By 2006, Julia Beverly was 24 years old and at the forefront of changing tides in mainstream music: the Southern takeover.
As CEO, founder, and all-hands-on-deck of Ozone Magazine, Julia Beverly amplified the voice of hip-hop music below the Mason-Dixon line one month at a time and literally paved a way for hip-hop greats to not only be recognized by the mainstream, but respected, too. Ten years later, she and I are speaking via phone call during an “off-day” from the constant hustle of her 50th consecutive day on a cross-country cycling trip from California to Florida.
Still, her goal from then to now remains the same: to keep things adventurous, bold, and new. “When I was doing Ozone [Magazine], I was just thinking of it as an adventure,” said Beverly. “Like, going to concerts or going on tour with different artists was just an adventure to me, so [biking] is the same thing. It’s all the same to me. I just like not knowing.”
The first time Julia Beverly embarked on a journey of not knowing was back in 2002 when she partnered with the already up-and-running local magazine, Orlando Source in her hometown of Florida. Just a couple years after being introduced to hip-hop through the sounds of Outkast, Julia was setting up Ozone headquarters in Atlanta directly next to their studio. “Before I started Ozone, somebody told me at one point, ‘Oh, you should just start your own business.’ And at the time, I was kind of afraid because I felt like I wouldn’t be able to - because you know, I didn’t have any money. So, I felt like even if I started something, I worried about not being able to financially continue it. I was scared of failing at something. So I was kind of hesitant to actually start a company.”
[Tweet ""I was afraid because I felt like I wouldn't be able to. I was scared of failing at something.""]
But, she did. A company that reached nearly one million people for eight years. And
what was her secret? It appears to be the ability to distinguish weaknesses from strengths. “I wasn’t really a music expert or hip-hop expert so I would always try to bring in other writers to do music reviews and stuff like that— people that were a little more well versed in it than I was.”
The ability to quickly adjust to challenges has proven to be a successful theme in Beverly’s career. As a white woman in a black male-dominated industry, she’s pushed past “culture vulture” labels, misogyny from disgruntled artists, and even public accusations of unjustly eating off of a late rapper’s legacy. But now, she’s way too busy focusing on her next destination on two wheels to have time for a grievance someone may have with her. “On my first trip, I had a lot of knee problems and stuff and once I actually got fitted and put the feet in the proper place and all that, then that problem went away,” she said. “Looking back, we didn’t have any of the right gear, we didn’t know where we were going. It was just totally renegade,” she said about one of her most recent new challenges.
Her first trip on the open road came earlier this year after her friend, Pitbull’s recording artist Vega, fell to a bet gone wrong— and the losing party had to ride a bike from one state to another. “When I learned about it, they had just left Atlanta,” said Beverly. “And it was just the timing of it. I had like two weeks open at the time and I thought, ‘I always wanted to do something like that.’ So, I went and bought a bike and met them the next morning and we literally rode from Atlanta to Miami. And it was an interesting experience… because we didn’t know what we were doing.”
Cycling may be Julia’s newest endeavor, but fitness is certainly nothing new to the music mogul. She’s just always loved sports. As a young, athletic child who played basketball, soccer, and ran cross country in high school— she was following her father’s footsteps and clearly it’s still very much thriving in her blood. With that said, for one who tends to crave bold and new adventures, it made sense that her desire for running came to an end. “If you’ve been running three miles a day for four years, it’s going to start become something that your body needs. Like, you’re gonna have to switch up your workout in order for it to be effective. So, with the cycling, this is what happened.”
But first, came the major transition.
One year after she had decided to shut down Ozone, she found herself between a rock and a hard place—with no trail in sight. “Probably one of the worst points [in my life] was when all of my camera equipment got stolen. And that was about a week before Pimp C’s mother [“Mama Wes”] passed. I had been working with her on the book [Sweet Jones: Pimp C’s Trill Life Story] for I guess about four years.” Julia made the choice to walk away from Ozone Magazine for more reasons than one. “We stopped publishing in 2010, and [at that time] people were worried about losing houses, keeping food on their children’s plates— like they weren’t trying to spend money advertising their independent record labels…and we depended on them. So financially, it was at a point where it wasn’t being profitable anymore and it wasn’t really inspiring me and it was like ‘How much longer are you going to keep doing it?’
[Tweet ""I kind of thought people would stop f*cking with me, but that hasn't happened.""]
After she made the move, she easily found new avenues to explore. “I kind of thought that people would just stop f*cking with me or whatever, but that hasn’t happened. I still get invited to the events. I still go. That’s when I realized at a certain point, that in addition to building Ozone - which was a strong brand - I had also done a pretty good job of branding myself as Julia Beverly.”
Beverly continued her successful booking company, Agency Twelve, which books (damn near everyone!) from rappers and singers to reality TV stars worldwide—as well as her career as a photographer. So, although she was ready to get out all of the amazing material she researched of Pimp C— she didn’t have the time. “I would work on [it] for a week or two and then Rick Ross would go to London and I would fly off [with him] and would totally forget about what I had been working on. But when my camera equipment got stolen — of course, it was a terrible thing and I couldn’t really afford to replace everything right away. What it did was, it forced me to look at it like a message. Like, OK— sit down and finish writing this book! But [it] was definitely a low point financially because when you’re sitting down, working on something for literally, probably 12-14 hours a day that hasn’t produced any income, of course that’s going to be tough.”
But, it was at least new and challenging— Beverly’s M.O. And so, she took the next nine months or so to write, edit, revise, and complete the 700-page epic about one half of the hip-hop legendary group UGK, Sweet Jones: Pimp C’s Trill Life Story. After self-publishing the book, she went on a three-month tour that ended in December. And then, her calendar was completely empty (given that she can do her booking agency from anywhere in the world).
“So, I started planning a bunch of trips,” Julia said. “I went to hike The Inca Trail, hiked the Grand Canyon, the mountains, just all these trips to find something to get into.” That’s when she hiked from Atlanta to Miami; and then the northern coast of Spain; which led her to cross country biking from San Francisco to San Diego along the pacific coast of California.
That’s how she came about her current adventure: The Southern Tier.
“I was thinking about doing the cross-country thing [after completing the trip to San Diego] but I was like ‘Oh that might be too much, that’s a huge commitment,’ so I had almost talked myself out of doing it. I was on my bike and I rode past this building where somebody had [painted the Henry David Thoreau] quote on the side [of the building]: ‘Go confidently in the direction of your dreams and live the life you have imagined.’ I saw it, and it had just stuck in my head all day long and I kept thinking about it and I was like ‘OK!’”
[Tweet ""Go confidently in the direction of your dreams and live the life you have imagined.""]
As far as her current journey, Beverly has biked from California to Arizona, through New Mexico, the huge state of Texas (which she pointed out was one-third of the entire trip) and made it to Louisiana (where she and I caught up), continuing towards Mississippi and Alabama, to finally end in her home state of Florida. Beverly has done the cross-country bike trip through the multiple sclerosis non-profit Bike the US for MS. “Yeah, so only 16 more days left,” she said in a way that would make anyone besides herself and her co-riders feel like a fitness failure. “It sounds easy at this point, having come this far.”
Far indeed. “When I start to bike, if I have to bike 70-80 miles, the first 10 miles are hard. And all day you’re kind of thinking to yourself like, ‘Aww man, 30 more miles, how am I going to do this?’ and then all of a sudden, it’s like you’re done.”
And the new challenges aren’t really challenges when you prepare—to the best of your ability, at least. “I do Google Maps, walk through the route ahead of time and look at everything in the area, satellite images, you can read up on the itinerary and all of that, but you really don’t know what it’s going to be like until you get there. And it’s always going to be unexpected things that happen. And I like the kind of uncertainty of it, just not knowing what might end up happening. It could be bad or it could be good. It’s 50/50. It’s all the same to me, it’s just a cool adventure.”
“If someone’s interested in doing something like [biking cross country], I would definitely look into the Pacific Coast route because people have one of two reactions: either they love it and they want to do it again or they never want to see a bike again. So, you might want to try doing the short trip before you look at doing something like that cross country,” she laughed. “I don’t think there’s a lot you can do to prepare for something like this. I think that it’s just something that you have to do. Either you do it or you do not. And I think you’ll be surprised at what you’re able to accomplish.”
[Tweet ""Either you do it or you do not. You'll be surprised at what you're able to accomplish." - @JuliaBeverly"]
On October 30, 2016, Julia Beverly concluded her cross-country biking journey. In a matter of 65 days, she went through the cities of San Francisco to St. Augustine. 3,235 miles, with nothing but time, space, and the open road. How's that for adventure?
For more Julia Beverly, find her on Twitter and follow her crosscountry cycling adventure on Instagram: @juliabeverly. If you want to be a part of a cross-country bike trip, learn more about Bike the US for MS here.
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It's easy for couples to fall into a routine, going through the motions and letting their connection sit on autopilot. While comfort is natural in a long-term relationship, it’s important to remember: that what you don’t nurture, eventually fades. So, why not make 2025 the year you reset your relationship? Here’s how to start the year with a renewed bond, reigniting the spark that brought you together.
Step 1: Schedule Your Reset Meeting
The first step to hitting the reset button is a State of the Union meeting with your partner. This is your chance to take a pulse on the relationship, discuss what's working, and identify areas that need attention. It’s all about creating space to reflect, without distractions.
Grab a pen and paper (or open a shared note on your phone) and come prepared to share your top 2-3 desires for your relationship.
What do you both want to feel more of in 2025? Maybe it’s feeling more appreciated, or perhaps you want to reignite the passion you had when you first started dating. Whatever it is, get clear about it, and make sure both of you are on the same page.
This isn’t just about listing your own wants, it’s also about discussing ways to nurture each other’s needs. Relationship goals should be focused on fostering deeper intimacy, trust, and mutual respect. Use this time to check in, not only with each other but with your individual feelings and expectations. Set the foundation for a fulfilling year ahead.
Alistair Berg/Getty ImagesStep 2: Set A Date (Or Multiple!)
Having the meeting is only the first step. Now, it’s time to take action. One of the simplest ways to breathe new life into a relationship is by reintroducing consistent, intentional time spent together. For many couples, life gets busy, and date nights fall by the wayside. But dating doesn’t stop when you say "I do"—in fact, it’s even more essential.
During your reset meeting, lock in a regular date night that works for both of your schedules. This could be a weekly dinner date or an every-other-week adventure—whatever keeps things fresh. The goal is consistency. It’s easy to push date nights aside when life gets hectic, but if you set a specific date each week or month, you’re making your relationship a priority.
If you’re unsure what to do for your date nights, don’t worry! The key is creating new experiences together. This is what sparks excitement and brings you closer as a couple. Whether it’s cooking a new recipe together, trying a dance class, or exploring a nearby town, it’s about creating shared memories that build your connection.
Getty ImagesStep 3: Find an Accountability Partner
Just like you might have a personal trainer to help you crush your fitness goals, an accountability partner for your relationship can do wonders for keeping both of you on track. Consider hiring a marriage coach or therapist—someone who can meet you where you are and guide you in strengthening your relationship.
When selecting a professional, it’s important to choose someone who truly wants the best for your marriage and can provide actionable advice.
Don’t be afraid to set high standards for your relationship, and seek guidance on how to keep it thriving for the long haul. In your reset meeting, discuss your commitment to growth, and be honest about areas where you may need support.
Marriage isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor—it’s an ongoing process. Regular check-ins with a professional can help keep your relationship in tip-top shape and “divorce-proof” by addressing issues before they become insurmountable.
DMP/ Getty ImagesStep 4: Try Something New Together
Stale routines can easily make a relationship feel monotonous. Spice things up by trying something new! Couples that explore new activities and create new memories together have stronger, more fulfilling bonds.
My husband and I host one of the top luxury marriage retreats, A Weekend For Love, designed to help couples experience new things together. From couples' workshops to outdoor adventures, the retreat provides a platform to rediscover each other and reconnect on a deeper level.
The element of surprise can reignite your connection. It’s exciting, fresh, and shows your partner that you’re committed to growing together. This doesn’t have to be a huge commitment—it could be as simple as trying a new hobby or planning an impromptu weekend getaway.
Your Relationship Should Be A Priority
As you start the year with personal goals in mind, don’t forget the importance of nurturing your relationship. It’s easy to get caught up in work, fitness, and family obligations, but your bond with your partner deserves to be at the top of your list. Resetting your relationship offers an opportunity to reignite that spark and remind each other why you fell in love in the first place.
In 2025, make a commitment to prioritize your partnership, to nurture it daily, and to invest in its growth. Take time to celebrate each other’s victories, support one another’s dreams, and build a foundation of love and respect. When you start the year with a clear focus on your relationship, you’re setting it up for success.
So, before you start mapping out your new workout plan or work goals, do yourself a favor: put your relationship at the top of that list. Your love story deserves a fresh start, too.
Happy New Year, and here’s to a love-filled 2025!
Couples, if you are ready to do the work and invest in your relationship register for A Weekend For Love: Heart Retreat Feb 21-23, 2025.
Featured image by zamrznutitonovi/Getty Images
However, to my surprise, I received an email that read: “It’s with great excitement that we announce your film, Super High: A Period Piece, has been selected for the 24th Anchorage International Film Festival.” After looking at the flight distance from Atlanta to Anchorage—a solid 10 hours one way— I’d decided this would be one I wouldn’t attend.
That was until there was a follow-up email that shared that the festival was sponsoring two excursions for filmmakers: A Northern Lights Tour and A Glacier Hike.
With that, I knew I had to make the trip to the 49th state! I flew Delta, which offered the shortest layovers—just 50 minutes each way. For a more comfortable flight on the longer legs that were about six hours between my layover city and Anchorage, I upgraded to first class with an in-app discount for $256 (the regular price of a first-class ticket runs about $2,100), which was so worth it for additional space and service for the six-hour trek.
Courtesy of Bianca Lambert
"So What’s Alaska Like? Did You Have To Wear a Snowsuit? What’s the Food Like?"
These are among the major questions I’ve gotten. Anchorage reminds me less of a bustling major city and more of a small town with an easygoing feel. When I arrived, they’d just had snow a few days before, so it was cold, and the streets were slick. So, I was so happy I’d invested in a pair of snow boots. For my first few days, the locals said it was warm. Warm to them being 20s at night and mid-30s during the day.
However, by the time I left, fresh snow was on the ground, and temps were well into the single digits—and it felt like it. Oh, the sun doesn’t rise until 10:30 a.m., and it sets around 4 p.m. That was among the most challenging things to experience because I felt like I never really woke up. So, between the lack of sun and the four-hour time difference, I felt tired the whole time I was there.
As for food, I didn’t explore a ton because I was so cold. But I found two gems! First was Whiskey and Ramen. If you enjoy ramen and exceptional service, this is a must-visit. I’d make a trip back just for their Wagyu ramen and their special take on an old fashion!
And, for coffee, I thoroughly enjoyed That Feeling Co. The coffee was great, and being surrounded by plants helped to perk up my spirits.
The Northern Lights
Iceland is one of the most popular places to see the Northern Lights, so I was very excited to know that Alaska also gets to see the Aurora Borealis light show. Typically, many people visit Fairbanks to see them, but there are tours offered in Anchorage too! When prepping for the late-night tour, we’d heard that the night we were heading out to see the lights, the cloud coverage likely meant we wouldn’t be able to see them. Bummer. I know. So, we could sit the tour out or still try. But, in my mind, I was like, why would I come all the way to Alaska not to try?
So, at about 9:30 p.m., we piled into vans and headed out to chase the Northern Lights. We traveled about an hour and a half from Anchorage, and when we stepped out of the van, it was cold and pitch black. And unfortunately, after a couple of hours in the cold, those clouds in the sky never parted for us. I know that when we see the posts of people who do get to see Mother Nature do her thing, we don’t have all of the context of the science, which is Aurora Borealis.
Sometimes, the weather just doesn’t do what we earthlings would like, which can lead to disappointment. However, our guide did give a recommendation. When you book a trip to see the lights, give yourself four to five days to see them. Don’t bank on one day because, at the end of the day, this is science.
Courtesy of Bianca Lambert
Now, On to the Glacier!
Just six hours after returning from the Northern Lights tour, we were up for the glacier tour because they were back-to-back! I was exhausted and so excited. If someone had told me I’d hike on a glacier, I would have given them a mean side-eye. I mean, where on earth does one climb a glacier? Let me share a few destinations with you, just in case you want to plan an icy adventure: Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Chile, Argentina, and Alaska.
Aside from the fact the Matanuska Glacier is 22,000 years old, it’s the largest glacier accessible by car in the United States—27 miles long and four miles wide, making it one of the easier ones to see IRL. As a girlie with generalized anxiety disorder, I get anxious about doing this kind of thing because I know that to see these world wonders is usually a mountainous trek.
This one was two hours long, one-way, up snow-capped, windy, mountainous terrain. However, my therapist always reminds me to push myself to do what scares me (as long as it’s for a reason, of course). I held my breath for the journey there and back! And white-knuckled it from time to time, too.
Courtesy of Bianca Lambert
Once we got there, we were surrounded by fresh, fluffy snow, and it was COLD! In the negative cold. I was thankful, I’d over-prepared. If you even go on a glacier tour, I recommend a few things: Balaclava, heavy-weight gloves, cashmere socks, snow boots, and lots of layers.
Here’s what I wore. My first layer was Ann Taylor leggings and a Wolford Turtleneck. Then, I layered a cashmere turtleneck and cashmere joggers. A COACH down vest, which I’d recommend anyone own just for winter, in general, because it’s SO warm! For my feet, I wore Ann Taylor cashmere socks (I love these because they’re affordable and so warm) and Adidas Adifom Superstar Winter Boot and topped all of that with a Brandon Blackwood ankle-length parka. I know BB is known for his accessories, but the brand’s outwear is truly amazing and worth the investment. After two hours on the ice, I felt great!
If you’re open to adventure travel, I highly recommend putting a glacier tour on your list of things to do. There are a few reasons. First, standing on an ice age-old massive piece of glacier was my 2024 version of touching some grass. I was reminded that I’m a speck on this spinning rock and need to spend more time grounded in that fact as I move through the world. I looked to the sky and thought of how proud my ancestors would be, even though I know they’d be telling me to get my butt home and off a dog on a glacier!
Secondly, I gained an ever-large appreciation for Mother Nature as I learned that glaciers are the world's largest reservoir of freshwater, containing around 69% of the world's freshwater. Again, another fact that helped me gain perspective. Lastly, it’s just fun and stunningly beautiful!
After this, I’m looking forward to my next cold-weather adventure! Iceland and Argentina are at the top of the list!
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Featured image courtesy of Bianca Lambert