Female Founder Features: Julia Browne
Female Founder Name: Julia Browne
Business Name: Melbourne Fashion Hub
Website: https://melbournefashionhub.com.au
Tell us about your business. What products or services do you offer?: Melbourne Fashion Hub provides coaching, mentoring, and resources for aspiring fashion design students and early-stage fashion entrepreneurs. I offer tailored business consulting services, workshops, and a free pre-accelerator program to empower fashion design students and recent graduates with the skills and confidence to succeed in the competitive fashion industry.
What inspired you to start your business?: After years of working in event management, the creative industries and fashion, I noticed a gap in practical business education for local emerging designers. Many talented creatives struggle with the business side of things. I wanted to create a safe space that bridges that gap, helping them turn their vision into pathways into work and sustainable businesses.
How long have you been running your business?: Just over 5 years
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a woman in business, and how did you overcome it?: The biggest challenge I’ve faced as a woman in business has been getting use to asking for help (you cannot do it all by yourself as a sole trader) and navigating the gender biases that still exist in certain professional spaces. Early on, sometimes, I found it challenging to be taken seriously in conversations about funding or partnerships.
I overcame this by focusing on building my expertise and confidence. I let my results speak for themselves—whether it was the success of Melbourne Fashion Hub alumni or the program's impact. I also sought out supportive networks of such as my female entrepreneur friends and mentors, who provided advice, encouragement, and opportunities to amplify my voice. These relationships have been invaluable in pushing through barriers and creating my business
What has been your proudest moment as a business owner?: Seeing alumni of my program go on to launch successful labels, collaborate with global brands, and establish themselves as future leaders in the fashion industry. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that Melbourne Fashion Hub played a part in their journey.
What strategies have helped you grow your business?: I'd say my main strategies have been building strategic partnerships, focusing on community engagement, tailoring my offerings, and as a micro business, it's especially important to leverage digital marketing.
I also think it's important to gather continuous feedback. I actively seek feedback from participants and industry stakeholders, using it to refine our programs and consultancy services to ensure they remain relevant and impactful.
What tools or resources have been game-changers for your business?: I couldn't live without user-friendly marketing tools like Canva and groups like SPARK and my mentor. Completing the Govt SEA program has helped me with the business.
Can you share one key lesson you’ve learned about managing finances as a business owner?: DO NOT NEGLECT THIS AREA !!! It will come back to bite you if you do. Even if it's as rudimentary as initially creating an Excel spreadsheet, as dull as it may seem, prioritise keeping track of your finances from the outset.
How do you balance the demands of your business with your personal life?: Sometimes I don't. As a sole trader, everything relies on you, and I think everyone can relate to the crazy hours you need to put in, especially in the early phases. One of the things I do because I primarily work from home is taking my work computer out of the main family area, and I give myself officially cut-off times for when I will end my work day.
What leadership qualities do you believe are essential for running a successful business?: Empathy, adaptability, and vision. Understanding the unique challenges my participants face allows us to support them effectively. Being open to change and staying future-focused ensures my program and services remain relevant and impactful.
How do you motivate and manage your team?: I am the team so I motivate and manage myself by staying connected to my purpose—empowering emerging fashion designers to succeed. This sense of purpose drives me through challenging days and reminds me why I started Melbourne Fashion Hub in the first place.
I also believe in setting clear goals and breaking them into manageable steps, which helps me stay focused and productive. Regular self-reflection allows me to celebrate progress while identifying areas for improvement.
To maintain my energy and enthusiasm, I now schedule time for creative pursuits, exercise, and connecting with family and friends. Surrounding myself with a network of supportive peers and mentors really helps me.
Finally, I practice self-care by acknowledging my limits and (sometimes) giving myself grace on days when things don’t go as planned. I approach work with resilience and a commitment to continuing to add value.
What role does mentorship or networking play in your business journey?: It’s everything. Networking has allowed me to build partnerships and gain insights from industry leaders. Mentorship, on the other hand, has been about paying it forward—sharing my experiences to guide others.
What trends do you think will shape your industry in the coming years?: Sustainability and digital innovation. Consumers are increasingly drawn to brands that align with their values, and technology is opening up new ways for designers to connect with audiences globally.
How do you stay ahead of the competition in your industry?: Deep Industry Insight - I keep a pulse on emerging trends in fashion, business, and technology to ensure Melbourne Fashion Hub’s programs address current and future challenges faced by designers.
Building Genuine Connections -I gain valuable insights that inform tailored, impactful offerings by maintaining close relationships with industry professionals, alumni, and participants.
Prioritising Sustainability and Innovation - I champion responsible fashion and encourage designers to embrace digital tools like e-commerce platforms, social media, and AI for growth. This focus resonates strongly with modern audiences.
Highlighting Alumni Success - By showcasing the success stories of designers who have benefited from the Hub’s programs, I build credibility and attract new talent eager to follow in their footsteps.
By staying adaptable, purpose-driven, and forward-thinking, I look to ensure that Melbourne Fashion Hub remains a leader in supporting emerging fashionpreneurs.
Who or what inspires you in your business journey?: My friend Estelle Michaelides, a "Fashionpreneur," greatly inspires me. If she has a vision, nothing stands in her way of achieving it. In the time I've known her, she has done everything she says she wants to do or achieve!
What books, podcasts, or resources have had the biggest impact on your professional growth?: I'm a perennial learner. I'm constantly taking short courses and joining programs or groups for personal and professional growth. Still, for my line of work in the beginning, a short course by MomA called 'Fashion as Design' had the most significant impact on me, and I continue to recommend it.
What’s a fun fact about you that most people wouldn’t know?: I used to be a professional dancer.
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about your business?: Melbourne Fashion Hub is more than just a learning space; it’s a community. I pride myself on fostering an environment where designers can collaborate, support each other, and build lifelong connections. I hope this environment encourages them to pay it forward :)
Reflecting on your time in business, what is one piece of advice you would give to another woman to help her on her business journey?: Trust your instincts, but don’t be afraid to seek help. Build a network of supportive peers, mentors, and experts who can guide you through the challenges.
How can people connect with you or learn more about your business? (e.g., website, social media, etc.):
Visit https://melbournefashionhub.com.au
Follow us on Instagram @melbfashionhub
Linkedin melbournefashionhub
or email me at info@melbournefashionhub.com.au
Anything you want to add that we might have missed?: All the fashion design students and graduates who completed the program last year will have the opportunity to showcase themselves and their work during the Melbourne Fashion Hub Pop-up from 21-23 March with our venue host, Creation Collective co, in Collingwood, Melbourne.
