Daily Inspiration: Meet Jullian Epshteyn

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jullian Epshteyn.

Jullian, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Born in Phoenix and raised in the quiet town of Evanston, Wyoming, I’ve lived a nomadic childhood—from the mountains of Utah to the coastlines of Florida and the buzz of New York. That constant movement shaped my curiosity and deepened my creative spirit. Music was always the anchor. Since I was a kid, I dreamed of becoming a DJ and producer—and for the past 13 years, I’ve lived that dream.

Under the name Soul Neighbor, I’ve produced music across a wide range of genres: from house, dubstep, drum & bass, and downtempo to hip hop and pop instrumentals for other artists. My studio is centered around Ableton Live, where I craft songs using a MIDI controller, keyboard, and whatever emotion the moment brings.

A few years ago, I met my partner Sierra, and together we built a wedding media company Sierra Dawn photo and Youphoriafilms that blends visual storytelling with real emotion. We now shoot both photography and videography for couples, creating timeless pieces that feel cinematic and intimate. Our journey brought us to Los Angeles, where we’ve been living for the past four years—calling neighborhoods like Koreatown, Silver Lake, and East Hollywood home.

At heart, I’m not the party type. I find joy in stillness and exploration: hiking desert trails, snorkeling in crystal waters, swimming under the sun, and meditating with intention. We share our space with a fluffy Samoyed, a white rabbit, and a four-foot python—our little family of misfits.

My purpose is simple: to live fully and authentically. I believe life gets better when you take 100% responsibility for it. The dreams we carry are real—as long as we’re honest, kind, and brave enough to act on them.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Nothing has really been straight forward in terms of progress however over time i feel I’ve progressed tremendously. Everytime I look back in my journey i see how much I’ve improved in my craft and as a person. However being in the present moment i always feel the desire to improve myself in anyways that i can. From mental health struggles like anxiety to always being sick as a young person I have come so far being able to say that im healthy and happy. Although I don’t recommend when i was 16 i dropped out of high school to pursue my creative endeavors knowing i would never have a purpose to go to college doing those things. In my mind it was plan A or nothing so i went all in. So far it has worked out well for me and im grateful.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a music producer and videographer who specializes in wedding films and producing all types of genres. I think what sets me apart is I’m able to work with creative freedom. I don’t stick to a genre and I don’t chase trends I just create from the heart without any thing other than the love of creating in mind. I’ve never been classically trained I’ve always just trusted my ear and have been able to curate an ever evolving sound. As for videography it has been fun capturing people’s love and meeting such wonderful people.

How do you define success?
I believe success is create in the moment. If I can wake up happy and do what I want each day being creatively free, authentic and energized I feel very successful. Traditionally most people might say money is the fruit of success but I think the feeling and peace one experience is the true value of success. One could have all the money in the world but without any joy money means nothing. That’s all in my opinion of course and to each their own. Happiness, friends, family and adventure. That’s what it’s all about.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sierradawnphoto.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulneighbor?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/hmghmRro6YSemPraL2

Image Credits
Moody dark room, Sierra Dawn photo