Conversations with Julie Vogel

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Vogel

Hi Julie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My love affair with fashion goes way back to the time I was a toddler. Honestly, the moment I slipped my foot into the pink plastic barbie slipper, I was a goner! By the time I was three, I willfully fought my mother when she wanted to put me in overalls to play outside in the park. I demanded to wear my white taffeta party dress and black patent Mary Janes. My hair was a whole other story; I carried a comb and brush with me at all times- some kids lug around dolls, teddy bears and blankies, I carried a pouch of glam tools. I was obsessed. I grew up in the 70’s and would lock myself hours on end in the bathroom perusing vogue, glamour and mademoiselle. I received my first pair of go-boots for Christmas and wore them to bed paired back to my flannel nightgowns. Every penny of my allowance or babysitting money was saved up for my next outfit.

My father left when I was 9, leaving my mother with four children frantically trying making ends meet. We struggled financially, I would get hand- me- downs from my two older sisters. By the time I got to wear the clothes were tattered and torn and pretty much had gone out of style. At 10 years old and have a vivid memory of safety pinning the holes in my cotton floral underpants. We were poor like that. I had a tremendous amount of shame and never felt good enough or that I measured up the the other girls my age. I was an anxious child and looking back I found ways to cope through my creativity. Art became my escape. I loved sketching, painting, knitting, clothing designing. When I was 12 I had a package of markers and started sketching on T- shirts. I hand painted graphic Tee’s with relevant pop culture images of the 60’s and 70’s. A friend of my mothers owned a trendy children’s boutique in greenwich village called “GEE THE KIDS NEED CLOTHES’ on west 4th street. Her name was Doris and she asked me if I wanted to sell my shirts at her store. Of course I said YES!!! Truth be told I became an entrepreneur at the age of 12. I was making enough money to buy my own clothes at that point as well as negotiated a ‘deal’ with Doris to get a hefty discount on any clothing I purchased from her store. I was a scrappy kid from NYC and I learned how to survive and fend for myself at a very young age. One day I got a phone call from Doris yelling at me because a customer returned my shirts, irate and demanding a refund plus additional money for damages. The customer said my shirts had bled and stained her other clothes when she put them in the washing machine. I panicked and and since I was only 12 years old and didn’t have a lawyer or any type of management, I swiftly switched gears and started using water-proof markers on the next batch of shirts. I became adept at problem solving and navigating the art of becoming adaptable. I knew early on in life what it was like to leap without a net. I think entrepreneurship is built on that strategy. The world often tells us we must have ‘our ducks in a row’ and a certain amount of financial security in order to succeed. I learned at an early age that ‘security’ can be pulled out from beneath your feet in the blink of an eye and we must learn how to adapt in the moment. I truly believe that the hardships we endure in life are often the most powerful spring boards of which we can launch. Having to buy groceries at the age of 13 and being on my own and out of the house at 17 was not easy, however it gave me the grit and fortitude that would be needed to later build my brand and execute my vision as a business woman.

In the early 80’s I was accepted to NYU Tisch School of the Arts and simultaneously worked 3 jobs in order to pay for my tuition. I wanted to pursue an acting career. One of the ways I supported myself in between auditions was working retail -The universe was always nudging towards fashion. I moved to LA in my 30’s and when my career as a movie star didn’t pan out as I had hoped, I went full throttle into wardrobe styling. I landed my first gig a professional personal stylist for Banana Republic and dressed A list clients. The first major star that I outfitted was Matthew McConaughey when he was launching his career. I have worked with Katie Holmes, Angie Harmon, Kathy Hilton and many more A-list celebrities. I later moved on to the illustrious Barneys as a personal shopper and then launched independently as a wardrobe stylist and image consultant.

I raised a family and when the kids were off to college I divorced my husband and found myself in midlife at the age of 52 needing a reinvention. I became part of the initial 12 member team of the start up @Rebag official – we launched in 2014 as a tech company and I spearheaded the VIP services. The company scaled quickly and made the top 10 list for luxury resale in the sustainable markets. During the 2020 Pandemic I once again implemented my we- can- figure- this- out survival skills when retail stores were closing. We somehow seamlessy segued from brick to clicks. I created initiatives to stay afloat during an unprecedented global shut down, while many companies were going belly up, we actually gained great momentum with online traction and had our most significant growth from 2020 through 2021.

After 2020, like so many of us, I had a deep existential awakening and decided to exit Corporate America in pursuits of a deeper call. I launched a Lifestyle Coaching Brand that helps women become the most magnificent versions of themselves gaining full mastery of their lives while impacting the world with their most abundant resplendent highest and truest selves. I offer image, style, life & business coaching

I am currently a recurring host of my monthly broadcast ‘BEHIND THE MIRROR’ on the CW Television Network. Real talk with Real women on the CW Television Network. I have a memoir being released in 2025. I work with private clients around the globe. I am creating online seminars and coaching communities to help women of all ages in their business and personal lives. I am constantly building and growing my empire. The creator in me will likely find new ways of expression until I take my last breath.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Life has a way of happening when you are busy making plans… nothing has been smooth 🙂 I can say without any hesitation that as an entrepreneur there have been many days that I have wanted to quit- especially in the last few years when I launched my Brand ‘Julie Vogel Lifestyling’. I worked tirelessly 7 days a week and it took a few years before I saw any real real traction.

I am a perfectionist and have always been super hard on myself. I tend to minimize my success… we live in a world (especially on social media) where there are always going to be people seemingly doing more, having more etc. I had to STOP comparing myself to others and being so hyper- critical of my own work. My advice to new entrepreneurs is celebrate the wins no matter how small. For example: if I have a prospective client, speaking engagement or television appearance, whether I book the gig is not, I no longer make that the focus… I allow myself to bask in the gratitude of simply having these opportunity’s come to me.

I have always been a hyper independent woman and asking for help is a struggle- I have learned to delegate when I need assistance and allow people to support me while I am building my empire.

Balance has been tricky as I am a workaholic and since I tend to burn the candle 7 days a week- I have learned that my health, both mental and physical will suffer if I do not take the proper time to rest, restore and recharge. My artistic creative mind needs time to play as that is a huge component that feeds my inspiration.

I have been an all work and no play kind of gal- I am learning to shift and have more fun without the fear my business will suffer. I have learned that if I go quiet on social media for a single day no one will die (LOL)

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I feel genuinely blessed by the gifts God has given me. I am most proud of my ability to have endured and thrived despite traumatic circumstances that occurred in my early years as a child and adulthood. I have transmuted these events so that I can encourage, mentor and inspire others to do the same- I also believe that ALL of our life experiences good and bad will form a beautiful tapestry of our gifts and how we are called upon to share them with the world.

I am best known for supporting women in creating a life of authentic beauty and joy. My belief is that life itself is the “special occasion’ and true style is a woman feeling confident in her own skin.

I am a Luxury for Less fashion stylist – I have mastered the art of procuring the most exquisite fashion items that are accessible & affordable for everyone. I call it Bougie on a Budget/ Luxe for Less- democratizing high end goods for the masses.

I have curated an Amazon Storefront showcasing affordable fashion, styling tips and outfits for purchase.

I pride myself on being a transparent Micro- Influencer and Television personality. I create a safe space and invite women to become open and vulnerable, sharing topics that are not always seen and heard in mainstream media.

I truly believe that age is just a number and as women we get to reinvent ourselves as many times as we need or want to. It’s never too late to live the life you have imagined!!!

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I am a deeply spiritual person who’s faith is upper most important. God has been my greatest resource. He has opened doors that I could have never dreamed of while sustaining me throughout my entire career. I have always listened to the call of where He has wanted to place me on my career path in order to inspire as many people as possible.

I work with an extraordinary business coach @iamlougeorge and believe in the power of manifestation

I love the works of: @brenebrown @garrain.jones @heycoryallen @elizabeth_gilbert_writer

Contact Info:

• Website: under construction
• Instagram: @julievogelstyling
• Facebook: Julie Vogel
• Other: Tik Tok @julieelizavogel