Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Mejia.
Julie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
It started off as designing flyers, tour posters and shirts for my friend’s and their bands. I really didn’t know what I was doing in terms of designing properly through computer programs or using photoshop. Most of my designs I would make on my iPhone but I always enjoyed it so much.
When the idea of starting a t-shirt line came about I started noticing that there are so many different styles of graphic tees out in the retail market, especially in fast fashion brands but felt that none of them reflected anything that I would personally wear or would ethically support since fast fashion brands produce so much product waste.
With some encouragement from my best friends to make this a real thing, I designed my first two shirts and launched Venom and Hell.
I’ve been releasing vintage-inspired tees that encapsulate the essence of what I’m into, which is young, fun, rebellious and relatively music-related themed shirts. All of my shirts are made to order which means I have no overstock or product waste. I print only as needed.
It’s opened doors to meeting so many makers around the world and collaborations with some stellar artists. The small business community is so supportive I’m constantly being blown away by maker’s and their talents, it keeps you humble but driven.
Has it been a smooth road?
Not at all. My main platform for marketing is Instagram. I launched Venom and Hell right when Instagram started implementing the algorithm so trying to market myself and my products as a small business was extremely slow and frustrating. It still is. There were plenty of times that I would just think about giving it up but then there would be these great moments of recognition and happy customers that give you a second wind. It’s still a struggle.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Venom and Hell – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Venom and Hell is a t-shirt line that tries to encapsulate that all-around “Live Free” mentality. We specialize in vintage-inspired tees “made to age n’ rage with you”. I think our overall vibe influenced by bikers, heavy metal and 70’s culture sets us apart from the “Salt Life” theme that overtakes South Florida.
I think what I’m most proud of as a company is letting people know that aside from the expected “another day in paradise” cliche most people think of when they hear Miami and to be honest, the majority of Miamians try to encapsulate; there is some really great things worth looking at and supporting in the cracks.
Foul South Magazine is one of those amazing things found in the cracks (and one of my favorites). It’s a Miami based publication ran by Mariel Zayas Bazan, it focuses on exceptional people, movements and satirical trailblazers. Just another example of what makes our community worth looking at.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love our underground scene of amazing creators and musicians, we’re so removed from the Miami norm which in turn makes us have a lot of support for each other.
I wish there were more spaces, venues or even bars that supported this underground scene a little more. There are hundreds of bars and venues sprawled out over Miami but our scene is confined to about 3.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.venomandhell.com
- Email: venomandhell@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/venomandhell
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/venomandhell
Image Credit:
Julie Mejia, Owner of Venom and Hell
Monica McGivern
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