Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Royce.
Hi Julie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I started Jolie Soiree Event Production in August 2021 after 15 years in the tech industry. I’ve always been a people person and have loved to entertain for as long as I can remember. Art, music, and wellness have consistently been a passion in my life so I wanted to create a company that focuses on those 3 elements and design events that showcase and marries them in some way. Working with emerging and established local artists to design and curate popup art shows to get them noticed and their artwork on the walls of forever homes started with my first show happening in October 2021. I’ve since hosted 6 successful art shows, with the 7th occurring this coming March, and 2 Holistic Happy Hours involving yoga, sound bath meditation, and traditional tea service. I have extended my services to local companies by creating tailored company events for their teams. I offer wine tastings, live music events, mindful practices through yoga and meditation, and various other options based on their team’s personalities and interests.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting your own business is challenging, but it is worth it! A little over a year into it, I have hit a stride with a lot of potential and momentum and have honed my marketing skills to ensure my message is getting out and being positively received. The biggest struggle has been finding my target audience and creating an event that successfully competes with all the other creative and fun things that happen regularly in Austin.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Jolie Soiree?
Jolie Soiree, which means Pretty Party in French, was created to bring art, music, and wellness to the Austin community. I wanted to collaborate with artists to showcase their work and get them recognized without charging a huge commission fee for the art they sell as a gallery would. I partner with local businesses to host pop-up art shows that usually involve music, food, drinks, and beautiful artwork. I’m always looking for ways to elevate the experience for the attendees and have incorporated things such as a Sommelier presenting wine tasting. For my one-year business celebration, I poured my heart and soul into curating a multi-artist group show with 5 local artists that were so beautiful and dynamic, and it paid off! Six original pieces of art were sold that night, one sold before the show even opened through my social media marketing endeavors, and a gallery signed one of the artists I represented. That was my proudest moment thus far!
In addition to art shows, I curate Holistic Happy Hours, including healthy practices such as yoga and sound bath meditation with traditional tea services and vegan/gluten-free light bites. I usually host those around particular lunar events, so the experience is more energetic and spiritual. So many local events center around alcohol consumption that I wanted to create a space where people can meet up in a more holistic environment and connect through mindful practices. The goal with these happy hours is to build a following and eventually offer weekend retreats where like-minded people can experience something more meaningful and walk away feeling enlightened but also relaxed and renewed.
Recently, I have expanded my offerings to include company events. I work with a company’s point person to design an event that focuses on their goal: uplifting company morale, team building, or just a good, fun time. Jolie Soiree can make it happen. I have partnered with local artists, musicians, wellness practitioners, private chefs, etc., to create a tailored and unique experience for the employees of any company. We also offer other versatile services, such as event consulting, event management, and artist management, and are always looking to collaborate with other businesses.
So, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you before we go? How can they support you?
I always encourage people to send an email, text, DM or give me an actual ring to chat about future projects and ideas. They can always follow us on Instagram and Facebook to show support and stay up to date on what is happening and of course, attending an event is the biggest show of support we can receive!
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.joliesoiree.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joliesoireeatx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joliesoiree
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/joliesoireeatx
Image Credits
Image credits to Shara Nickell and Alexis Ramirez
