Podcast Summary: Women Designers You Should Know
Episode 042: Justina Blakeney: Creative Evolution
Release Date: May 28, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 042 of Women Designers You Should Know, host Amber Asay engages in a profound conversation with Justina Blakeney, a multifaceted artist, designer, author, creative director, and entrepreneur. Justina, the creative force behind the popular lifestyle brand Jungle O, is celebrated for her bold, bohemian, and colorful aesthetic that emphasizes personal expression. Her collaborations span major brands like Target, Anthropologie, and Keds, and her work has been featured in prestigious publications including Architectural Digest and Vogue. Justina is also the author of influential books such as The New Bohemians and Decorate Wild, guiding readers to transform their homes into sanctuaries of healing and self-expression.

Early Creative Roots

Justina traces her lifelong passion for creativity back to her childhood. “I was definitely the one who was in the corner drawing and painting...” she reminisces (04:14). Growing up in Berkeley, California, her creative endeavors included painting murals in her bedroom, crafting, scrapbooking, carpentry, and ceramics. Creative expression was not just a hobby but a fundamental aspect of her self-discovery and personal joy.

Family and Creativity

Amber inquires whether Justina was the sole creative force in her family. Justina responds, “I believe everybody's creative... some people have been more nourished and more allowed to express their creativity” (04:37). She emphasizes that creativity is an inherent human trait, often nurtured differently within various family dynamics.

Defining Creativity

When asked about those who doubt their creative abilities, Justina passionately counters, “You are creative... every decision that we're making, we're using our creativity” (05:11). She underscores that creativity permeates every aspect of daily life, from choosing what to wear to deciding what to cook, advocating for individuals to own and hone their creative instincts.

Educational Journey

Justina shares her academic path at UCLA, where she explored diverse interests before settling into the World Arts and Cultures program. “It was brand new and unique to UCLA... a combination of visual and performing arts from a theoretical standpoint” (07:11). This multidisciplinary education profoundly influenced her approach to design and cultural engagement.

International Experience and Entrepreneurship

After graduating, Justina spent seven years in Florence, Italy, immersing herself in fashion design and textiles. She and her sister Faith opened a vintage boutique, Jungle O, which evolved into a creative hub for international students and artists (10:46). This period was pivotal in shaping her entrepreneurial spirit and design philosophy.

Creative Evolution and Multifaceted Talents

Justina discusses her identity as a "multi hyphenate," balancing multiple creative pursuits without feeling confined to a single role. “I have to allow myself to just dig in and have fun and play with all those different aspects of myself” (15:32). Her dedication to various art forms, including writing, painting, and music, highlights her belief in embracing all facets of one's creativity.

**Quote Highlight:
“Creativity takes courage.” – 06:24
— Justina Blakeney

Personal Challenges: The LA Fires

A poignant moment in the conversation revolves around the devastating LA fires that forced Justina to evacuate her home. She recounts the harrowing experience of leaving her house amidst the chaos and the lingering fear and uncertainty about returning. “My entire neighborhood was decimated... we are still waiting to be able to properly clean it” (24:38). Despite these challenges, Justina finds solace in her creative practices, describing creativity as her "salvation" during these turbulent times (27:18).

Solo Art Exhibit: California Poppy

Justina introduces her solo exhibit, California Poppy, held at Art Wolf Gallery's Una Casa Privada showroom home. The exhibit symbolizes resilience and optimism, inspired by her essay “California Poppy,” which draws parallels between the poppy's dormant seeds activated by fire and her own experience of renewal post-disaster. “There is a beautiful message of optimism” (20:20). The exhibit has been so well-received that it has been extended through June (19:58).

Work-Life Balance and Motherhood

Navigating motherhood alongside a demanding creative career is another significant theme. Justina reflects on the unrealistic notion of achieving perfect work-life balance, especially with young children. “Give yourself some grace... the time where you feel so stretched is temporary” (29:27). She emphasizes the importance of defining “enoughness” and making conscious trade-offs to prioritize personal well-being and family.

Embracing "Enoughness"

Justina shares her journey towards embracing sufficiency over relentless striving. “What does enoughness look like to you?” she asks (31:27). By closing her online shop and setting boundaries, she underscores the cultural shift needed to recognize and accept personal limits, advocating for a more balanced and fulfilling approach to life and work.

**Quote Highlight:
“We have a culture of too much is never enough...” – 32:15
— Justina Blakeney

Challenges as a Woman Designer of Color

The conversation delves into the unique challenges Justina faces as a woman of mixed heritage in the design industry. She speaks candidly about feeling tokenized and the pressure to represent all women of color, which often leads to a sense of invisibility for her individual identity. “I'm of mixed heritage... I just speak for myself” (35:31). Justina highlights the need for authentic recognition and the dehumanization that can accompany tokenization.

Unlearning and Evolution

Justina advocates for unlearning ingrained societal behaviors rooted in fear to foster genuine understanding and inclusion. “It's about unlearning some of these patterns... rooted in fear” (37:15). This introspective approach is essential for personal and professional growth, enabling a more inclusive and empathetic design landscape.

Inspirational Figures: Frida Kahlo and Georgia O'Keeffe

Justina names Frida Kahlo and Georgia O'Keeffe as historical inspirations. She admires Frida’s fearless authenticity and how she expressed her identity through art and personal style. Similarly, Georgia O'Keeffe’s intentionality in creating her living space and her steadfast vision deeply resonate with Justina. “Frida embodied authenticity... Georgia's intentional living is so inspiring” (38:57).

Legacy and Vision for the Future

Reflecting on her legacy, Justina aspires to inspire others to feel freedom and pursue their true selves. “I want everyone to be able to just be who they are and feel safe to be who they are” (42:23). Her vision emphasizes continual learning, unlearning, and the relentless pursuit of personal authenticity and creative expression.

Conclusion

Amber concludes the episode by highlighting Justina's insightful perspectives on creativity, resilience, and the importance of evolving beyond societal constraints. She encourages listeners to leave a positive review and connect with Justina through her Instagram and website. The episode wraps up with a reaffirmation of the podcast’s mission: “Let's redesign history by celebrating women.”

**Final Quote Highlight:
“There’s no right way to live a creative life.”
— Amber Asay (43:51)

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• On Creativity and Decision-Making:
  “Every decision that we're making, we're using our creativity to do so.”
  — Justina Blakeney (05:11)

• On Creativity Taking Courage:
  “Creativity takes courage.”
  — Justina Blakeney (06:24)

• On Culture of Enoughness:
  “We have a culture of too much is never enough...”
  — Justina Blakeney (32:15)

• On Defining Legacy:
  “I want everyone to be able to just be who they are and feel safe to be who they are.”
  — Justina Blakeney (42:23)

Key Takeaways

1. Embrace Multifaceted Creativity: Creativity is not confined to one medium or role. Embracing diverse interests enriches personal and professional life.

2. Redefine Success: Understanding and defining what "enoughness" means can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

3. Resilience Through Creativity: During personal and professional challenges, creative practices can serve as a sanctuary and a source of strength.

4. Authentic Representation: Authenticity in identity and expression is crucial, especially for women of color navigating industries that may not always offer genuine recognition.

5. Legacy of Freedom and Authenticity: Striving to inspire others to live authentically and fearlessly can leave a lasting, positive impact on future generations.

Stay Connected

To follow Justina Blakeney’s creative journey and ongoing projects, visit her Instagram @justinablakeney and her website justinablakeney.com.

Final Note

This episode of Women Designers You Should Know offers a deep dive into Justina Blakeney’s creative evolution, personal resilience, and her enduring impact on the design world. Whether you’re a seasoned creative or just beginning your artistic journey, Justina’s insights provide invaluable lessons on embracing creativity, overcoming challenges, and living authentically.