To celebrate Women's History Month, we sat down for an open and honest interview with each of the co-owners of Strut Clothing. Today, we are catching up with co-owner Julia. Both of our Strut Clothing owners are fantastic, bold women who have taken such an impressive leap in the fashion industry and we are honored to celebrate them throughout Women's History Month!
What motivates you everyday to show up and be your best self?
Julia: All of the amazing, talented, confident, powerful women I surround myself with is something I find extremely motivating. Yes, social media can be a negative place full of self comparison but if you choose to follow the people that align with the person you want to become and fill your space with a positive light and motivation it can be a beautiful thing. I feel uplifted and inspired each day by all the amazing and talented entrepreneurs I have met and get to follow along on their journeys through social media. It gives me a sense of empowerment to not give up and all the hard work will pay off.
What achievements in your life are you most proud of and why?
Julia: I am someone that does not like recognition for my success (and I'm not sure why haha) and this leads me to not giving myself enough credit for all I’ve accomplished. Recently I moved to a new city without knowing anyone and without having a “full time job” which was a huge risk. I just graduated college at the time unsure of what I wanted to do with my life and have never been scared of change so this jump to move to Atlanta was something that brought me excitement. About a few weeks after I graduated I packed up everything in my childhood room and moved into my first apartment. I was blessed and lucky with amazing parents that assisted with a lot of my college but this was the first time in my life that I was on my own. I had to pay rent, all my bills, student loans, groceries, etc. I was working 5-6 freelance jobs at the time while building my own business. It was an exhausting yet fulfilling period in my life. It brought me to a dream, full time job I landed in December and I have really proven to myself that I am willing and capable to accomplish whatever I put my heart to. Moving wasn’t easy, and I didn’t know anyone in Atlanta which was a big adjustment from college. I soon learned, first, that I am an expensive child (sorry mom and dad) but I have been able to budget and am proud of myself for being able to support myself. Secondly, I learned to go after that dream of yours because it is so worth it! I have met some of my best friends here and have had the biggest personal growth period in my life.
What advice would you give to young women wanting to pursue their dream career?
Julia: Don’t let fear or others opinions hold you back! Life is so short! The worst that happens is you fail and the least you can say is that you tried! Surround yourself with likeminded people that will motivate, inspire and push you to chase after your dreams. Network as much as possible because you never know where that connection or relationship can take you later on in your career. Lastly, ignore the “stereotypical” route that has been engraved in our heads. Don’t fear going a not so typical route. It’s your life and up to you to carve out your dream life. After graduation I didn’t go straight into a “full time 9-5” job which was daunting to some people. You’re “supposed to” graduate and go out and work a 9-5 at some big company but I didn’t want to go that route, nothing about that excited me. I went a different path as mentioned and worked 5-6 freelance jobs and at times this was looked down upon. However all I could think was I am paying all my bills for the first time in my life, gaining experience in all these different areas, and figuring out my strengths and weaknesses and what I want out of my dream career. So don’t rush into a 9-5 after college if you don’t know exactly what you want to do. It’s okay! Take your time to figure it out. Take on project based work, internships and freelance jobs that align with your dream career that can be a gateway to get you there. Most importantly do not give up on chasing your dreams! Go for it because in the long run it can be the best thing you’ve ever done and you won’t ever know unless you try.