We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Juliana Shun a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Juliana thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

I was at a crossroads in my life, caught between the comfort of anonymity and the desire to express my true self. I always knew I was a creative person. Art really resonates with me. I was not always into fashion; however, I used it as a form of visual communication due to my hearing loss. I later became infatuated with fashion itself and admired this art form. Something shifted within me as I first discovered the world of thrifting and vogue magazines. I realized I wanted to embrace my individuality, not just for myself but to inspire others to do the same.

The backdrop of this story is a world dominated by social media, where people curate their lives and present polished versions of themselves. I have always admired those who showcased their unique styles and unapologetically shared their stories online. The idea of putting myself out there felt both exhilarating and terrifying.

Despite my fears, I decided to take the plunge. I started by experimenting with my wardrobe—trying out different colors, silhouettes, and patterns I’d previously shied away from, and accessories that spoke to my personality. Each outfit became a small act of rebellion against the fear of judgment. I spent years developing and curating my wardrobe owning pieces that reflect me.

I created an Instagram account specifically to share my personal style and to show what you can find secondhand in a world that is consumed by consumerism. As I hit “post,” a wave of anxiety washed over me, but I also felt a rush of liberation.

In the days that followed, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Friends and even acquaintances began to engage, sharing their own stories of self-expression. The risk had paid off; not only did I gain confidence, but I also connected with a community that celebrated authenticity.

As I continued to share my style, I faced challenges too—there were moments of doubt and criticism. But each time, I reminded myself of the freedom that came with being true to who I was. The experience transformed me; I learned to embrace vulnerability and found strength in my uniqueness.

Ultimately, this risk of putting myself out there became a turning point in my life. It taught me that authenticity resonates, that there’s power in sharing our true selves, and that the fear of judgment is often eclipsed by the joy of connection. It has always brought me wonderful opportunities that I never could have imagined were possible. It wasn’t just about fashion; it became a celebration of individuality, a reminder to myself and others that we are all deserving of space to shine.

Juliana, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My path into the fashion industry is deeply rooted in my personal experiences, particularly my journey with hearing loss. Growing up, I was always a creative soul, deeply engaged in the arts—drawing, painting, and exploring various forms of artistic expression. However, it wasn’t until I faced the challenges of hearing loss that I discovered the profound impact of visual communication through fashion.

Fashion became a powerful medium for me, allowing me to express my identity and emotions in ways that transcended spoken language. It opened a new world where colors, patterns, and styles spoke volumes, giving me a voice when words fell short. As I embraced this newfound passion, I realized that I wanted to help others harness the power of fashion as a form of self-expression too.

Thrifting emerged as a vital part of my journey. It wasn’t just a way to curate my wardrobe but a transformative experience that taught me about sustainability and individuality. Each thrifted piece carries a history, and I found joy in reimagining those garments, giving them new life while also crafting a unique personal style. This love for thrifting became central to my mission: helping others navigate the world of secondhand fashion to discover their own distinctive looks.

Through my brand, I offer a range of services centered around personal styling and thrift consulting. I guide clients in curating their wardrobes by helping them identify their personal styles, navigating thrift stores, and finding hidden gems that reflect who they are. I believe that everyone deserves to feel confident and authentic in their clothing, and thrifting provides an affordable and sustainable way to achieve that.

What sets my brand apart is my unique perspective on fashion as a tool for empowerment, particularly for those who may feel marginalized. I strive to create an inclusive space where individuals of all backgrounds can explore their styles without judgment. My approach is rooted in storytelling; every piece has a narrative, and I work closely with my clients to ensure their style choices reflect their personal journeys.

I am most proud of the community I’ve built around my brand. It’s incredibly rewarding to see clients transform as they embrace their unique styles and gain confidence in expressing themselves. I love hearing their stories about how fashion has positively impacted their lives, and I take great joy in celebrating those victories alongside them.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Absolutely! My creative journey is driven by a clear mission: to transition from my standard Monday-to-Friday job into a full-time career in fashion and thrifting. I envision a life where I can dedicate myself entirely to what I love, focusing on helping others discover their personal styles while celebrating the sustainability and uniqueness of thrifted fashion.

Ultimately, my goal is to inspire a community around thrifting and sustainable fashion, making it a vibrant and integral part of our lives. I believe that when we pursue what we love, we not only enrich our own lives but also have the power to inspire and uplift those around us. I’m excited to continue this journey and turn my passion into a thriving career that reflects my values and aspirations.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative, especially in fashion, is the ability to be authentically myself. Through my journey, I’ve gained a newfound confidence that empowers me to make bold choices in my style. Each outfit I curate is a reflection of who I am, and that authenticity allows me to express my personality without fear.

This creative freedom has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone in ways I never imagined. I’ve learned to embrace the unexpected—mixing colors, experimenting with textures, and trying new silhouettes. Each time I take a risk with my fashion choices, I discover more about myself, further refining my authentic style.

Being able to express myself through fashion has not only shaped my identity but also created meaningful connections with others. It’s a beautiful cycle of inspiration and empowerment that drives my passion and fuels my creative journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://solo.to/julianashun
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/offroadvogue/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliana-shun-a83797194/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OffRoadVogue
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/offroadvogue/

Image Credits

Gabriel Rosario
Derek Kwok
Juliana Shun