhere other than my customers and attending my kids’ needs. However, if my best friend would visit the area I would take her to the Yogurt Mill in El Cajon. That place is legit the best yogurt spot hands down. It’s been around since for ever, and it is the coolest place to be. It is in El Cajon but it is a gem that everyone should visit at one point or another!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
No doubt in mind that my husband is a big force of my business. He keeps me grounded back to reality with all of his financial decisions with the business. My children are my biggest motivators and influencers with my creations. With everything I create, there is an element on that headpiece that directly reminds me of my children. Along with my husband and children, there are a few other people who have helped me with my journey who deserve the recognition. My sister Rian Shabo of Zayn + Pearl (www.zaynandpearl.com) for always being there for my nonsense, my mother for baby sitting her grandchildren without any questions, for Bob, Tara, & Marissa of Bridal Bazaar for being so genuinely kind-hearted human beings, and for Sharmin of Charms by Sharm for being the absolute bright light she is.

Website: www.jlewisbridal.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jlewisbridal/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jlewisbridal
Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jlewisbridal/

Image Credits
J Lewis Bridal