Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Heather. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Heather, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
For me, imposter syndrome didn’t arrive loudly — it crept in quietly, through a series of moments where I questioned whether I had the right to build something in an industry I didn’t formally come from.
My background is in science — I hold a Master’s in biology and once had a clear path toward medicine. I was also a professional athlete, competing in collegiate tennis, where discipline, grit, and structure shaped much of my early years. So stepping into the world of fashion — particularly luxury — initially felt like entering a space where I had no credentials. I hadn’t gone to design school. I didn’t grow up immersed in the industry. I was an outsider building a brand from instinct, memory, and deep personal conviction.
What helped me move through that doubt was reconnecting with why I was doing this in the first place. My vision for JULIANNA MILANO was never about chasing trends or fitting into a mold — it was about creating something that honored heritage, craftsmanship, and refinement. Growing up in Eastern Europe, I spent countless hours with my grandmother, trying on her archive of vintage designer pieces — French silks, Italian tailoring — and unknowingly developing a reverence for quality, intentionality, and permanence. Those early experiences quietly shaped my eye, long before I realized it would one day guide my work.
I’ve come to believe that imposter syndrome fades when your purpose becomes louder than your fear. I may not have a traditional fashion pedigree, but I’ve come to see that as an asset — not a limitation. I bring an outsider’s perspective — one shaped by science, discipline, and lived experience — and because I wasn’t raised within the industry, I don’t design from a place of habit or hierarchy. I approach this work differently, and that difference allows me to see possibility where others might see boundaries.
I don’t just design products — I create with meaning, with story, and with longevity in mind. And in a space as fast-paced and image-driven as luxury fashion, I’ve found that not conforming is sometimes the greatest creative advantage. It frees you to question, to innovate, and to build something that doesn’t just exist — but endures.
Today, I no longer feel the need to prove I belong. I focus on building something worth believing in. The work speaks — and that’s enough.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m the founder and creative lead of JULIANNA MILANO, a sustainable luxury brand rooted in heritage, refinement, and innovation. We specialize in ethically crafted accessories made from responsibly sourced exotic materials — including upcycled salmon leather and traceable ostrich — that are as enduring as they are elevated. Our mission is to challenge the outdated perception of exotic luxury and offer a new narrative: one built on integrity, purpose, and timeless craftsmanship.
We’ve recently launched our debut summer collection — a limited, handcrafted release produced in Italy, blending heritage design with a forward-thinking approach to sustainability. Each piece is designed to transcend trends and honor both the artistry of high fashion and the intention behind it. It’s not just about what we make — it’s about how we make it, and why.
As a female founder with an unconventional path, I’m deeply committed to building a brand that feels personal, thoughtful, and lasting. JULIANNA MILANO is still in its early chapters, but it’s growing into something I believe has the power to reshape what modern luxury can look and feel like.
You can explore the collection at julianamilano.com or follow along on Instagram at @juliannamilano — and be part of our story as it unfolds.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, the three most important qualities that shaped my journey have been self-motivation, emotional intelligence, and adaptability — none of which came from a textbook, but all of which became essential when the path ahead was unclear.
Self-motivation was foundational, especially in the early stages of building JULIANNA MILANO. Starting a luxury brand felt like one of those dreams people politely smile at — aspirational, but unrealistic. Most people didn’t take it seriously, and if they did, their support often felt performative or shallow. I didn’t have external validation or encouragement to lean on, so I had to create internal momentum. The motivation to keep going came from me — from the vision I saw even when no one else did. That ability to self-generate belief, energy, and consistency was the difference between stopping and starting again every time I hit resistance.
Emotional intelligence has also been a non-negotiable. As a founder, especially one doing something highly personal, it’s easy to get emotionally hijacked — by criticism, by comparison, by delay. But I’ve learned that leading with emotion and leading with strategy are two very different things. Emotional intelligence helps me move with clarity, not impulse. It also helps with performance. The more I understood that thoughts drive emotions, the more I could shift how I felt — not by forcing it, but by reframing it. That’s what allows you to still show up on the days you feel defeated, uncertain, or unseen.
And finally, adaptability — arguably the most critical if you’re entering an industry without the traditional credentials, connections, or funding. I didn’t have a fashion degree or a luxury network. I didn’t always know the “right” way to do things, and often, I couldn’t afford to do them the conventional way even if I did. So I had to get resourceful. I had to ask better questions, take unconventional paths, and keep adjusting my methods without losing the core of my vision. Adaptability isn’t about compromise — it’s about innovation under constraint. It’s what makes forward movement possible when the rulebook doesn’t fit.
If I had one piece of advice for someone early in their journey, it would be this: the skills that matter most won’t always show up on your résumé. They’ll show up in how you navigate the unknown — and in the quiet decisions no one else sees.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Yes — we’re absolutely open to collaboration, but in a way that’s highly intentional. JULIANNA MILANO is not just a luxury label that exists to participate in the industry — we’re building a community. One that’s rooted in heritage and refinement, but also expansion, experimentation, and cultural relevance.
At the heart of what we’re creating is innovation — not just in materials or sustainability, but in creative direction, narrative, and the way we engage with the world. We’re interested in building with partners who share that sense of clarity and curiosity — stylists, photographers, brand collaborators, retailers, consultants — anyone with a strong creative point of view and a respect for intentional growth.
This is a brand born from personal conviction, but we’re not building in isolation. We believe that thoughtful partnerships can unlock ideas and visibility that go beyond what’s possible alone.
If something about our story resonates with you, or you feel aligned with where we’re headed, I’d love to connect. You can reach out through our website, juliannamilano.com, or message us directly on Instagram at @juliannamilano.
Contact Info:
- Website: www..juliannamilano.com
- Instagram: @juliannamilano @heather.julianna
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/julianna-milano-inc/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
