Julia Ahrens of Long Island on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Julia Ahrens shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Julia , it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Yes! I love this question! I’m obsessed with working and take my job too seriously, whether it’s working for me or working for someone else, I’m obsessed with doing a good job and making my customers happy.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Julia Ahrens, the owner and designer behind Miakoda. Miakoda is an ethical, sustainable, comfy clothing brand founded on the belief that when you look good, feel good, you do good.

When I graduated from Parsons, I knew I didn’t want to contribute to the parts of the fashion industry that I deeply dislike: the disposability, the excess, and the exploitation. I wanted to create clothing that felt good in every way, for your body, your mind, the makers, and the planet.

Miakoda is designed on Long Island and made in NYC, so you can feel good about what (and who!) you’re supporting.

We started Miakoda over a decade ago, and we’re currently in the midst of a brand refresh. It feels exciting to return to our roots and create thoughtful, special pieces you’ll love and wear for years to come. I can’t wait to share what’s next.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Weird! I think the world tries to streamline us and I’ve always been a little different. I like to beat to my own drum and create what I feel is needed in my heart. Miakoda allows me to do that. And I recently started designing and doing art again outside of Miakoda which has been so rewarding.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
The economic climate has been challenging, especially for small, independent brands. Between rising costs, tariffs, and the pressure to keep up, so many businesses have had to close their doors. I’ve taken time to really reflect on what the best path forward is — but Miakoda is my heart.

Instead of stepping away, we’re choosing to evolve. We’re rebranding to create something that feels right for this moment: thoughtful, intentional, and refreshed for the world we’re living in now.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
I think I’m more quirky and talkative behind closed doors.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Worrying.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
@MeganJaePearl is the photographer

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?

Coffee? Workouts? Hitting the snooze button 14 times? Everyone has their morning ritual and we

Highlighter Series
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?

Our deepest wounds often shape us as much as our greatest joys. The pain we

Highlighter Series
Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?

Culture, economic circumstances, family traditions, local customs and more can often influence us more than