Daily Inspiration: Meet Julia Soto

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Soto. 

Hi Julia, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was 14 years old when my best friend’s mom sat me down next to her and showed me the meticulous work of removing and installing micro braids. It was then when my interest in braiding began. I also became the go-to person for my friends when they wanted their eyebrows done. When I lived in New London, Connecticut I studied at a Vocational High School. I enrolled in the Cosmetology program where I acquired 500 clocked-in hours towards my Cosmetology license. Fast forward when my family and I moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, I began my studies at Kent Career Technical Center becoming the youngest student (age 16) in my class. The State of Michigan made an exception for me to transfer my hours because the requirement was 1500 to obtain a Cosmetology license. At the age of 17, I studied Business Administration at Grand Rapids Community College. At the University of Phoenix, I continued my studies in Small Business Entrepreneurship. In 2016, I studied to get my instructors license in Cosmetology then I applied my education in managing salons in a global franchise. By 2021, I finally went for my test to obtain my license as an instructor in Cosmetology. I took a leap of faith and decided to become my own boss. Currently, I have created my LLC, named Jewlz Designs where I work out of Pure Vanity Salon. As a well-rounded full-service stylist my specialties include: barbering, colorist, naturalist as a braider, and overall beautician. I also do makeup, styles, and I pride myself in being a master cutter. I am also an ambassador for CHT (organic beauty products for the skin). Among my most recent accomplishments, I am one of the CEOs for J.E.M. Enterprise in conjunction with my two sisters. Empowering Cannabis professionals, organizing social events and venues, and spreading the awareness of holistic health and resources in West Michigan. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The answer to that is definitely NOT! When you have a dream that is bigger than yourself you need to make radical decisions in order to create your future. As a mother of 3 young children, I have had to juggle motherhood and hard work. I need to be an example for them so that they can dream big. Some obstacles that I have faced has been financial hardships, balancing being a single parent, loss of my youngest sister and nephew while pursuing my passion. Working a 9:00 to 5:00 job was not going satisfy my hunger for working hard and making goals for myself, I had to fulfill my calling! 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Services. What sets me apart is my customer service skills and how my client feels in whatever capacity I may be working on. I am talented, I am strong on uplifting you, making the outside as beautiful as the inside. Turning hidden jewels into gems. Hence, my logo name. I am known for all of my skills, being a teacher, a leader, a mentor, and someone people trust and count on. With my tools (my hands) I want to make this world a better place one client at a time. I am most proud of myself for overcoming so many challenges and still have the courage to continue even when everybody else may have doubted. The support of my parents, especially my dad showing me how to run a business. My mother modeling how to be an independent woman, going back to school to obtain her Bachelor’s Degree. They taught me to love people. Feeling the love and support of my sisters, nieces, nephews, and especially the love and support of my children have helped me become the woman I am today. My strong faith in God and knowing that His plan for my life is to help others. 

What do you think about luck?
For me, it’s not luck, for me, it is divine intervention. In moments where things should not have worked out certain opportunities and people have presented themselves opening doors for my purpose. People who have guided me to showcase my talents, my hard work paying off, my ambition, and drive to succeed. I have been through so much in my life not to believe that a Higher Power is guiding me to the right people and opportunities. Serving and helping others had led me to all the blessings in my life. People who have come in contact with me have felt protected and encouraged to grow themselves. If I can do it and overcome so can you!

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: Jewlzdesigns.weebly.com
• Instagram: juliasoto12
• Facebook: Julia Elyse Soto
• Other: @lahairqueenjuli