from Canvas Rebel Magazine: "Meet Julia Belian"
Third Time's A Charm ;)
This past year has been an absolute whirlwind, and I am beyond grateful to share that I’ve been featured in three magazine articles in less than one year…WOW what a milestone!
First, there was Voyage Denver, then Bold Journey, and now Canvas Rebel. It’s truly surreal to see my story shared on such incredible platforms. Each feature has been a chance to reflect on this journey and talk about two of the projects that mean the most to me: Roam Boulder and Fashion Fille. I haven’t shared much about Roam Boulder here (yet!), but being able to discuss both of these endeavors and how much they’ve shaped my life has been so meaningful.
In my most recent feature with Canvas Rebel, I opened up about one of the biggest decisions I’ve made recently: moving back to Chicago. Looking back, it’s been the greatest decision of my life so far. The personal and professional growth it’s brought me is something I’ll cherish forever, and it feels incredible to share that chapter in such a special way.
To everyone who has supported me along the way, thank you from the bottom of my heart. These opportunities have been a dream come true, and I’m so proud of the path I’m on. Here’s to celebrating the past, embracing the present, and dreaming of what’s to come. I love you all! Thank YOU Fashion Filles! <3
“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, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
One of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken was founding Roam Boulder, the University of Colorado Boulder’s first-ever life and style magazine. The idea for Roam was born in July 2021 during a time when I felt completely unmotivated and stuck. I was searching for opportunities that aligned with my passion for fashion, but nothing on campus seemed to fit. It felt like I had hit a roadblock, and I knew I had two choices: transfer schools to find the creative outlet I craved, or take a leap and create that outlet myself.
Choosing to stay and start Roam Boulder was both empowering and terrifying. I realized that if I was feeling this way, there had to be other students who also wanted a space to express themselves creatively and build their portfolios. That realization gave me the push I needed to take a risk and bring this idea to life.
At first, I had no idea how people would respond. Would students embrace a fashion magazine at CU Boulder? Would they see the value in it the way I did? What did I know about founding a magazine? Despite the uncertainty, I wasn’t scared. Deep down, I knew this was something I had to do, no matter what.
I threw myself into the process, pouring hours into designing the magazine’s concept and brand identity, recruiting team members, and fostering an inclusive, creative community. Slowly but surely, people started to show up—students who shared my vision and were excited to contribute. Together, we laid the foundation for what Roam Boulder would become.
Looking back, founding Roam Boulder wasn’t just about creating a magazine; it was about proving to myself that we can create our own opportunities, even when none seem to exist. It was a way to take control of my path and to help others do the same.
Today, I’m incredibly proud of the impact Roam has had—not just on me, but on everyone who’s been a part of it. It’s a reminder that taking risks, even when the outcome is uncertain, can lead to incredible growth and fulfillment. Sometimes, the best opportunities are the ones we create for ourselves.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m the founder and creative mind behind Fashion Fille, a platform where fashion, storytelling, and community intersect. My journey into the fashion industry began with a deep love for style and self-expression. Over time, I realized fashion was about more than just clothes—it’s a way to tell stories, connect with others, and celebrate individuality. That belief has shaped everything I do with Fashion Fille.
Fashion Fille started as a passion project and has since grown into a dynamic platform and independent fashion marketing consulting firm. On Substack, I write about fashion trends, industry insights, and personal stories. My Instagram is a space for connecting with a vibrant community of fashion lovers, sharing inspiration, and starting conversations about style and culture. Each week, I also send out a newsletter packed with fashion news, trend highlights, and local events, creating a resource for anyone who wants to stay informed and inspired.
Through my consulting work, I help brands and individuals tell their unique stories. This includes developing creative campaigns, refining brand identities, and creating strategies to connect them with their audience in meaningful ways. I work closely with my clients to ensure that every project reflects their vision while standing out in a competitive market.
What sets Fashion Fille apart is its focus on authenticity and connection. Whether I’m writing, consulting, or creating content, my goal is to keep things real and relatable. I want people who engage with Fashion Fille to feel like they’re connecting with a person, not just a brand. That personal touch is what drives me and keeps my work grounded in the values of creativity and community.
I’m most proud of how Fashion Fille has grown into something that not only allows me to express myself creatively but also helps others. Seeing the impact of my work—whether it’s helping a client tell their story, inspiring someone through my writing, or connecting with a follower on Instagram—has been incredibly fulfilling.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to expand what Fashion Fille can offer. I plan to grow the consulting side of the business, take on more creative projects, and continue building connections with people who love fashion as much as I do. For me, Fashion Fille is more than a platform—it’s a love letter to the stories, people, and creativity that make fashion so special.
If this is your first time hearing of Fashion Fille, I’d love for you to follow along on Instagram, subscribe to my newsletter, or reach out. This space is for anyone who sees fashion as a way to express themselves and connect with others. I’m so excited for what’s ahead and grateful to have you here.
Is there a mission driving your creative journey?
My mission with Fashion Fille is rooted in two key things: education and connection. I want to use my experiences in the fashion industry to help others feel more prepared and confident as they begin their own journeys. The fashion world can be intimidating—it’s fast-paced, competitive, and often hard to navigate when you’re just starting out. By sharing what I’ve learned, from successes to missteps, I hope to give people practical insights and guidance so they feel better equipped to take on their own careers.
At the same time, connection is at the heart of everything I do. Fashion can sometimes feel isolating, especially because of the competition, but I truly believe it has the power to bring people together. My goal is to create a space where we’re all equals—a space where we can talk openly about our shared love of fashion without the pressure to compete. Whether it’s through Substack, Instagram, or my newsletter, I want to foster a sense of community where creativity and passion come first.
I also have big dreams for myself, and Fashion Fille has been instrumental in turning some of those dreams into reality. Fashion Fille has been a way for me to make some of those dreams a reality, from growing my consulting business to connecting with incredible people who share my passion. But even as I work toward my own goals, I never lose sight of the bigger picture: creating a platform that supports, inspires, and connects others in the industry.
For me, fashion isn’t just about the clothes. It’s about the stories we tell, the connections we build, and the creativity we share. Through Fashion Fille, I hope to educate, uplift, and create a space where people feel inspired to pursue their own dreams while supporting one another along the way. That’s what drives me every day, and it’s what I’m most excited to continue building.
Have you ever had to pivot?
A couple of months ago, I made the difficult decision to leave my life in Denver behind—my job, my friends, and the community I had built—and move to Chicago. It wasn’t an easy choice, and it felt deeply selfish at the time, but I knew it was something I needed to do. I wanted to be closer to my family and, more importantly, take a step toward my long-term dream of building a full-time career in fashion.
Making that pivot wasn’t without its challenges. Even though I knew it was the right decision, leaving a place where I had built so much for myself was incredibly hard. But I also realized that staying in Denver would mean settling for comfort rather than growth. I wasn’t happy, and I knew I needed to take control of my life and get back on track toward the goals I had been working so hard to achieve.
Now, looking back, it’s clear that it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Moving to Chicago gave me the chance to start fresh in so many ways. I’m closer to my family, which has been such a source of joy and support, and I’ve also achieved a major milestone: landing my first full-time job in fashion as a Sample Coordinator/Studio Assistant. It feels incredible to finally be working in the industry I’ve dreamed about for so long.
This experience has reinforced my belief that change is a good thing. It’s not always easy, but it’s often necessary. I think people should constantly evaluate their lives and be willing to make bold moves, especially if they’re unhappy. Growth comes from stepping out of your comfort zone and making decisions that align with your long-term goals, even when it’s scary.
For me, pivoting to Chicago wasn’t just about a career move—it was about choosing the life I wanted and taking steps to create it. And while the decision was hard, the rewards have been more than worth it. Change can be uncomfortable, but it’s also where the best opportunities often lie.”
Without all of you, none of this would be possible. Thank you a million times over. We got this! <3
XO,
𝒇𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒇𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒆
Canvas Rebel. (n.d.). Meet Julia Belian. Retrieved January 11, 2025, from https://canvasrebel.com/meet-julia-belian/