Pub crawls are no good for me this week since I’m taking antibiotics…so a blog crawl instead seems very appropriate. Today it’s my turn to make “my life an open book” thanks to the lovely Beth (of Hello, Splendor)
I am so excited to take part, so thanks Beth, for including the me and the Compai Blog in the crawl…it’s been fun so far getting to know so many new, GREAT blogs and bloggers throughout the crawl. So, while we’re talking about great posts, be sure to visit Rachel at La Bella Bungalow, who posted yesterday, and don’t miss Erin tomorrow at Bows and Sparrows.
So here’s my open book:
That’s me! Your humble and hairful designer, Justina! My book starts out in the wine country, in Northern California it’s just turned Spring in 1979.
It was not long before I realized I had a big Sister, Faith.
And Soon thereafter, a little brother, Yeshaia.
We were raised in Berkeley, by are psychologist parents where we learned how cool Afros were, among other things.
While I grew up in the foggy hills of Berkeley, I studied in Switerzland for 2 years in Jr. high and High school. I fell in love with travel, and languages. I learned to speak Swiss German and some French. I roamed all over Europe with a Classical Choir, singing, making out with European boys and eating quite a bit of yogurt, croissants (or Gipfeli, as they’re called in Swiss German) and, CHOCOLATE.
I moved down to Los Angeles in ’97 to go to UCLA where I studied WAC (World Arts and Cultures)– and then the day after graduation, I moved to Italy with Faith, and stayed for 7 years.
We studied fashion and opened a boutique for upcycled design pieces (Only we didn’t call it that back then)…we called it COMPAI.
We authored our first 2 books there.
In 2006 we moved to Willliamsburg, Brooklyn to hang with the hipsters and then in 2008, back to Cali! Now I call LA my home. I truly love it. I live in Los Feliz, in my Jungalow.
I love these blog crawls! It’s so fun getting a peek into your life.
I love it, Justina!! Thank you so much for being a part… completely in love with your blog and your love of life!! Can’t wait to read more!!
Thanks for opening up so much of your life in this post, Justina. You’ve led such a wonderfully colourful and vibrant life. I feel hugely inspired. Not bad for 10:49pm after one heck of a long day. Gold star, missy! ;)
Amazing family photos! You should author a kid’s picture book with them.
Love this!! I am so happy to have found your blog and to be able to hear about your life. What a great story! I look forward to checking out your blog!
Hey Niki, Beth, Will, Nina bo bina and Suzie– thanks so much for taking a second to comment on this post! It means a lot, as I don’t usually open up this much on the blog! I wasn’t sure how it would be received by readers– so I’m happy to hear that you liked it.
Thanks so much!
-Justina
Wow, you have led such an interesting, inspiring life! Thank you so much for sharing it with us. You truly are a beautiful person!
Amazing post! First off, you have the such beautiful hair lol! The places your life has brought you to are amazing, I’ve moved a lot to in my brief 19 years and it is amazing to get to experience different places. Also, I cannot wait to visit your store if I ever come to LA! Thank you so much for telling us about yourself a little more :)
That GOOD GOOD Blog
Emily and Dee O- thanks much for your comments. They really put a smile on my face! You’re so sweet! Dee-o, our shop was in Italy– we don’t have one here…but you’re more then welcome to visit our creative studio! xoxo-J
this is super cute. what a sweet little bio!
Best,
Anna
Thanks for sharing this women fashion trend 2020