Finding Balance and Blessings: AAPI Success Story with Jules Cali

Visit Jules Cali’s Instagram, and you'll feast on luxury travels, handbags, and food. Julie is a financial entrepreneur based in Orange County, California, where beautiful palm trees and blue waters serve as the perfect backdrop for her gourmet meals and colorful blazers.

With partnerships with Revolve, Fairmont Hotels, and Estée Lauder, Julie is quickly becoming an inspiration for 40-something fashionistas, sharing lifestyle tips from beauty and fashion to travel and food. Looking at her glamorous photos and lifestyle, you wouldn't have guessed that Julie was once another overworked and stressed-out worker who had to break the cycle to restore her health and happiness.

Today, Julie’s passion blog and vibrant Instagram page have become channels dedicated to inspiration for living the good life.

Your fans love your luxury lifestyle, but we understand you work hard for it. Tell us about your not-so-Instagrammable business.

I own a small accounting firm based in Orange, CA, specializing in bookkeeping for small and medium-sized businesses. We focus on organizing books for medical practices, med spas, manufacturing companies, and marketing firms. With a CPA as a business partner, we also provide HR consulting and tax services.

Describe your journey from bookkeeper to fashion and lifestyle influencer.

I started my small accounting firm and simultaneously began my journey as a digital creator after quitting my 9-5 job at a CPA firm. I couldn't balance my time between work and personal life because of the nature of the work at my former employer. I was managing 40 clients per month and constantly facing deadlines, which was super stressful. I wanted to travel more, especially during the holidays, but I couldn't due to year-end deadlines on tax projects for clients. I never had the opportunity to celebrate my birthday with a trip because it falls in April, a busy tax month. The job was too hectic, and I had very little work-life balance.

When I developed a medical condition due to stress and was put on medication, I knew something had to change. That's when I finally decided to quit and work for myself, and I haven't looked back since. As a business owner, I choose how many clients to serve, so it doesn't get too stressful. I'm able to manage my time and pursue other things I'm passionate about, such as travel and fashion.

In April 2018, I started my blog, Jules Cali, as a creative outlet to share my love for travel and fashion. It's been an interesting journey over the past three years as a full-time entrepreneur and part-time digital creator. I'm grateful that my account is steadily growing, and I'm glad to have collaborated with amazing brands, traveled to beautiful destinations, and enjoyed working remotely.

How does this creative outlet go from passion to side hustle?

If you are passionate about something and dedicated not only to getting inspired but also to inspiring others, eventually your consistency, efforts, and sacrifices will pay off. Passion can definitely turn into a side hustle. Believe in the possibilities.

When you started on this creative journey, what were your goals? Have you accomplished them?

My main goal was to travel more and share my experiences and favorite outfits through blogging and social media channels. The creative work I do provides me with a good break from the busy bookkeeping work schedule and helps distract from stressful situations. I am so blessed and grateful that I have achieved more than what I aimed for.

What are some brands you’ve worked with?

Currently, I work with Revolve, Revlon, and Fairmont Hotels. I have also worked with Cleve Christian Perfume, Estee Lauder, Dyptique, Herradura Tequila, Angara Jewelry, and Total Wines.

Why do you think having a creative outlet is necessary?

It is necessary to have a creative outlet because it has been proven that it can help reduce physical and mental stress from work or home. Some studies reveal that people who have creative outlets outside of work perform better in their jobs. When I dedicate time to creating content, I feel happy and more energized at work. It is true that having fun leads to greater success and satisfaction.

How would you describe your sense of style? What is the thought process behind your looks?

I would describe my style as Classic Modern Style. I love to mix timeless or classic pieces with modern ones. I usually dress to express my character and mood and not to follow what's trending. You will always find me carrying luxury bags like Chanel or Hermes and wearing affordable and comfortable outfits from Revolve or Zara.

Luxury brands express power and success, while affordable brands are approachable and relatable. You won't see me wearing too much black. I love to wear white and pastels as they reflect the things I love, such as sunny skies, beaches, tropical destinations, and quaint places. I live 5 miles away from the beach in Southern California, and I get a lot of inspiration from my hometown.

What's next? Where would you like to take your fashion passion?

I love to travel. I'm planning to attend Paris Fashion Week next year and explore more of Europe as I get a lot of inspiration from traveling.

Any advice for women in demanding careers to explore their creativity and/or love for fashion?

I definitely encourage women in demanding careers like me to explore their passions. It could be baking or cooking, floral arrangements, or hiking. Exploring and expressing their feelings outside their demanding jobs can bring relief from stressful environments. It's so important for our bodies and minds to have a healthy outlet so we can enjoy life and do what we are truly passionate about.

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Yvon Lux is the editor of her Apple News channel. Her “blogazine” celebrates sisterhood and empowers women by focusing on women’s health, travel, lifestyle, and entrepreneurial news while also sharing the most coveted beauty news and style stories.

Yvon’s upcoming Lifestyle Magazine will stylishly tell stories of trailblazers and tastemakers.

As an entrepreneur and influencer, she has been featured in LA Times, Thrive Global, OC Register, Modern Luxury Magazine, and more. Connect with her on Instagram and subscribe to her Apple News channel!