Her commitment to reuse is rooted in her childhood in Latvia. Surrounded by makers and teachers, she was especially influenced by her grandfather, who could repurpose anything. He built furniture from fallen wood and even tractors from spare parts, all in a tiny, chaotic workshop. “He taught me to recognize possibility in overlooked materials and to make with care and resourcefulness,” said Junele. This philosophy continues to shape her practice. Sustainability feels less like a choice and more like the natural way she learned to create.

Working with recycled fibers isn’t without challenges. Large bags of tangled yarn require hours of sorting, and the unpredictable supply of colors means she sometimes waits years to collect enough for a single shade. Instead of frustrations, these tasks have become opportunities for growth. Sorting has turned into a form of meditation, while scarcity has taught her to plan carefully. “Measure seven times, cut once” is her rule. Another hurdle she encountered was perception—some initially mistook her pieces for papier-mâché or felt. The solution was to show more of her process. By sharing videos of her work in progress, Junele helps audiences connect with the story and labor behind each piece.