Meet Indya Murphy
We had the good fortune of connecting with Indya Murphy and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Indya, every day, we know how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Hearts on Jupiter didn’t start as a hair brand at all, it began as a Black art and poetry page. I was creating spaces online where I could collaborate with other artists, share powerful words, and curate virtual art gallery exhibitions that celebrated the richness of our culture. At the time, I was working at the California Science Center, running the page on the side, not entirely sure what it would grow into.
Then came 2023, and with it, a major turning point: I enrolled into SCAD Atlanta to study Interior Design, determined to expand my creative toolkit. One afternoon, a close friend approached me in a pinch, she needed her hair done for her SCAD fashion senior collection photoshoot. I said yes, thinking it would be just a small favor. I had no idea that moment would change everything.
I walked onto set with my tools and my vision, not just styling hair but sculpting it like art. That shoot caught people’s attention, and suddenly, the requests started pouring in. One photoshoot turned into several, which turned into styling for film capstones, the Transcend Fashion Show, and then almost like a plot twist you’d see in a movie my work appeared on Vogue Runway.
Looking back, I realize that Hearts on Jupiter has always been about more than a single interest. Whether it’s poetry, visual art, or hair architecture, my goal has been the same: to create immersive, Afrofuturistic worlds that celebrate identity and spark conversation. The shift from an art page to a brand recognized by Vogue wasn’t planned, it was the result of saying yes to opportunities, trusting my instincts, and letting my creativity evolve without limits. Hair Architecture changed my life.
As I move forward in my creative journey, I’m excited to share that I’ve recently launched Giants On Neptune, the brother brand to Hearts On Jupiter. This new chapter expands our vision, honoring the artistry, strength, and cultural heritage of Black men through innovative hair architecture, design, and storytelling, while continuing the legacy of creativity and empowerment that Hearts On Jupiter represents.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is a reflection of identity, culture, and imagination that is rooted deeply in Afrofuturism and the celebration of Black hair as an architectural, living form of expression. What sets me apart is my multidisciplinary approach: I don’t just style hair or create designs; I build immersive worlds where fashion, interior design, storytelling, and visual art collide. Each project is a chance to craft a narrative that honors heritage while pushing creative boundaries.
I’m most proud of how Hearts on Jupiter has transformed from a humble art and poetry page into a brand recognized on platforms like Vogue Runway. The journey wasn’t easy. It was long days and nights balancing five-hour studio classes, leading as Black Student Association President, and often wondering if my vision would ever extend beyond a close knit circle.
The turning point came when I stepped outside my comfort zone styling my friend’s hair for a SCAD fashion collection and followed the doors that opened from there. In the runway and television industry, I noticed Black hair was rarely represented authentically or celebrated as it should be. I’ve reached a place where I’m done with that. I see the gaps and the problems, and I step in to change the trajectory. I dipped my toe into a space that desperately needed a fresh perspective, and with my hands, I blessed those who needed the blessing most.
The biggest lessons I’ve learned are patience, resilience, and the importance of community. Success isn’t linear, and sometimes the path looks unclear, but staying true to your purpose and trusting your instincts can move mountains. Surrounding myself with supportive people who believe in the vision has been invaluable.
What I want the world to know is that Hearts on Jupiter is more than a brand, it’s a movement to reimagine Black beauty and creativity through a futuristic lens. I wanted to represent for black beauty in the industry. It’s all about empowering others to see their identity as art, worthy of celebration and bold self-expression. My story is one of growth, courage, and the power of saying yes to possibilities even when the future feels uncertain.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Firstly, as a true oxtail lover, I’d take my best friend to Irie Mon for a plate of authentic, Jamaican oxtails because in Atlanta, that’s a rite of passage for me. Another favorite spot is Rocksteady, where their oxtail pasta is comfort food with a creative twist, and the rum cake is the perfect sweet finish to any meal.
As an LA girl, tacos are home for me, so a stop at Rreal Tacos is a must. Their fresh, flavorful Birria tacos bring a little piece of LA’s vibrant street food scene right here to Atlanta, making it a special spot that connects my roots to this city I love.
For the art lover in me, the High Museum of Art is a must visit. I especially love Frequency Fridays when the museum comes alive with music, art, and community energy. Another inspiring spot is the SCAD Atlanta Fashion Museum, where creativity and design innovation are on full display. For those fascinated by everyday beauty, the Museum of Design Atlanta offers a unique perspective on how design shapes our lives in ways we often overlook.
If the day calls for a mix of shopping and dining, Ponce City Market is unbeatable. The lower level is a foodie’s dream with amazing eateries, while upstairs you’ll find local shops and boutiques perfect for finding unique pieces.
The BeltLine is my favorite place to walk and experience the city’s energy firsthand. Along the trails, you’ll discover vibrant murals, food pop-ups, and my personal favorite treat Jeni’s Ice Cream which is a perfect way to cool down and enjoy the atmosphere.
For a splash of history and culture, the World of Coca-Cola museum is a fun and educational stop. It’s a place where you can taste different sodas from around the world and learn about one of Atlanta’s most iconic brands and If you’re visiting during the fall, especially homecoming season, nothing is better than experiencing SpelHouse homecoming an event full of tradition, celebration, and vibrant culture that perfectly showcases Atlanta’s deep Black college experiences.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I dedicate this shoutout first to my mother, Kimberly, my constant source of belief, protection, and sacrifice. She is the reason I found my way to Atlanta, the place where the trajectory of my life forever changed.
To my Father, my siblings. & nieces & nephews, whose love forms the foundation I stand on, and to my partner, Anthony, whose unwavering support keeps me grounded and inspired.
To my grandmothers, Wanda and my angel Chiquita, whose strength and spirit continue to guide me in ways both seen and unseen.
And to my tribe in Atlanta, my circle of dreamers, doers, and believers, thank you for pouring into me, challenging me, and helping my vision rise. You are the heartbeat behind my brand’s growth and the reason I walk this path with so much purpose.
Website: https://heartsonjupiter.univer.se/portfolio
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indyasimoney/
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@indyasimone?si=rIdo6a_cPP5f6qza
Image Credits
Kyden Neal
Azalea Cox
Rachel Doar
Terryn Speed
Jeremiah Elias
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
