We recently connected with Julia Badji and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Julia, thanks for joining us today. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?
Growing up, I was always an overachiever. I got my first job at 15, working at an ice cream shop, later becoming the manager. I also got my second job at 15 as a student assistant for a summer school program, later becoming the director. In high school, I held two jobs, while playing sports, was involved in various clubs and hobbies while simultaneously taking advanced courses. Because my family was not financially well off, I learned at an early age that if I wanted something, I would have to get it myself. For me, breaking free from the life I knew in my small town of Kansas City meant taking the path of going to college and securing a good job. I graduated in the top 10 percent of my class and earned a full ride scholarship to my dream school, USC.
College is undoubtedly expensive, leading me to take on two jobs while pursuing athletic medicine. I worked as a student athletic trainer and a student athletic nutritionist since my initial goal was to pursue a doctorate in physical therapy. Because I was fortunate to receive a full ride scholarship, most of the money I earned was primarily to cover living expenses, given that Los Angeles is a very costly city. I had always had a love for science, but I had really only been pursuing athletic medicine primarily for the potential financial rewards, despite having numerous other passions. While I was in school, I discovered my passion for business during entrepreneurship courses, leading me to take a leap of faith and work for myself after graduation. Since then, I’ve started multiple businesses, purchased properties, and traveled extensively.
Since graduating college and moving to Atlanta, I’ve never held a traditional job. Instead, I ventured into entrepreneurship. Not having a traditional job has provided me with a lot of freedom. With that being said, owning a business is undeniably more work. When you own a business there is a constant feeling of stress and pressure, especially when managing employees. Throughout my life, the weight of responsibility has rested on my shoulders – from taking care of myself and my family to being accountable for others’ livelihoods. This can feel overwhelming, especially considering I’m only 27.
Despite moments when I considered opting for the seemingly easier path of a regular job, I wouldn’t change a thing. Looking back, if I had chosen graduate school, I would have faced substantial debt, extreme stress, and likely be working long hours with less control over my own schedule and freedom. Occasionally, tempting offers for consulting or marketing roles come my way, but I always come back to the essence of who I am.
While some find security in a job, personally, I can never feel secure relying on someone else. Taking care of myself has been a lifelong journey, and I value having control over my finances and potential earnings. A job limits you to what they’re willing to give and the risk of termination. In contrast, with a business the earning potential is limitless and depends solely on your own efforts.
Having autonomy over my life, especially as a young woman, is invaluable. Entrepreneurship may not be for everyone, and it’s certainly not for the weak. Yet, despite the long hours, the rewards far outweigh the challenges, making it a worthwhile journey in the end.
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’d label myself a serial entrepreneur, having started and managed various businesses since graduating college at 22. I am always open to diverse entrepreneurial opportunities as long as I feel as though they align with my purpose. Currently, I operate a non-surgical body contouring spa in Atlanta. In addition to performing beauty services, I teach courses and sell products. I initiated this business while transitioning out of the modeling industry, an environment I found to be sexist and unprofessional towards women. My goal was to create a business where not only I would feel respected but also to establish an incredible, positive space for women. This venture is particularly close to my heart as it aligns with my overarching goal of supporting and promoting female empowerment.
My passion lies in providing women with confidence and self-love, helping them achieve their goals in a safe and affordable manner. Among the various aspects of this business, teaching courses is undoubtedly my favorite part. I take pride in guiding women to pursue careers in the beauty industry, leveraging my experiences to expedite their journey towards success. My aim is to inspire women to become their own bosses, and demonstrate that it’s entirely possible to achieve success independently. This is particularly meaningful as I operate a business focused on women, showcasing that financial success and achievement doesn’t depend on the presence of a man. I believe in the importance of sharing information, as there’s room for everyone to succeed.
Recently, I also achieved a significant milestone by publishing a book titled “Princess Treatment: How to Create Your Own Fairytale.” This book unexpectedly emerged from my social media journey. As I shared various aspects of my life on Instagram, the videos discussing Princess Treatment gained immense popularity, along with those about running a successful business and my lifestyle. The response led many women to inquire about how I managed to live the life that I do.
Feeling the importance of addressing this, I decided to write a book. I want women to understand that while it’s crucial for a man to treat them like a princess, self-love is equally as important. The focus should extend beyond the relationship aspect, and I wanted to emphasize the journey to becoming one’s higher self. Of course, I also include practical tips for ensuring they choose the right partners. Additionally, I shared some of my personal dating experiences as a testament to the valuable lessons I’ve learned along the way. The book encourages women not only to elevate themselves and raise their standards but also emphasizes the importance of providing Princess Treatment for themselves. It advocates for women not allowing a man into their lives unless he treats them with the utmost respect.
Continuing on my entrepreneurial path, my aim is to share my diverse life experiences, both in business and personally, with a broader audience. I aspire to inspire and guide women on their path to success. I choose to be an open book, sharing my trials and tribulations in the hope that they can aid others in achieving success on their terms. Having navigated my business endeavors without a mentor, I understand the value of learning and sharing information. I would love to be a guiding person for others.
Women, in my belief, are incredible – strong and beautiful. I’ve been blessed with an amazing village of women who surround and support me, and I believe this has contributed immensely to becoming the woman I am today. My life goal is to continue spreading love and positivity while evolving on my personal journey towards my true purpose.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I have had to pivot in my life so many times, it’s not even funny. Deciding to pursue entrepreneurship definitely marks the most significant pivot in my life. I was a meticulous planner in my younger years, and have always been extremely detail-oriented and organized. I had always heard of others going to college and deciding to change their career path, but I never thought that person would be me. Until that point, my belief about becoming successful in life meant going to college and secure a well-paying job. So, I went for athletic medicine because, in my head, doctors were making serious money, and that’s exactly what I wanted to do.
Starting my business courses in college altered my perspective on life, and a pivotal figure in this journey was one of my first entrepreneurship professors who happened to be also be a business owner. Although he might not be aware, he played a pivotal role in changing my life course. His classes became transformative moments where he recognized and commended my work, even encouraging other students to match my dedication. The impact was profound as I genuinely enjoyed the projects, going above and beyond to complete my assignments.
He urged me to consider entrepreneurship, and even extended an offer to work for his company. At the time, I was laser-focused on clinical hours and pursuing athletic medicine, so I didn’t take up his offer. However, his words continued to linger in mind. I will never forget the day he said, “If you want to live in my neighborhood, you can’t be a doctor or a lawyer. To reside where I live, you either have to own your own business or be an NBA player. And I don’t think that you’re going to the NBA, so you should really consider entrepreneurship.”
This advice simmered in my mind until a week before graduation when I silently decided I was not going to pursue graduate school. Although I hadn’t told anyone yet, I had made the decision in my mind that I was going to pursue entrepreneurship full-time and if all else failed, I could always return back to school. This significant decision propelled me to move to Atlanta without a job or a concrete plan. I trusted in hard work, faith, and following my heart. So far, God has never failed me and has continued to bless me and open up doors for my success.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
I’m an avid reader, and genuinely love gaining new information, wisdom, and simply soaking up knowledge. I truly enjoy exploring diverse perspectives and finding new insights. However, when I read different texts, I don’t take every opinion as gospel or apply it directly to my life. Discernment is key for me and recognizing which aspects resonate personally. In the end, even if what you are reading is backed by significant facts, it is still just someone else’s opinion.
My reading taste spans a wide spectrum – from non-fiction self-help and manifestation books to fiction and religious texts. Growing up in a Catholic and Muslim household exposed me to Christianity and Islam. As an adult, I delved into my own religious studies, exploring both the Quran and the Bible. Eventually, I chose to embrace Islam in my adult life, finding strength and discipline in my faith, which has profoundly shaped my entrepreneurial journey.
Furthermore, my exploration of manifestation, influenced by philosophers like Neville Goddard and Florence Shovel Shinn, has played a significant role in developing the right mindset for success in entrepreneurship. I firmly believe that cultivating a positive mindset and attracting what you want in life are as crucial as putting in the actual work. Sometimes, despite feeling like we’re working hard, without the proper mindset, it might just be busy work rather than genuine productivity.
If there’s one book I’d recommend for gaining insight into the law of attraction and fostering positivity in life, it’s “Ask and It Is Given” by Abraham Hicks. Reading this book a few years back marked the beginning of my journey into manifestation and mindset literature. It completely shifted my perspective, helping me recognize negative self-talk and adopt a more positive outlook on life. Since then, I’ve attracted an enormous amount of abundance and happiness. What I love most about this book is that it not only explains the philosophy behind the mindset but also provides practical exercises to kickstart your journey.
I firmly believe that cultivating a positive mindset is foundational to running a successful business. Throughout my entrepreneurial journey, I’ve experienced numerous instances where I felt divinely guided, with life-changing opportunities seemingly falling into my lap. This belief in divine inspiration, where ideas come directly from a higher source, drives me to listen to my intuition and pursue these ideas, trusting that they’re leading me towards my purpose. I’ve learned that maintaining a negative mindset can potentially block out opportunities meant for us. Despite the ups and downs, every experience serves as a valuable lesson, shaping our journey and guiding us towards our ultimate purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.baddiebodyspa.com
- Instagram: @juliabad_
- Facebook: Baddie Body Academy
- Other: Tiktok: @juliabad_