An Interview With Brooke Bohinc
Meet Julie Zhu, the Founder and CMO of Julie Zhu LLC, a marketing consultancy driving visibility and business growth for women entrepreneurs.
After working in numerous industries, Julie is currently utilizing her master’s in communication from Columbia University to ensure the stories, services, and products of women-owned businesses are amplified. Her relational marketing approach measures success based on, among other metrics, the quality of relationships built. Julie’s passion for women entrepreneurs stems from her belief that diverse perspectives and inclusive strategies are essential for a dynamic marketplace. Recruiting a personal advisory board and holding herself accountable for her business decisions have been essential for her professional development, strengthening her potential to further collaborate with innovators and changemakers.
We asked Julie how her past experiences have impacted her entrepreneurial journey, the most rewarding part of her career thus far, and what she’d tell her younger self about being a business owner.
What are some of the most meaningful impacts Julie Zhu LLC has had so far?
I’m dedicated to raising the visibility of women-owned brands. It’s not just about growth in numbers; it’s also about amplifying their voices in the marketplace. Women are more than key players in the economy. I’m here to help them tell their unique stories and showcase what makes their brands special. It’s incredibly rewarding to see them stand out and succeed.
In what ways has your upbringing or past experiences contributed to how you operate as an entrepreneur?
After graduating from Columbia University with my master's in communications, I’ve worked across diverse industries, from music to fashion to tech startups and law firms as a marketing professional. These experiences have endowed me with a unique blend of creative and analytical thinking, which is essential for creating effective marketing strategies.
What’s the biggest misconception that others have around entrepreneurship?
There's no magic formula for entrepreneurship. It's an adventure unique to each person. It's about diving deep into who you are, playing to your strengths, and being brave enough to experiment and pivot when needed. What works for one may not work for another—and that's the beauty of it. You can create your own path.
Women are more than key players in the economy, and I’m here to help them tell their unique stories and showcase what makes their brands special.
What’s been the most rewarding part of your entrepreneurial journey?
Working as a marketing mentor with Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center, NYC Small Business Services, and SCORE has been a career high. There’s nothing quite like directly guiding diverse professionals and the next generation of entrepreneurs, from helping an Amazon bestselling author secure high-profile speaking engagements to guiding a law firm on expanding to a second practice. Seeing clients launch businesses, expand teams, and drive economic growth has been fulfilling.
Has your definition of success evolved throughout your journey as a founder?
In the early days of my marketing career, I focused heavily on social media metrics. However, as I've progressed, my definition of success has evolved. I focus more on the impact I can create for my clients and their communities. Success for me is defined by the messaging we share, the meaningful relationships we build, and the real, lasting differences we make in people's lives.
How have you grown as a leader since starting Julie Zhu LLC? What experiences have contributed to this growth?
I’ve come to deeply understand the importance of taking ownership and responsibility for every decision I make. This applies to myself, my clients, colleagues, or business partners. Embracing this level of accountability has been a crucial and transformative aspect of my growth, helping me become a more decisive and effective leader.
What have you learned about building a team and a support network around yourself?
Creating my personal advisory board has been a game-changer. It’s a mix of mentors, colleagues, and friends—each a guiding star in their own way. Collaboration and partnerships with other brands and organizations have also played a crucial role in my personal and professional development.
What would you tell your younger self if you were to start your entrepreneurial journey all over again?
Don’t hold back. It’s okay to experiment, try different things, and carve your own path.
What’s next for you and Julie Zhu LLC?
I’m excited to collaborate with more innovators and changemakers. I’m looking forward to helping them market their unique visions, bring them ideas to life, and create a lasting, positive impact!
