“Everything I do is based in love.”

Julie Markovitz is a jamavist; otherwise known as a jam maker for the cause. She donates the proceeds of each jar sold to organizations like NAACP and Planned Parenthood, aptly following the current events in our world. The trees in her backyard bear the sweet fruit of what is eventually filled into each glass jar. However, being a jamavist is only Julie’s most recent endeavor.

We met on a warm afternoon in early October, the sun slowly lowering in the sky. She’s waiting for me in the driveway, greeting me with a kind smile and comforting handshake. Inviting me inside, I was welcomed by her dogs Kobe and Spike… Two very different furry friends. The smaller, Spike, could not have cared less about my arrival as opposed to Kobe who excitedly hopped up and down at the potential of a new friend.

No matter how neat and organized the kitchen looked, it most certainly was Julie’s. Apart from jarring jam, she has also fulfilled orders for sourdough and Challah bread by request; her tiny oven working overtime to keep up with orders. Dotting the kitchen counter are two covered round bannetons holding the softest bundles of dough. I walk by each one taking their afternoon nap, making my way to the dining room table. Julie offered me tea, and I took an indecisive minute to pick which one I wanted. Finally deciding on matcha. Boiling water flowed into my blue, ceramic mug she chose for me; one she’s kept over the years, made by an old friend. 

Julie admits that Jams 4 Justice was her daughter Elizabeth’s idea. Her three children are all grown up and moved out, but seemed quite close despite the physical distance between them. Now, it is just Julie and the love of her life Rick in the family home. Rick, Julie, the dogs, and fruit trees that is. The success of those trees quickly became a race against loquats, figs, and apricots. Pulled into the world of jam-making by her fruit tree surplus, a passion quickly became purpose driven following the murder of George Floyd. Julie’s outrage over this injustice festered, but suddenly Jams 4 Justice was born from Elizabeth’s brilliant mind. In a nation of civil unrest over racial injustice and the early fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, Julie got to work in doing what she could to help.

Little of our conversation that day did we discuss jam. Jam and bread making is such a small blip in the colorful life Julie has painted for herself. Her journey is constantly in motion. She welcomes what is new, pursues what gives her purpose, and is willing to let go of the rest. Led by passion, Julie first began her journey in the world of dance.

After studying dance in high school and college, Julie eventually went on to create Kids in Motion. The award-winning show aired on Nickelodeon from 1987-89, encouraging young kids to creatively express themselves through movement. Catapulting the show to success, Kids in Motion starred a young Scott Baio, featured a theme song by The Temptations, and had the addictive quality of 80s fitness tapes. Getting the greenlight for the show may have required trend and star power, but Julie’s purpose was and still is always going to be about the kids.

Her focus during the casting process was to have children of all racial backgrounds featured on-screen. She knew the significance of representation even at that time in her life; for every child to feel seen on a television screen, and more importantly, the lasting impact that has on a person’s life. So much of who we become must be self-visualized in our childhood. We must, in some capacity, be able to see ourselves in someone else for us to dream. 

The looking-glass self is a theory developed by Charles Cooley of which only further supports how crucial representation is in children's programming. The theory states that how we understand ourselves in society is dependent on three things: how we think we appear to others, how we imagine others’ attitudes toward our appearance, and how we feel we might respond to others’ attitudes about who we are. Julie was not only empowering children through on-screen representation, but she was allowing them to see where they might fit into the world. Seeing where we might belong is the very foundation of a dream. 

Julie is still inviting others to take part in her dream, and let it become theirs too. She is fiercely passionate, yet making sure she’s lifting up others along the way. Currently, she practices Qigong and Yoga, teaching classes to her students that often blend elements of both disciplines. Though, she has not forgotten about her young students too. You can find her in many Conejo Valley schools teaching yoga, creative movement, and meditation to children without the limitations of a traditionally disciplined practice. I ask Julie how Yoga and Qigong are different for her. She explains that Yoga originated in India and Qigong originated in China. Both Yoga and Qigong involve movement, mindfulness, and breathing. Qigong is slow flowing body movements. Yoga involves physical poses, concentration, and breath.

Creative expression is a guiding force in other parts of Julie’s life too. From friendship to marriage, I selfishly asked her about it all. She credits much of her attitude toward relationships, both romantic and platonic, to her Yoga and Qigong practice. Affirming that it has allowed her to make the space to welcome new and old faces. Old faces, she still regards with kindness and openness to reconnection. Julie leads with intellectual empathy, and it seems those around her have no choice, but to follow in-step beside her. However, she is also willing to let go of what’s not working in her life. Creating space for others and herself.

That is who Julie is. Fearless in her pursuit of love and justice. Whether it be dance, Yoga, Qigong, or making jam and bread; she will always chase a dream if it means she is lifting others up around her too.

If you are interested in private / group Yoga, Qigong, and / or meditation classes or want to purchase Jam / Bread in support of Jams4Justice, please email Julie at julie@danceyoga.com.

Jams 4 Justice

Banana Moon Wellness

New Kids in Motion

Images 1, 4, and 5 were kindly provided by Julie Markovitz.