Interview by Carol Wright | Photos Courtesy of Julia Mecey
With each of her posts, Julia Mecey proves that sometimes the best content is unfiltered. She has created an uplifting and positive corner of the internet by sharing her new purchases from Trader Joe’s, her morning routine, and sage advice. Mecey talked to NYOTA about practicing self-love, choosing topics for her videos, and making content because she loves it.
What was the catalyst that led to you wanting to create content on social media?
The catalyst for myself starting to create content was learning how to be alone in college. It was a hard transition from having a whole bunch of people I had spent 18 years familiarizing myself with to suddenly going to a new school where I didn’t feel as familiar. That’s where it all started, and everyday I am grateful that the time I thought I’d never get through put me exactly where I belong today.
There are many preconceived notions of how content on social media should look, and most of the time, it veers into the realm of inauthenticity. Do you find that people resonate with your content more because it’s so natural and unfiltered?
I think that it is comforting to watch someone who you relate to and find comfort in watching. For myself, content creating isn’t something I have to do, it is something I get to do because I love it. I make videos when I feel excited to show off the new yogurt addition I got at the store or when I get excited to share a new piece of advice I thought about on my morning stroll. I think that when you make videos because you love it people can see that through the camera.
Content creation can come in many forms. Regarding your TikTok specifically, how did you land on creating the more chatty/personable videos you’re known for?
One day I made a plate of food and set up the camera on the back porch of my parents house to talk about random things that came to mind. Then slowly I started to do more serious topics and important reminders that I had thought of throughout my day.
A video you posted that resonated with me is your TikTok on not being your biggest hater when you’re already trying so hard to be your strongest self. What are some of your favorite self-love practices?
I have a few that I do. The first is understanding, reminding myself that my life has no audience and I am not practicing for a performance to be perfect. I think it is important to remind yourself that at the end of the day you’re human and will make mistakes, you will love too hard, care too much, embarrass yourself, have bad hair days, but all of that is part of that is the beauty of living. I also love to take myself on solo dates to go shopping, morning pilates, or even make a meal I pinned on pinterest. I spend a lot of time alone and I think it is important to make that time one where you learn what you love or remember why you love it.
When you sit down to record do these topics you discuss come to you in the moment or do you pre-plan what you want to share?
I have notes that when I feel inspired or throughout my day if I learn something I write it down. Then I make my food, sit down, and remind myself of that simple sentence I wrote in my notes and just speak off the top of my head in depth about it.
You also post long-form content on YouTube. Do you find that longer-form content allows you to be more experimental and creative?
I actually prefer TikTok! I feel as though I can do more short-term fun things without the pressure of making a longer-formed video. I have also started making more vlog-like content via TikTok so I can be more creative with the editing and sharing parts of my day.
Many viewers find comfort in your videos and truly take your words to heart. Has it been rewarding to see the positivity you put out in the world having an impact?
Absolutely. I have gotten many DMs about how my videos have helped people through tough times, and even when I see comments of someone expressing how they needed someone to relate to, to be seen, it is comforting to know we’re not alone in a world that feels so lonely.
What advice do you have for aspiring content creators nervous about taking the leap?
I would tell any inspiring creator that every day you wait ’til you’re perfect to start is a day where that would’ve taken you closer to your finish line.
This story first ran in Issue 37: The Empowerment Issue. Read more from the issue here.
