Name:    Julie Ann

Date:   3/16/14

Time:   7:02 PM

Location:   Orange County, CA (on my couch)

Occupation:  Paper goods business owner

1) Before you started this Q&A, what were you doing?

I just made my morning coffee in our Verismo machine. You know, the one from Starbucks? My fiancé got it for me for our 4 year anniversary (because apparently the “modern” 4 year gift is “appliances” – even though it was our dating anniversary and not our wedding anniversary but who cares?). You press a button and it fills your cup with delicious coffee. Technology is crazy.

2) Are you a morning or night person?

I am actually turning into quite the morning person! I definitely wasn’t always that way, but I recently have started waking up early naturally. Once I’m awake my brain just starts spinning with everything that is on my plate for the today and there’s just no going back to sleep. Of course this results in my falling asleep on the couch next to my fiance by 10PM like a loser.

 3) Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 17, and find line 7, what does it say?

The nearest book to me, on our coffee table, is called “The Art of I Love You.” While it doesn’t have any text in it, it is an adorable collection of art about love. My dear friend gave it to me as part of my wedding shower gift.

 4) Do you remember your dreams?

Sometimes. Sometimes I’ll remember them first thing when I wake up, and then forget them later on. Other times, something will happen mid-day and it will remind me of a dream I had the night before, that I wouldn’t have remembered otherwise.

 5) If you could change one thing about the world, regardless of guilt or politics, what would you do?

I would get those orcas out of damn Sea World. Have you seen Blackfish? It infuriates me. I am such an animal lover. When I was younger orcas were my favorite animal and I wanted to be a marine biologist (until I realized how much science that requires – science hurts my art brain). It seriously breaks my heart thinking of those amazing creatures treated so poorly.

6) Do you like to dance?

I took a lot of dance classes growing up and I always enjoyed them but I think a lot of the enjoyment came from having specific steps to follow. These days, if I’m out dancing with friends at a bar, I don’t really know what I’m doing. I mean, I definitely have rhythm, but I wouldn’t ever call myself a “good dancer” so when dancing I prefer to be surrounded by people, rather than alone on the dance floor with everyone around looking at that dick on the dance floor that has no flow.

 7) What did your last text message say?

My last text message says “sounds good!” I live an exciting life.

 8) If you could have lunch with one famous person, who would it be and why?

Tough question.  Rihanna popped into my head. I don’t know why she was the first person to come to mind. I guess because she’s a badass. The thing I really love about Rihanna is her “I don’t give a fuck” attitude. I really respect her ability to be true to herself and not worry about what others think. This is something I am working on myself and I’m sure she’d have some inspiration to throw my way. And plus, she’s a blast I’m sure.

 9) What are you currently obsessed with?

Green tea lemonade (2 pumps sweetener). It is just so damn refreshing. I am from Michigan, so these California “winters” are just weird to me. I still don’t understand why I am wearing flip flops and sweating in March. But on these hot days, iced green tea lemonade has become a serious craving when I’m in need of a pick-me-up.

10) 3 things you’d like to do before you die?

1.) Get my second tattoo

2.) Go to Bali

3.)  Own a store

 11) Have you ever been in love?

I have loved a lot, but being in real true love? Twice. My take on love is that your ability to love changes as you change. My first serious boyfriend was throughout high school and did I love him the best way I knew how? Yes. But do I think of him when someone asks me if I’ve ever been in love? No. To me, being in real, true love sticks in your heart forever. I feel lucky to have been able to experience that sort of love twice in my life. 

 12) If given a yacht, what would you name it and why?

Big Bertha. Man, I loved that Big Bertha game as a kid. You know, the arcade game where you through all those plastic balls into Big Bertha’s mouth to make her bigger? Kind of fucked up if you think about it now. And why I would name my yacht that….no idea.

 13) Who do you admire the most and why?

My Granny! She is so amazing and it’s like the older I get, the more I realize that. She is such a strong woman who has created a special, close-knit family that I am so thankful for. She got married at 18, had my mom at 19, and went through college while having three young kids. Thinking of how far she has come inspires me to be good like her.

 14) If handed 100,000 dollars what would you blow it on?

Since you used the term “blow it” I’m going to put my business goals and practical side in the back of my mind (for once). I would likely rent a private jet and take a trip with my fiancé. We’d go all over…Thailand, Barbados, Fiji….staying in various huts and houses with indoor hammocks and balconies with hot tubs. Yeah, let’s do that.

 15) What were you doing at midnight last night?

Sound asleep, dreaming. Actually last night I had a frisky dream about……Chandler Bing. I mean, seriously? Of all people to dream about my subconscious chooses Chandler?

16) What did you want to be when you grew up?

The animal lover in me wanted to be a veterinarian or marine biologist. Pretty sure become a teacher was a consideration as well, since my granny, gramps, mom, uncle, aunt and cousin were ALL teachers. But it wasn’t until I started college when I realized I had to seriously figure out what I wanted to do. I had enjoyed photography classes throughout high school so I ended up getting my college degree in Photojournalism.

 17) What would you tell your 13 year-old self?

13 year old me….I was in middle school and boy crazy. My best friend and I would always go to the mall, not to shop for clothes, but to shop for guys  (Seriously how do you get a guy’s phone numbers at the mall? I wouldn’t have a clue how to do that now but it was our favorite pastime back then). And you know what? I wouldn’t change it. I would just let myself be the crazy 13 year old I was because well, I turned out ok after all.

All Photos by Julie Ann

For more information about Julie Ann check out: 

www.julieannart.com