Meet Julia Vacala | Founder & CEO of Vianne Clothing

We had the good fortune of connecting with Julia Vacala and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Julia, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My entrepreneurial drive started at a very young age when I began my first business selling homemade slime at just 8 years old. This early experience sparked my passion for business. Growing up, I witnessed the sacrifices my parents made coming from underprivileged backgrounds to provide opportunities for me and my brother. Their hard work instilled a strong work ethic in me. At 16, I launched my first legitimate venture, an upcycled clothing line utilizing the design skills my mother taught me. This combined my creativity with an interest in sustainable fashion. Although I took a break to focus on school, my love for upcycling and environmental responsibility persisted. When I started college for Fashion Merchandising, I found renewed purpose through Lynn University’s Watson Institute Social Impact and entrepreneurship program. This allowed me to align my business interests with a commitment to sustainability. I decided to rebrand and seriously pursue the upcycled clothing line I had started earlier. Researching the harmful impacts of fast fashion, like textile waste and unethical practices, solidified my mission for Vianne Clothing. I refocused my efforts on providing an eco-friendly alternative by thoughtfully upcycling and redesigning secondhand clothes. Vianne combines my design talents with ethical manufacturing principles. Each unique upcycled piece helps reduce waste while letting customers express their individuality responsibly. Now at 20 years old and a junior in college, I’m set to graduate from the 3-year Watson program next year. This social entrepreneurship education provides invaluable knowledge to turn my passion project into an impactful business. As a young CEO, I find fulfillment in building an environmentally-conscious brand. Launching Vianne culminates my lifelong entrepreneurial goals aligned with sustainable values. This venture represents my heartfelt commitment to making the fashion industry better for people and the planet. Inspired by my parents’ selfless example, I’m motivated to uplift communities through ethical manufacturing while protecting the environment.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As the founder and CEO of Vianne Clothing, my mission is to breathe new life into pre-loved garments through the art of upcycling. What sets my brand apart is our direct approach to sustainable fashion, we take discarded textiles that would otherwise end up in landfills and redesign them into one-of-a-kind pieces that celebrate individuality and self-expression. It was truly pursuing my college education at Lynn University’s Watson Institute that transformed my passion project into a purpose-driven business. The Watson program allowed me to align my creative talents with the principles of ethical entrepreneurship focused on environmental and social impact. It was through this specialized curriculum that I discovered my passion, to merge sustainable fashion with conscious manufacturing in a way that empowers consumers to make eco-conscious choices without sacrificing style. Rebranding and relaunching Vianne Clothing stemmed from my realization of the immense damage caused by the fast fashion industry’s unethical practices and excessive waste. Each thoughtfully handcrafted Vianne piece is a tangible rejection of this harmful model and a step towards revolutionizing society’s perception of recycled clothing. My journey has been incredibly fulfilling, but it certainly wasn’t without obstacles. As a young, environmentally-conscious entrepreneur, I initially struggled to be taken seriously and secure funding sources to scale my operations, and still do. There was a lot of self-doubt, but my unwavering determination and the guidance of mentors kept me persevering. I’ve learned that true entrepreneurship demands resilience, creativity in problem-solving, and a willingness to constantly evolve with the needs of your customer base. But above all, I’ve found that maintaining authenticity in my “why”, to make a positive environmental impact through ethical fashion is what has allowed Vianne to steadily grow a passionate following. Today, I’m immensely proud that Vianne has become renowned for our exclusive, fashion-forward upcycled designs that minimize textile waste in a truly innovative way. Our “full circle” production model, where we upcycle pre-loved garments from second-hand stores shows a genuine commitment to circularity. Ultimately, I want Vianne to be recognized as a pioneer in the sustainable clothing space, proof that environmental accountability and style can coexist. Through our artistry and transparency, I hope we empower customers to feel amazing and truly alive in investment pieces they can feel proud wearing, living up to the meaning behind my middle name and the brand’s tag, Vianne.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my friend was visiting the area, I would love to show them the best of Boca Raton and the amazing lifestyle I get to experience here. It would be a week-long adventure filled with fun, relaxation, and a glimpse into my sustainable entrepreneurial world. First off, I’d take them for a tour around Lynn University’s beautiful campus, introducing them to my amazing friends and mentors who have been instrumental in my journey with Vianne Clothing. I’d also show them my favorite peaceful work spots, where I find inspiration and productivity in the serene outdoor settings. Living in Florida has its perks, and one of them is the ability to work and enjoy the outdoors all year round. So, we’d definitely spend a day at my go-to healthy eatery, Carrot Express. This cute spot serves up delicious, nutritious food, the perfect fuel for an afternoon of laying by the ocean. There’s nothing quite like getting work done, reading a book, or listening to a podcast while laying by the ocean.
Another day would be dedicated to one of my favorite pastimes, thrifting! We’d go to the South Florida Goodwill and Plato’s Closet Boca Raton, where I source the best secondhand garments for upcycling into Vianne’s one-of-a-kind pieces. My friend would get a firsthand look at my creative process and the materials I work with daily. Of course, we’d also spend an afternoon wandering around the Del Ray area, shopping, checking out local cafes, and soaking up the laid-back Florida vibe.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My biggest shoutout goes to my parents, who have been the driving force behind my entrepreneurial journey with Vianne Clothing. From a very young age, they instilled in me invaluable values like hard work, resilience, and the importance of following your passions. Despite coming from difficult backgrounds themselves, my parents made countless sacrifices to provide my brother and me with enriching opportunities. I witnessed firsthand their selflessness as they prioritized our needs above their own wants. Their unwavering support, guidance, and unconditional belief in me laid the foundation for the person I am today. It was my mother who imparted her creative talents, teaching me how to sew and design, skills that became the backbone of Vianne. And it was my father’s business acumen that shaped my entrepreneurial mindset from a young age. Together, their wisdom and example inspired me to launch my first small business at just 16 years old. More than just financial provision, my parents equipped me with the tools to become self-reliant and chase my dreams. When I decided to rebrand that initial creative venture into the sustainable, mission-driven Vianne Clothing, they were my biggest cheerleaders. Their constant encouragement gave me the courage to take risks and merge my passions for fashion, business, and environmental activism. Vianne Clothing is not just my professional endeavor, it’s a heartfelt way to honor the immeasurable impact my parents have had on my life’s path. This brand represents the fruit of the sacrifices they made to give me every opportunity to pursue my passion. I am who I am today because of their love, hard work, and the priceless lessons they imparted on me.

Website: https://Vianneclothing.com

Instagram: @vianne.clothing

Linkedin: Julia Vacala

Facebook: Vianne Clothing

Other: Tiktok: @vianne.clothing