Returning with Julie Wray
Being that I am completely dazzled by mothers who successfully establish online businesses, there was no missing the radiant light of Julie Wray. Her online biz ShopOlivine is a genius blend of sexy AND comfortable apparel for women (that seems to be taking over my closet.) Without further ado, I bring you Ms. Julie Wray and her inspiring insights on motherhood, women, and business.
Julie, you are an online business rockstar who is a lover of all things divinely feminine. How has your feminine essence inspired your business life?
Thank you, it’s true. I flirt with everybody as often as possible. My husband and son (that’s a given), the USPS lady (and I get the most amazing service from her!!) and my customers (who are not used to being flirted with by online customer service … and they LOVE it). I try to do everything with a sense of humor and I never take my business too seriously. It is there to serve me, not the other way around!
You brilliantly made the move from a brick and mortar business to an online shop, just before the arrival of your son Johnny (now nine months old.) What has been fabulous about this decision? What has been challenging?
The truly fabulous part is that I have been able to orchestrate working around his naps and actually get so much done. The challenging part is that my business has gotten so busy that I don’t have time to do anything else while he is napping! Hence the newly hired assistant…
Where do you think most women flail with solopreneurship?
Fear. So many women are afraid to fail so they never even begin their lifelong dream of starting their own business. It makes me so sad!
If you had all the women in the world’s ear for one minute, what would you want them to know?
Create your dreams, follow your pleasure and find joy in every day.
What was the dumbest thing that you used to believe?
That I had to chase love to create a loving relationship. That I had to chase business ideas to make them happen. The best love and the best business ideas come naturally, not forced.
If you could spend 24 hours with anyone in the world, it doesn’t matter if they are alive or dead, who would it be and why?
Eve Ensler – This woman is phenomenal. Every time I hear her speak I absolutely melt into her stories. I have learned so much from her about what it truly means to be a woman, and to own being a woman. Could I just sit and listen to her talk for those 24 hours? That would be heavenly…
Do you have any words of wisdom for women who are desiring to break into the online world?
Start now and quit waiting!
How do you pick the lines you carry?
I pick the lines I carry based on a few things: I must love it. I either wear it or use it myself … Or I would wear it if it looked good on me! I MUST like the people I am buying from. If I don’t then the deal is off. Fashion is not a driving force behind what I buy, I listen to myself instead.
How have you learned to handle mistakes and losses?
I learned that huge lesson from the Goddess Danielle Laporte. Move on, quickly. I don’t hang on to plans that flop anymore, I release them quickly. I used to forge through no matter what, afraid that I would look like a failure if I didn’t. In reality, nobody cares!
