June 29, 2020
Q & A with Julie Bishop
Did you always want to be a designer?
When I was younger I thought I wanted to be a fashion designer, but have always had a love of watches & jewelry. Growing up you wouldn't catch me without my watch; I loved having a little accessory that was always with me.
What did you study in School?
I studied Retail Management at Purdue, which led me to an internship after my sophomore year at Nordstrom (Chicago, Michigan Avenue) in the fashion jewelry & watch department. For two electives I took metalsmithing & enameling, which I loved and it gave me a great introduction to the world of making jewelry.
What was the first job you landed out of college?
The summer after my junior year of college I worked part time again at Nordstrom as well as an intern for Whitney Abrams. Whitney is a goldsmith with a focus on Etruscan & Classical jewelry that worked primarily in 18K & 22K gold. After I graduated I went back to work for her full time. It was an amazing experience because I had an opportunity to work at the bench, design jewelry and assist clients.
If you could go back and tell yourself one thing before beginning your career what would it be?
My advice would be to be patient and also feel confident in what you know.
What inspires your designs?
I love looking at antique jewelry, specifically Victorian & Art Deco jewelry. I take notes in my phone all the time with ideas and always try to keep a sketch book handy when inspiration hits.
What do you love about living in Indy?
Indianapolis quickly became my home when I moved here at the beginning of 2012. I love that it is a big city with so much to do, but also feels like a small town at the same time.
What role does social media play in your business?
Social media is very important to both Katherine & Josephine and Juler's Row, it is a great way to connect with clients and potential stores.
2020 Wowza! How are you pivoting as a business owner during all of this?
We slowed production for both businesses at the start of the pandemic as a precaution for what was to come. We took the down time to work on new designs and make a decisive plan to move forward with a clear point of view. For Juler's Row we decided to make facemasks with our diamond, gemstone & jeweled prints that have been a great success.