Series 1: #thefutureisfemale ft. Julia Dang

Tell us a bit about who you are, what it is that you do and how you got to be where you are today?

My name is Julia Dang and I'm an entrepreneur, designer, videographer (photographer for fun) and also work with social media. I have my own clothing brand, DANG STHLM, and run the fashion and lifestyle YouTube channel TheLineUp. I started doing YouTube with my best friend Maya in high school, and during my studies at KTH/The Royal Institute of Technology, (I was studying industrial engineering and management/computer technology) I had this hobby project with Maya on the side. After a while it blew up - I then paused my studies after my bachelor's and focused full-time on my hobby project that had now become a paying job. Over the years I've grown and figured out what I enjoy in this industry and since then, I have started expanding my business into different fields.

,Tell us a bit about your photography, how did you get into photography, and why film photography?

I've always loved taking photos, mostly for memories and capturing genuine moments. I prefer film because it's more exciting and nostalgic to me. I love looking through photo albums, and since we now live in a digital world where we can take 1000 pictures and forget about them in an instant, capturing and paying attention to detail when you have limited images to shoot with film makes it more memorable.

What was your inspiration behind DANG STHLM?

Starting my own clothing brand has been a dream of mine for years. Honestly, I just wanted to make clothes that I love, is my personal style and aligns with my values. I have an androgynous style, and I also want to make clothing that people will actually use as their staple items.  "Knowledge will come along the way, but it's better to learn through experience."

Why do you believe that creating gender-fluid clothing is so important in today’s society?

Since I don't think we have to conform to any "rules" when it comes to fashion, people can wear whatever they want. It's not even about creating gender-fluid clothing, we just don't have to separate menswear and womenswear at all.

Why is sustainable fashion so important to you?

Sustainability is important to me (besides attempting to save our planet) mostly because I've reflected a lot on my consumption, and how I shop and want to shop in the future. As a teen, I was always looking for the cheapest alternative, but now I prefer items that can last. Basically, less is more. I prefer thrifting and love the feeling of finding a great piece that I know no one else would have.

Sustainable fashion is often not considered to be “high-fashion”, do you think that perception can change? If so, how?

Yes, if we just start making cute sustainable clothes! I remember a few years back; sustainable clothing was rarely fashionable and quite boring. But by just applying those values into any fashion brand you can still make beautiful clothing that is still sustainable. I've seen a lot of change in fashion houses that are working towards sustainable goals, which is great, and there are also really great brands out there that already are sustainable.

Have you faced any challenges being a female entrepreneur? If yes, what challenges, and how did you overcome them?

Every bit of the process is a challenge, you just have to work a bit harder to overcome them.

What empowers you as a woman?

My friends and seeing other women succeeding in the industry.

What advice would you give to any young females who aspire to be entrepreneurs?

Don't waste your time thinking about it, just go out and do it. Knowledge will come along the way, but it's better to learn through experience. Also, don't be scared to fail, that's also a learning experience.