Surf’s Up

Juliana works in marketing and communications, and deals with different fashion brands on a day-to-day basis; despite this — or maybe, because of this — she says she doesn’t enjoy shopping. “I do buy things, but there’s no such thing as leisure shopping for me,” she says. “When I walk in the mall or visit a store, my brain will naturally pick out things that are relevant to my job. People find it hard to understand.” Nonetheless, Juliana has no problems looking fashionably professional and office-appropriate; it helps that her industry doesn’t have a corporate dress code. “I don’t have a specific style, it’s more of a mix and match and it really depends on my mood and what my plan or schedule is like for the day,” she says. “I prefer quality over quantity, and I tend to buy classic, investment pieces.” At work, Juliana relishes the fact that the nature of her job is ever moving and changing. “It’s fast-paced, so there’s never really a dull moment. There’s always room for creativity, relationship-building, learning and growing, both in a professional and personal sense.” If she wasn’t in her current line of work, Juliana says she might have gone into the finance industry (“hopefully, earning big bucks to finance the finer things in life”) but it seems like if she had a choice, however, she’d like to spend her days out on the water. “I’m a big lover of the sun and the sea; it’s a combination that’s irresistible to me. I’d take time off from work if anyone were to ask me out for wakeboarding on a weekday!” The quieter side of Juliana also likes time alone, or with loved ones. “In my free time, I like to stay home and daydream!” she laughs. “It’s a luxury to switch my brain off and not talk to anyone. If not, then I’ll most likely be spending time with my friends or family over a hearty meal or drinks. I always believe that if someone or something matters and is important, you will make time. So, it’s really not about having time — it’s about making time.” She leaves us with some words of advice that are applicable to both work and life. “Stay humble and remember your roots. Passion and commitment are what keep you going. Follow your heart, but take your brain with you.”