Community Series: Julia Shelton
Name: Julia Shelton
Bio: Having worked as a fashion editor and in marketing for a Canadian fashion and lifestyle magazine, Julia took the leap into entrepreneurship with the launch of 2Peonies, a brand that focuses on creative direction, self-care, and services crafted with intention.
Social links: @2peonies_ @juliaashelton www.2peonies.com
We know that as a business owner, you wear many hats. If you could give yourself a fun & unique job title, what would it be? Love this question! I can relate... probably something like ‘flora story-teller’
Where are you a local?
Mississauga and Toronto.
What are your 3 favourite spots in that city and what makes them unique?
Food - There’s a place in the beaches called Green Eggplant. Perhaps I’m inclined to put that as my answer as I’m currently eating a spaghetti carbonara that I ordered as take-out...regardless, it is a fantastic small business with amazing brunch, wonderful cocktails and a diverse dinner menu.
Drinks - There are so many places in Toronto where you can experience amazing plays on cocktails and extensive wine lists..it would be hard to pick one. The FIGO cocktail pitchers are always a memorable experience.
Entertainment/Art/Culture - I like to walk pretty much anywhere that is possible, so I’d say the best way to get acquainted with the culture, art and entertainment in Toronto is to take it by foot, and don’t get too caught up in your whereabouts. There is a bookstore called ‘Caversham Booksellers’, which is one of North America’s largest mental health bookstores. You will find books on legitimately anything psych related. I found this on a flaneur escapade - highly recommended.
What does your self-care routine look like?
Morning- Eye cream, lots of fruit, and slow jazz or nature sounds for some deep breathing, or meditation a few times weekly.
Evening- A multi-step skincare routine helps me to calm down and disconnect from the day. I always like to read a piece of news or a long form article on a topic that interests me. It is nice to gain perspective and learn something new at the end of a day.
What has been one of the most challenging aspects of starting and growing your business? Pivoting, as exciting as it is, has had to happen more than expected in light of the pandemic and the sporadic awareness of racial inequity. Every single company has a role to play in supporting both global crises. The challenges to overcome are prevalent but opportunistic.
What is one of the most rewarding things about being a business owner? To be able to see the world as a space where you can infuse change and create global impact. Respectively we are all motivated by various bits of life, but as a business owner, you are able to tangibly implement ways to carve out a more promising future day in and day out. I think the true reward of being an entrepreneur is when you believe what you are doing to be bigger than yourself, and to create outside of the want to build only personal happiness and security.
What are you loving right now?
Latest purchase- The Sarisha Fleur de Pêche perfume is my new favourite weapon. The scent is delicate and irresistible...and I love the roll-on application.
Song- Eugene - Arlo Parks
Book- I just started reading ‘The Non-Obvious Guide to Emotional Intelligence’ by Kerry Goyette
What are you most grateful for today? The fact that I truly did have a whole morning to relax. It’s been a busy past few weeks.
What is your favourite SARISHA product? The Green Superfood Clay Mask is such a cool formula, left my skin clean and buttery smooth, not to mention it applied so easily. The smell of matcha as I was let it sit on my skin is also delicious.