We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Julia Belian. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Julia below.
Julia, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
Resilience is one of my favorite words because it’s such a powerful concept. I truly believe it’s the key to navigating life. Being resilient means being able to bounce back when things go wrong and finding a way to move forward no matter what. Life is full of challenges—sometimes it feels like one hurdle after another—but I’ve always believed that if you can face those challenges head-on and come out stronger, you’re already on the path to success.
For me, resilience is something I learned at a young age. When faced with a difficult decision or a hard situation, I realized there are always two options. You can retreat, allowing the person, situation, or obstacle to take control and hold power over you. Or, you can choose to move forward, to grow, to learn from the experience, and to set the boundaries needed to take back that power. I’ve always been inspired by the idea that no matter what happens, I can decide to rise above it. This choice to grow rather than retreat isn’t always easy, but it’s the foundation of my resilience.
The true test of my resilience came when I was leading Roam Boulder, CU Boulder’s fashion magazine I founded in college. Starting and running a magazine while navigating the complexities of student life taught me the deeper nuances of resilience. I faced numerous challenges, from tight deadlines and budget constraints to team dynamics and creative disagreements. Each obstacle was a lesson in perseverance, pushing me to innovate and adapt under pressure.
What’s been most impactful about embracing resilience is how it’s taught me to trust myself. The younger you learn this lesson—that you can rely on yourself to handle life’s challenges—the more confident and fearless you become as you get older. It’s why I believe that trusting yourself is at the heart of resilience. When you know you have the strength to bounce back, you’re not afraid to take risks or face the unknown. In fact, you might even enjoy taking those risks because you have faith in your ability to navigate whatever comes next. To me, that self-trust and confidence are what make resilience so powerful—it’s the foundation for growth, success, and a life lived fully and boldly.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m the founder and creative mind behind Fashion Fille, a platform where fashion, storytelling, and community come together. What started as a personal passion project has grown into something much bigger—a mix of creativity, strategy, and a deep connection to my personal story and heritage.
Fashion Fille isn’t just a blog or a brand. It’s a space where I share my thoughts on fashion trends, dig into deeper conversations about style and culture, and celebrate how fashion connects us all. On my Substack, I write about everything from trend analysis to personal stories about the fashion world. On Instagram, I connect with an amazing community of fashion lovers, sharing style inspiration and chatting about what’s happening in the industry. I also send out a weekly newsletter packed with fashion news, trends, and local events—because for me, fashion is about more than clothes. It’s about people, creativity, and building connections.
What makes Fashion Fille special is that it’s real. I want everyone who reads, subscribes, or follows along to feel like they’re connecting with a friend, not just a brand. Whether it’s through a blog post, an Instagram DM, or a newsletter, I love hearing from people who care about fashion as much as I do. That connection is what keeps me going.
Over time, Fashion Fille has grown into more than just a creative outlet. It’s now an independent fashion marketing consulting firm where I help brands and individuals tell their stories through smart, creative strategies. Whether I’m working on a client project, collaborating with other creatives, or writing a Substack post, I’m always grounded in the values that have guided Fashion Fille from the start: creativity, storytelling, and community.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to expand what Fashion Fille can do. I want to grow the consulting side of things, take on more creative projects, and keep connecting with people who love fashion as much as I do. If you’ve been following along—or even if you’re new here—I’d love for you to subscribe to the newsletter, follow me on Instagram, or just say hi. Fashion Fille is a space for anyone who sees fashion as a way to express themselves and connect with others.
At the end of the day, Fashion Fille is my love letter to the people, stories, and experiences that have shaped me. I’m proud of how it’s grown and so excited for what’s next.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, I can honestly say that three qualities have really shaped my path: curiosity, adaptability, and a strong work ethic. These traits have not only helped me navigate the fast-paced world of fashion but have also been crucial in helping me grow and seize opportunities as they came along.
Curiosity: I’ve always been eager to learn, constantly diving into new ideas and pushing the boundaries. This drive has led me to explore all corners of the fashion world, whether it’s staying ahead of the latest trends, understanding different markets, or expanding my skill set. For those just starting out, I’d say keep that curiosity alive. Ask questions, chase down the information you don’t have, and venture into different areas of the industry. The more you know, the more doors you’ll open for yourself. Trust me, staying curious keeps your work fresh and exciting.
Adaptability: The fashion industry never stands still—it’s always changing, always throwing surprises your way. Being able to pivot and embrace these changes has been key for me. If you’re new to this world, my advice is to embrace change with open arms. Whether it’s new trends, new technologies, or new ways of working, being flexible and resilient will help you navigate through ups and downs smoothly.
Strong Work Ethic: There’s no shortcut to success in fashion; it’s all about putting in the effort consistently. I’ve learned that hard work, dedication, and sticking to your goals are what set you apart. Starting out, make it your goal to be known for your reliability and the quality of your work. Even when the going gets tough, keep pushing with everything you’ve got. People will notice your effort and doors will start opening.
To anyone just beginning their journey, remember: stay curious, be adaptable, and work hard. You’ll definitely face challenges, but with the right attitude and effort, you can turn those challenges into stepping stones to greater things.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
Diane von Furstenberg’s memoir, The Woman I Wanted to Be, has profoundly influenced me, not just personally but professionally as well. It’s more than just a story about fashion; it’s a powerful narrative about finding your identity and building your independence, wrapped in the glamorous, often challenging world of high fashion.
Here are a few lessons from the book that really resonated with me:
“Fear is not an option.” Diane repeats this mantra throughout her life, which really struck a chord with me. It’s a reminder that while it’s normal to feel fear, we shouldn’t let it control our decisions. This idea has pushed me to take risks and step outside my comfort zone, which actually helped me land an internship at DVF. Embracing this mindset, I approached the opportunity with confidence and a determination to succeed, attributes that I believe helped set me apart from other candidates.
The importance of independence. Diane talks a lot about the need to support yourself, financially and emotionally. Her journey from a young woman to creating a global brand that epitomizes independence and empowerment has inspired me to ensure I’m not just capable of standing on my own two feet financially but also strong in my convictions and choices.
Owning who you are. Diane’s embrace of her identity, with all its flaws and strengths, and her commitment to authenticity has encouraged me to accept and celebrate myself as I am. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others, especially in today’s social media world, but Diane’s story reminds me to stay true to myself.
The power of vulnerability. Despite her image as a formidable businesswoman and designer, Diane doesn’t hide her vulnerabilities. She shares her doubts, failures, and personal setbacks, showing that vulnerability isn’t a weakness but a pathway to genuine connections and growth.
Diane’s memoir isn’t just a book for me; it’s a manual on living boldly and authentically. Her experiences have taught me the importance of forging my own path, embracing my unique story, and always striving to be the woman I want to be. Reading her story not only inspired me but directly influenced my professional journey, helping me secure a position within her company and continue to grow in the fashion industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fashionfille.substack.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ffashionfille/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliabelian/
- Other: https://mailchi.mp/5bb06da870a6/fashionfille
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