Inspired By: Julia Turner Lowe
Q&A: Switching Careers, Design Inspiration & More
What sparked your switch in career from finance to fashion design?
I've always loved fashion and often made my own clothes due to the limited choices that fit me. After raising a family and working for many years in finance for non-profits, it was time to pursue my creative side and I knew that had to include my love for fabrics. When I walk into a fabric store, I can feel my heart beating faster as the excitement rises. It was an easy decision for me, so I began to learn as much as I could about what it meant to start a fashion line.
“It's never a wrong time to do the things you really love. Believe in yourself, create a plan and work on creating a community of support to help.”
What advice do you have for women wanting to switch their careers later in life?
It's never a wrong time to do the things you really love. Believe in yourself, create a plan and work on creating a community of support to help.
Make sure you’re pursuing something you enjoy doing. Don’t get discouraged if you find yourself pulled in different directions before you figure out exactly what that is. The past year with all of us having to slow down has led me to reassess some things and I am now in the process of making pieces that are closer to my vision of using natural fibers and dyes. So, I guess my advice is take the journey and see where you end up. It may not be where you originally thought but that’s okay.
How do you approach designing a new piece of clothing?
I initially began with drawings and then started sourcing fabric types and colors or prints that would work for the particular silhouette. However, lately my work is becoming more improvisational because I’ve been working with natural dyes.
What is your current inspiration?
Most of my inspirations come from walking in nature and visiting museums to see works of art.
What tips do you have for women who lack confidence in their body image?
1) Stop listening to the negative talk about what your body should/shouldn’t look like.
2) Do activities that make YOU feel healthy. Try walking, yoga and strength training. Base this off of personal health and not on what society says is healthy.
3) Implement some type of spiritual practice. A spiritual practice (not necessarily religious although it could be) is very important to practicing self-love and having high regard for oneself.
How do you approach styling yourself as your body changes?
My personal approach is simplicity and modesty in clothing selections and stylist adornment with jewelry, shoes, belts, scarves, etc. Since the pandemic, I’ve added masks to this list of adornment with my one-of-a-kind masks.
What is one piece from JTL Designs every woman needs in their closet?
If I had to pick one, it would be the Julia Classic Knit Dress. My second recommendation would be the Melanie Asymmetrical Dress. They are both versatile – great for many occasions!
Since we’re a pajama company, we have to ask about some of your pj and sleeping preferences!
PJs: Matching sets or mix and match?
Mix and Match
Slippers: Yes or No
No
What’s the one part of your nighttime routine you never skip?
Washing my face and applying a few drops of argan oil.
What’s always on your bedside table?
Water, my phone (I listen to rain sleep sounds) and CPAP machine
Night owl or Early rise?
Night Owl
What’s your favorite breakfast in bed?
Never have it in bed, I’m too messy
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