Meet Julie J, the boundary-breaking artist and Fort Worth native who’s starring in a major brand campaign

In the decade since Julie J moved from Fort Worth to New York City to pursue the performing arts, she’s built a successful career as a writer, producer, actor and performer. This year, however, she added “fashion girl” to her resume thanks to her starring role in a social media ad campaign for the popular Lucite-based jewelry and accessories brand, Alexis Bittar.

The campaign, which has been unspooling on Instagram and TikTok since January, follows Margeaux Goldrich, an acerbic Upper East Side diva, and her abused personal assistant, Hazel, played by J. Drama ensues, obviously. There’s a court case, a Schiaparelli coat controversy and even an attempted murder by New York City bus. In September, Margeaux even guest-edited an issue of InStyle Magazine, with Hazel by her side, of course. And through it all, everyone drips in Alexis Bittar jewelry and handbags.

Installments regularly receive millions of views, and the campaign won a 2024 Webby award for best fashion, beauty and retail campaign. But it’s the celebrities who love the series – and who make frequent cameos – that earned it a write-up in the Style section of the New York Times. Among the most famous superfans: actress Susan Sarandon, TV host Tamron Hall, supermodel Coco Rocha, styling legend Law Roach and several New York City Real Housewives. Even Bittar plays a part in one of the story lines.

The internet has been clamoring for Margeaux and Hazel to jump from ad campaign to network programming. J is ready for it, but not waiting on it – she keeps busy with a jam-packed performance schedule. But she happily connected with 360West to share her creative journey and reflect on how her Fort Worth upbringing – she’s a Nolan Catholic High School graduate – helped shape her artistry and contribute to her success.

360West: How did the Bittar campaign happen? Was it an audition?

Julie J: No, they actually found me. I was MCing a show with Amanda Lapore, and a member of the Alexis Bittar team was in the audience. After I finished performing, they were like, ‘We’re looking to hire someone for this role in a new ad campaign,’ and the next day, they asked if I was available to shoot. I’ll be honest with you, I didn’t know who Alexis Bittar was. But said yes because I say yes to almost everything. You never know what things will lead to – when walking through one door might take you to a room where there’s 30 more doors.

360West: What’s been the most surprising thing about the campaign’s popularity?

Julie J: I would say being recognized on the street. And not just in New York City — I’ve been recognized all over the country. The campaign also opened the door for me to fashion. As Hazel, I get to wear amazing designers like Mugler, Alexander Wang and Schiaparelli. It’s given me a newfound appreciation for the fashion world. I feel really blessed and lucky.

360West: Fans are clamoring for the campaign to be made into a TV series. Would you be open to it?

Julie J: Absolutely. I am so open to it. I can see it becoming something big. It really captures a unique part of New York City. The show is more than just Margeaux being hateful to Hazel. It’s the story of two people coming together in a very difficult city and finding a way to make the most of it, even when it comes at a cost.

360West: Like, someone pushing you in front of a bus!

Julie J: Exactly. But the reward is worth the risk.

360West: What’s next for Julie J?

Julie J: Not to reference Beyonce at the very end of the interview, but I feel like I am in a renaissance right now. I am returning to the dream I had when I was in high school, this dream of being an actress and diving into so many different stories and worlds. I hope to do more film, television and theater, but I actually have many of these opportunities on my calendar already. But nothing happened overnight. Everything has been a challenge. Every door that might not have opened for me, I kicked open. And that’s led to all the wonderful things that have come into my life, and I hope for even more opportunities.