Today we’d like to introduce you to Julyanna Roza
Hi Julyanna, 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’ve always been a flower lover, and my phone is filled with countless photos of flowers from my walks around the neighborhood, hikes, and travels. Each flower, with its unique symmetry, colors, shapes, and patterns, feels like a natural work of art, inspiring my creativity in unexpected ways.
Many years ago, I began pressing flowers as a hobby, tucking them between the pages of old books. When quarantine hit, and I suddenly had more free time and nowhere to go, my roommate (and good friend) and I planned a “craft & cocktail” day at home as an attempt to stay entertained. While I gathered my preserved flowers and some resin, she used her bartending skills to whip up fun drinks.
At the end of that day, I shared our creations on Instagram- and to my surprise, I got a handful of messages asking about prices. At first, I would say they could pick their favorites for free once it was safe to meet up, but quickly realized I had created more pieces than I could possibly give away. That’s when I decided to try selling a few pieces to recoup my costs. A simple post on my neighborhood’s Facebook page became a turning point when a neighbor connected me with a local art shop—which soon became the first to carry my jewelry.
From there, things began to snowball. While displaying my jewelry at that first shop, I was invited to share a booth at a craft show with another artist. I spent weeks meticulously preparing and setting up my display table for the event in my living room, perfecting every detail. The effort paid off when the event’s Instagram page featured my work, catching the attention of a larger store. Soon after, I was invited to become a vendor at their new location. This process started to repeat itself and that was the moment I realized my kitchen table craft day had potential to grow into a sustainable business. That’s when I began setting real market goal.
Fast forward four years, and I’m now a full-time jewelry artist, partnering with ten locations across San Diego and Los Angeles. My journey has been a blend of people recognizing my potential and my own determination to deliver the absolute best I can in terms of creativity, quality, authenticity and building genuine relationships. I believe in seizing every opportunity and consistently delivering beyond expectations.
I will forever be thankful for all the people who saw potential in me, my loyal customers, and friends who encouraged me from the very start. I owe a special thank you to my talented husband, who helped refine my methods and brought my dream displays to life, and to my lifelong friend, who has been instrumental in shaping the visual merchandising of my brand.
My journey is a testament to the power of passion, hard work, and the ripple effect of one small opportunity leading to the next. There’s something truly uplifting about the way small business communities work. Every time I leave a place, I walk away with real, lasting connections. We support each other, share knowledge, and always lend a helping hand. Over the years, many people have opened doors to opportunities for me, and I’ve made sure to keep those doors open for others to come through too.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There’s no doubt that an entrepreneurial journey comes with its share of challenges and frustrations, especially in the early stages. Finding the right process, choosing the proper tools, and navigating the learning curve can be overwhelming. Fortunately, I started with humble beginnings and kept my feet firmly on the ground. I began with a second-hand table and basic hand tools, gradually building up to a fully customized art studio designed around my workflow —a dream space for any crafter. At first, I used my home decor for fairs, squeezing everything into a small vehicle, struggling to make everything fit. Over time, I evolved into a setup that truly reflects my brand.
Through the process, I’ve learned some crucial lessons. Understanding how much inventory to prepare for each store/event, and how to streamline production were key to managing growth. Designing display setups that are unique, efficient, and quick to assemble takes time, research, investment, and plenty of creativity. Each new experience has made these processes smoother, and now I approach challenges with much more confidence.
Some might see competition as a threat, but I view healthy competition as an opportunity to push myself and become a better version of what I can offer. There’s absolutely room for everyone, but I do wish more artists/vendors would invest time in developing their own authentic brand identities. It’s that uniqueness that makes our creative community so vibrant and diverse.
I’m very much a one-woman show and enjoy getting deeply involved in every aspect of my business, from filling taxes to collection design. However, learning to hire professional help in areas outside my expertise—like photography and visual merchandising—has been an important lesson. Knowing when to bring in experts has made a significant difference in how I present my work and save time
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I create jewelry with real flowers, and I’ve known for offering a wide variety of one-of-a-kind pieces. I change my collections frequently, which keeps my customers excited to come back each month to see what’s new. Some of them have even built personal collections with over 60 individual pieces! I lovingly refer to these loyal customers as ‘Mona’s collectors’
What truly sets my work apart is the effort and extra steps I take to craft flawless pieces. I pay close attention to detail, and I collaborate with skilled metalsmiths to design custom metal elements that complement my resin and floral designs, ensuring each piece is truly unique.
I’m proud of how familiar people have become of my branding amongst a small community. There’s nothing quite like being at a craft show and hearing people say, “I know you!!!” or “I recognize your space”—or even, “I’ve bought pieces from you before.” It’s those moments that remind me how meaningful these connections are.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Los Angeles is a food lover’s paradise!!! I’m a big foodie at heart, from street food to the occasional upscale dining experience, I savor every bite and am always eager to explore new flavors.
What I like least about LA is that it doesn’t always feel safe, and, at times, there are less pleasant aspects, like certain smells. But despite the downside, the vibrant food scene, rich cultural diversity, and the city’s artistic spirit make Los Angeles an incredible place full of art, culture, gastronomy, and interesting people all around.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.monabotanicaljewelry.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mona.botanicaljewelry/
Image Credits
Photographer: Ana Castro
