Life and Work with Julia Hastings

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Hastings.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Growing up German, especially in a small Bavarian town a person does not expect to change a lot. You are very much bonded to your home, friends, and family. If you move, you move just maybe to the next biggest city for school or a job, but you don’t expect to move halfway around the world.

Well, that’s what I did. Growing up with Lederhosen, beer and the Octoberfest running through my veins I studied comparative cultural studies, intercultural studies and was hoping to do something in the events sector managing festivals et al. Only as a minor in college did I take English, as I wasn’t quite sure what else to do. However after I was about to graduate, I felt I should actually know how to speak English, as I had studied it for 9 years in school and then another four in university. Looking to do something in the realms of work abroad or volunteer work I Googled “farm work”, as I always have had an affinity to animals. So, I eventually ended up as an intern in the USA on a working cattle and guest ranch, not knowing what that even was; Growing up German we do not have thousands of acres of land with hundreds of cows, or cowboys to tend to them.

When I got to the ranch in the northwest of Colorado, I was blown away by the wide open range and the beauty of the ranch life. Working with the staff and the guests I also fell in love with hospitality and ranch life. Fast forward three years to when I hung up my Lederhose and traded it in for Cowboy Chaps; managing a boutique guest ranch in Tombstone, AZ. It was in that very small Western Town where I met a very talented costume designer, whom I became friends with and who introduced me to modeling. With every new piece she designed, we took photos and as she grew her business of custom period clothing to include contemporary western designs I became more intrigued with stepping into different characters via stepping into different outfits.

Even though I have continued modeling the western designs, I have also branched out to other things as my modeling work has become more noticed; Especially since I had relocated to Phoenix, I eventually traded again. This time Cowboy Chaps for dress pants and high heels. I am now having opportunities to work with a broad variety of designers and creatives, which has allowed me to walk the runway at the Arizona Eco Fashion Show, represent the products of a local entrepreneur in a photo and film shoot, and in September, I will walk in a Phoenician design during the New York Fashion Show. While I’m not sure where it will ultimately take me, I am enjoying my modeling immensely and have also continued on in the hospitality industry, where I currently am Front Office Manager for a big, high luxury hotel in the heart of Phoenix.

Growing up, German seems to have laid the foundation for my life, but growing up American has brought me to a wide spectrum of experiences I would have never been able to discover in my small Bavarian home town.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Well, life is not all sprinkles and Butterflies, so of course, my journey hasn’t been easy either. Leaving life as you know it behind, your friends, family, culture, anything you know that makes you “you” is difficult. However, no matter how much you lose, with every challenge you set yourself up to face you also gain experience and persistence, and without persistence I would have probably gone home to mom in Bavaria after two years in the U.S., when I lost my first job and I was in a challenging and soon ending relationship. Looking back, every time I fell (and I fell a lot), even though hard, I managed to get up and move on as I didn’t want to give up my “American Dream.”

Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
My career path has made me become a very successful service provider in the hospitality industry, mainly because I deeply care about my guests and am longing to create memorable experiences for them. Having a broad perspective on travels and manifold experiences, because of my own diverse background, serves me well in relating to my guests, as well as, building my specific brand as a model. The diverse experiences I have gained growing up in a different culture and the ability to work with a broad spectrum of people I gained by relocating to another country is helpful in both my hospitality and my modeling career since that is what I find in both of these industries.

I think the thing that sets me apart from others most, not just in modeling or my profession in hospitality, but in any part of life, is my work ethic. I give to all I do 110% and won’t stop until a task is done or a project is finished, whether that means long hours without breaks or the chance to eat. What needs to get done needs to get done and in my mind, I have more time to “play” and enjoy myself, the harder and more efficient I work when I “work.”

What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
Do not give up! No matter how hard you fall and how unachievable something might seem, be persistent and persevere. And it is ok to reconsider your path, as most of the time no one gets in a straight line from A to B. In reality, a detour can sometimes open your eyes for other options and possibilities in your life the straight road would have never allowed you to take.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.modelmayhem.com/browse/any/us/all/all?sr_token=7fa1575cbd7027c9a799983a485c3c2f&fm_action=search&show_advanced=0&artist_type%5B%5D=&member_name=Julia+Hastings&f_gender=Female&display=details&sort_by=2&country=US&state=&city=&zipcode=&radius=&submit=
• Phone: 16029998663
• Email: hastingsmodel@gmail.com
• Instagram: Julia_hastings1

Image Credit:
Ravenna Old and new West Vestures, Diane Graham Photography, Sylvia Hardt Photography

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.