Crusade Entrepreneurs #13: Julia Beverly
ozonemag a.k.a. Julia Beverly
Who are you?
Julia Beverly, publisher/editor of OZONE Magazine and freelance photographer/writer.
What’s your 9-5? What’s your 5-9?
I don’t have a 9-5 or a 5-9. My work hours are very erratic. It might involve taking a 6 AM flight and working the next day until 3/4 AM, or pulling 3 or 4 all-nighters to meet a deadline.
When did you start? How did you get your start?
I started getting into photography around the year 2000, when I was 19, and started OZONE magazine three years ago in May 2002. In 2001 I had a day job, I was the IT Director for an architectural firm. I was doing photography/graphic design/web design and working at a photo lab on the side. My side jobs were taking up so much time I was barely even showing up for my day job, so I got fired, which was the kick in the ass I needed. I heard about a graphic designer starting up a local Orlando magazine. I’d always see concert photos in Vibe, XXL, and The Source, and I thought, I could do that. I figured if I got a portfolio together to show them, it would be a good start. The owner of the magazine started getting me photo passes to concerts in exchange for photos. I wasn’t very happy with their layout, so for the second issue, he let me design it. I did the magazine in 24 hours straight and he ended up hiring me as editor/part owner of the magazine. After about a year our relationship went sour so I started up OZONE Magazine.
Why choose this particular career/industry?
I didn’t exactly “choose” it, I sorta fell into it, but the music business is a good fit for me because I like to travel, and I enjoy the excitement and the unpredictability of my job.
Is/was education important in achieving your goals?
For me, college was a waste of time and money, but for someone else it might be different. I was sort of a child prodigy. I skipped 5th grade and started going to college as a senior in high school. I was enrolled at UCF for two years, and one day I just stopped going. I had about seven jobs at the time and it was just overwhelming trying to do all that and go to school. The stuff they were teaching us didn’t seem applicable to the real world. I think hands-on education is very important, though.
What are some of your weaknesses and strengths?
I’m super-attentive to detail, which can be either a strength or a weakness. I try to dot every “i” and cross every “t,” and I get very upset if I miss a typo. It’s a good quality to have as a magazine editor, but sometimes I get too caught up in the little details and don’t see the big picture. I’m good at networking and building relationships with people, but I’m terrified of public speaking and uncomfortable being on radio/TV. I’m trying to get better at it, because lately I’ve been asked to be on a lot of panels and do radio interviews and mixtape drops, etc. Personally I tend to be very introverted but in this business I have to really make an effort to be personable and outgoing.
What qualities are needed to survive in your career? In your industry?
To make it in this industry you have to work harder than everybody else, and you have to be willing to sacrifice a lot of your personal time. As a photographer, it helps to build relationships with the artists and their entourages, because access is everything. You also have to be constantly prepared - extra batteries, earplugs, spare film, whatever you might possibly need should always be on hand. You also have to be creative and competitive. Slipping past security checkpoints with a camera into high-profile events is a skill that takes practice and planning 
. As a magazine publisher, it’s important to be organized and consistent. You have to be willing to do whatever’s necessary to meet your deadlines. Every time you meet someone influential, you should get their mailing address and make sure they receive a copy once a month.
And for those interested in starting a magazine, focus on what’s around you. When I started out, I mostly interviewed local artists and entrepreneurs. I’ve seen a lot of indie magazines fail because they were too focused on trying to cover “big” artists. If you’re a local magazine, there’s no point in having 50 Cent or Jay-Z on your cover, because chances are they’re not gonna spend any money with you and you’re not gonna get an exclusive story anyway. If I wanted to read about 50 Cent or Jay-Z, I’d buy XXL. You have to find a niche that works for you and stick to it.
What makes you unique?
I’m not the best photographer, I’m not the best writer, I’m not the best graphic designer, and I’m not the best ad salesperson, but I’m one of the few people who can do all of the above moderately well. With an independently owned magazine and a tight budget, if I had to hire a photographer and a writer to do each story, I’d go broke. I try to get as much done in as little time as possible. I don’t waste time on bullshit. I’m also unique because I’m a white female, which is fairly unusual in this industry. Some people might look at it as a disadvantage, but I look at it as an advantage because people always remember me.
What advice do you have for those interested in your career? In your industry?
Make sure it’s something you really love to do. I did a magazine for almost a year basically for free, and we’re talking about 3,4 days at a time without sleep. If you don’t love it that much, it’s probably not the best career for you.
Words to live by? Motto?
“Never make moves unless you’re heart’s in it”-Biggie
Message ozonemag a.k.a. Julia Beverly and tell her what you think
By WIN on 8/7/2005
[read on] 
[24 comments]
The 2-Way
24 comments
Crusade galleries
posted by: RAHIEM on 08/7/2005 at 6:05 pm
I seen Beverly in Puerto Rico, Vegas, Miami, Atlanta, New Orleans and NY. I can attest to the fact that she is always on her grind and networking to catch the next story or feature for her zine. Keep up the good work, hip-hop needs a magazine such as Ozone
RASHA
posted by: MIAMI MAC on 08/7/2005 at 6:05 pm
One of the hardest workers i’ve seen. Talk about Grindin??? I always look forward to your magazine and it’s coverage of what’s hot in the South. Keep up the good work…
Now if i can only get my subs on time i’ll be happy. LOL.
posted by: D Blaq on 08/7/2005 at 6:05 pm
yeah I agree, Ozone is the only independent magazine that I really support. Some of the others need to take a picture of her and try follow. Julia is on the grind. I seen her all over too, from Miami to NYC. Do you thing!
posted by: Felicia Palmer on 08/7/2005 at 6:05 pm
Hey Julia!
I didn’t realize you are known as a world-wide hustla! LOL. I can personally attest to Julia’s bout it — I reached out to her about a SOHH.com/Ozone collabo and she made it happen with the quickness. And she’s a true professional which is a joy to find these days.
Felicia /SoHH.com
posted by: jelly on 08/7/2005 at 6:05 pm
JB NICE READ & KEEP DOING YOUR THANG….
YOU CAN LOOK UP THE MAG AT OZONEMAG.COM
posted by: ozonemag on 08/7/2005 at 6:05 pm
yeah!!!! thanks ray & jelly
posted by: Checkmate Muzik on 08/7/2005 at 6:05 pm
wuddup, good shit!
posted by: Sweet G on 08/7/2005 at 6:05 pm
keep hustlin’ baby!! good for u
Perseverance is always key
posted by: deka on 08/7/2005 at 6:05 pm
I like the true hustle mentality. no school could hold you!
posted by: AprilRenae on 08/7/2005 at 6:05 pm
I love Ozone Mag. I read it every chance I get, it’s great that you also have the mag online. I know it’s wrong but I especially enjoy the groupie confessions.
posted by: nika on 08/7/2005 at 6:05 pm
CONGRATS
posted by: T.K.Rich on 08/7/2005 at 6:05 pm
nice!!! hard work payed off….
posted by: epee on 08/7/2005 at 6:05 pm
congrats, definitly hard work payed off
posted by: Erica Valcourt on 08/7/2005 at 6:05 pm
Julia, I gotta tell this story!! Recap/Words of inspiration…Julia and I go waaay back. We worked at one of O-towns 1st urban mags. I’ll never 4get, we got to the meeting one night and the place was stripped — no computers, phones, faxes, etc. They straight booked on us — Closed down the mag w/ no forewarning. I feel that Julia started taking off from that night and hasn’t stopped since. Much Luv..
Erica Valcourt
CEO/co-Founder
IndustryPLUG.com
posted by: ADG on 08/7/2005 at 6:05 pm
i can back Erica up for sho i was there!
in that small ass upstairs joint……………..but im glad! Ozone is my ish mayne peep the reviews!
ADG
posted by: DJ DIRRTY on 08/7/2005 at 6:05 pm
BALLER’S EVE LOVE’S SOME OZONE!!!!
posted by: pete on 08/7/2005 at 6:05 pm
hey julia i like the site and the way you stay current. But when are you gonna feature the artist for the artists`…AIRWEAR! when are you gonna let me paint you !?
posted by: NINO on 08/7/2005 at 6:05 pm
THIS IS MY 1ST TIME CHECKING OUT THE OZONE, AND I LIKE WHAT I SEE. HOW CAN I GET INTO THE “PATIENTLY WAITING” COLUME? IM IN HOUSTON TX., AND BEEN PUTTIN IT DOWN FOR A WHILE AND STILL GRINDIN. LATEST RELEASES—–PASTOR TROY & NINO (HOOD HUSLIN),SCREWHEADS, ESG & NINO (HOOD HUSLIN 2). PLEASE REPLY BACK JULIA, I WOULD LOVE TO MEET OR SPEAK WITH YOU.
posted by: Winegard Andrew Exis on 08/7/2005 at 6:05 pm
What’s going,
I’m a current student at the University of Central Florida and I love the O-zone. I love it so much, I am willing to do some free internship work for you. I’m currently a journalism major and is very outgoing about everything that I do. I’m also very interested in photography, which is a plus. THis is not a joke. I figured if this young lady can do something to help Hip-Hop, I also want to be an advocate for Hip-Hop. My crudentials are very impressive. Eventhough I haven’t yet graduated college, I am willing to grind to better my future in the media world. Please if you have any questions, hit me up at my e-mail and hopefully you can help me become the best magazine writer I could be. I’m very excited to hear back from you. Thank YOu.
posted by: ozone on 08/7/2005 at 6:05 pm
yo, i peeped her and her style is hot. I was in houston and heard that she is catching heat from Jeremy Miller and down Magazine…isn’t that the dude that used to run the source?
i heard Down is on southern hip hop, should be a good battle, her hustle and his insight.
posted by: RED DOGG on 08/7/2005 at 6:05 pm
Hard work pays off: Julia you’ve helped alot of real nigga’s in the hood, so no matter what the opposition say you just keep OZONE in muthafucking face.
posted by: Jeanette on 08/7/2005 at 6:05 pm
I met Julia (maybe twice) when she was starting Ozone in Orlando. She was dedicated and humble and by the looks of things (even with her success) she is staying TRUE to herself and the game. Keep going strong Julia and best of luck in this difficult industry.
- Jeanette
posted by: Lola on 08/7/2005 at 6:05 pm
truly inspirational..love your words. You are straight to the point and very efficient. Love that
Keep doing you
Lola
posted by: Jarocc on 08/7/2005 at 6:05 pm
Julie Julie,the hardest grinder out there to date. I appreciate the hard work. It has been a huge influence in my life the way Ozone has portrayed the Hip Hop industry. I am presently serving in the military and am interested once my time is up in following my dream and being part of the magazine team. I was wondering if you ever provided internships for young future entreprenuers in this buisness. If you could get back at me with a little info… or just the knowledge to point me in the right direction I would deeply appreciate.
Thanx Julie,
Keep up the grind!!!