Conversations with the Inspiring Julia Kolb

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Kolb.

Julia, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
It’s important to mention that I was born in Russia and lived in an orphanage from the age of two until age 11 until I got adopted into a wonderful family in Gilbert, AZ. I learned hard work and minimalism from an early age. While at the orphanage I learned how to cook, clean, harvest vegetables, pick apples, sew, braid hair and follow/obey the rules. We didn’t have much, just one change of clothes. We took showers once a week, usually on Saturdays after the yard work was completed. We had one small TV that we would occasionally gather around to watch Winnie the pooh or a music award show. But most of our time, we spent playing outside with each other. Moving to a new country, having a family, not having to share a home with 100 people, different language, different culture was defiantly a culture shock, to say the least. But I managed to adapt, learn the language and adjust to my new life.

My parents taught me to work hard, be kind, stay positive and that family and happiness come first.

I recently decided to do a career change. I am almost 30 and as terrifying as it was, I decided to quit my job in the medical field and go to beauty school. I’ve always had a passion for fashion and beauty industry. In fact, graduated from MCC with fashions design & merchandise and costume design & production degree. I, then, got a job in the medical industry as a medical receptionist. But I was not passionate about my job and I was not fulfilling my life to the fullest. After talking to my husband about attending beauty school, he asked that I quit my job and focus on school full time. I did. It felt strange not working while going to school, considering I’ve had a job since I was 15! Because I had three days off in between school days, I decided to use my fashion degree and sewing skills to start my Small business “Krafty Kolbs.” I make handmade scrunchies and scarves. I started by making six styles and within three weeks sold over 100 pieces!!

A year later, I graduated from cosmetology school with 100% attendance, I continue to grow Krafty Kolbs and now focusing more on my cosmetology license to build my new brand “The blonde curse.”

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s never a smooth road ahead, but it’s always the right path if you set yourself up for success. The biggest struggle I found myself in is self-doubt. When I started my hair accessory business, I was really excited. That excitement quickly got stomped by my own thoughts of failure. I would think “why would anyone want to buy my creations when there are so many places that sell items that are similar.” Or I would find other things to self-sabotage. There were weeks where I would sell dozens and weeks when I would just sell a couple. But it all came down to how much work I was willing to put in.

You have to ask yourself a question “why am I doing this”, “does this fulfill my life, does it make me happy.” My advice someone who is starting on their journey is, work hard, show up, push through the hard times, be kind and always stay positive. There are going to be hard days but it’s up to you how you handle them. Just remember, everybody has to start somewhere so keep going!

What should we know about The Blonde Curse & Krafty Kolbs? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I make handmade hair accessories. Scrunchies and hair scarves. I design, shop for fabric, sew, and ship all of my creations. I carefully select fabrics that are in style for the season to bring my customers the most current trends. I try to create unique styles that are not available for purchase at big retail stores.

I am a cosmetologist. I specialize in blondes, braids, and bridal styling.

I am most proud of the relationships I build with my customers and clients. Exceptional Customer service is so important to me because it’s so rare to find. If you can make someone look beautiful on the outside and make them feel happy on the inside, job well done.

Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
The first woman that comes to mind is my beautiful mama! I’ve never met a woman who works harder than she does. She is a big inspiration in my life and my rock. Last year she battled with cancer and somehow managed to fight every infection and obstacle that came her way. Her spirit never broke and her faith is stronger than ever. She never puts her needs first, even when she is in need the most. Seeing her fight for her life and still worry about everyone else is just so humbling. I am so thankful she chose me to be her daughter.

I am also inspired by all the incredible boss babes in my life! I’ve met so many kind, hard-working, inspiring women who work hard to create a life that is fulfilling.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @theblondecurse
• Email: jewelsb13@live.com

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