Julia Morris
What pulled you toward the beauty industry- can you tell us a little about your journey?
I've always had an appreciation for beauty in terms of hair/makeup/personal style, but it took a while to figure out that I could have a career in this industry. After college I worked a 9-5 marketing job for several years, but always knew it wasn't the right fit for me and I was feeling pretty stuck for a while. It wasn't until a little after the pandemic that I reevaluated what I wanted my life to look like and decided to go back to school to get my esthetician license, just to see what it would lead to.
I got my first beauty job doing facials and learning all about skincare, which I did for a few years and loved. But as an ADHD girl I'm always itching to learn a new skill. This coincided with seeing a post from Iris + West that they were hiring a new lash and brow artist.
I had already been following along on Instagram for a while and was drawn to the whole aesthetic of the studio and the style of work being done, so it kind of felt like the perfect opportunity. I'm so grateful I got to join this special team and work with Amanda, Coral, and Anais - they're all the best!
has working in beauty changed your own relationship to it? as a client, as a person etc.
At its worst, the beauty industry can be guilty of perpetuating certain rigid beauty standards, but at its best it can celebrate individuality and self-expression. That's the part that I love about it.
I will always love seeing people express themselves in ways that feel authentic and unique to them, and getting to be a small part of helping them realize that vision is really cool.
Not to be cheesy, but I think in some way it's reinforced for me that there's not one way to look or be beautiful and life is too short to not have fun with our appearance.
what’s the smallest hill you’d die on?
We don't need to be this obsessed with protein. I'm sick of this current cultural obsession. I get why it's important, but it doesn't need to be the focus of every snack/beverage/meal.
what does a really good day at work look like to you?
A sunny day where the light fills the studio and we have a good playlist going. An iced latte or matcha from Andante across the street. I get to see my regulars who give me their life updates/fun gossip. And I get to help people feel pretty!
There's nothing better than seeing someone's excitement over their new set of lashes or new brows and the instant boost of confidence it gives them.
what's your "signature" thing people who know you would spot from a mile away?
Probably carrying way too many items in one hand - and dropping said items. Keys, multiple beverages, snacks, etc. (the IG account @girlscarryingshit is relatable and oddly beautiful to me).
Follow @DEWYANGELSKIN
visit irisandwest.com
