Monday, November 14, 2011

Jullien's 20 Today-Is It Possible?

photo by: Pino Gomes
20 years ago today, I gave birth to a long, skinny, string bean baby boy, with huge lips and dimples. A persistent little bugger who wouldn't let me out of his sight. 
Bright and early I called my son, Jullien, to wish him a Happy 20th Birthday. As the words were leaving my mouth, my mind screamed, "How is this possible?" What's even harder to comprehend...he's been gone for 3 years already, since he was 17 years old, when I sent his pictures to a Top New York modeling agency. They swept him off to the Big Apple, Paris & Italy two days after graduating high school.
British Elle Magazine 25th Anniversary w/Supermodel Coco Rocha/Jullien Herrera


Jullien with his girlfriend-model Nichelle
 
 Jullien Herrera in Pierre Cardin 60th Anniversary Runway Show
Imagine, my little guy, Juju, who spent his life hiding and scowling from the camera, now making a living gracing the pages of magazines, video's & strutting in front of hundreds of flashing camera lights on the runway.
He perfected the intense look he's famous for on the football field, baseball field & basketball court. He has an inner intensity that pushes him to excel, and succeed at whatever he puts his mind to. He learned to be an achiever by having to compete with kids a year or two older than him in every sport. He started school when he was 4, (which to this day, I never hear the end of.) But I think it has helped him realize that in life, everything requires hard work and dedication, no one is going to hand you anything. 

After an accident this past year which left him potentially scarred & possibly ending his career, he stayed strong, did what he could...finally completely healing. After getting his start and being represented by Red Models for two years, (whom he is very grateful to and continues to maintain a close friendship w/agents George & Dave) he decided he needed a fresh start. He received several requests from Top Agency's to sign with them and finally decided to go with the very large, well established, worldwide agency,  Major Model Management,...once again succeeding.

He has made me so proud! Even during unforeseen life set backs, he picks himself up, brushes it off and moves on...refusing to give up. These are the same characteristics he has displayed since he was a toddler. Persistence. It's who he is. It's an inner personal drive that is undeterred. It's what makes him special. A leader. An example. 

Today I celebrate a special gift from God, my son Jullien. I Love You & am proud to be your mother! 
Our 'Brady Bunch' family several years ago 
Streetwear Today Magazine - photo by: Stephan Kallaus
Sid Magazine - photo by: Reno Ranger
Details Magazine - photo by: Eric Ogden

Sisley (Campaign) - photo by: Terry Richardson





HAPPY 20th BIRTHDAY JUJU! 
   

8 comments:

Lucy said...

Wonderful pictures. Great collages and I love from the baby picture of him and up. He has the looks to go a long way more than he already has been. You have a right to be proud.

Thank you for the birthday wishes. Ripe old age of 82. Hope you continue to feel well.

Joop Zand said...

Congratulations Jullien,
i wish you and your family a nice day and all the best for the future.

Greetings from Holland, Joop

Lovely pictures Lisa....my compliments.

the goorgeous said...

love this post! babys are always our better way of being, simple, pure and with all our innocence! xx

http://thegoorgeous.blogspot.com/

Val - A Cleaner Closet said...

Just came across your blog. What a sweet post! Congrats to you and your family. :)

acleanercloset.blogspot.com

DUTA said...

Happy Birthday to your gifted son!

He looked adorable as a toddler and as a teenager , and looks adorable now as a young man of twenty.

AestheticJungle said...

Great photos and blog,
Following,
Please come and see our blog some time!
lots of love
aestheticjungle.blogspot.com

Elsemiek said...

love the photos!
such an inspi!

love to hear from you

mystyleiseternal.blogspot.com

alicia said...

this is such a sweet, cute post!