NOLIA ROOTS WELCOMES JULIA BARGE, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT NOLIA ROOTS AND WHAT DO YOU DO?

I’m the Director of Operations at Nolia Roots. I build partnerships with mission-driven brands, refine how we work behind the scenes, and lead our PR and brand awareness efforts helping Nolia Roots show up in the world with intention and impact.

WHAT’S YOUR GREATEST MOMENT, WHETHER IN WORK, SCHOOL, OR BUSINESS SO FAR?

My greatest moment has been learning to lead with boldness. The worst thing someone can tell you is “no” and once you realize that, you stop holding yourself back. With a little delusion and a lot of audacity, you can build just about anything. That mindset has opened more doors for me than anything else.

What’s your favorite thing about your position? What are you most excited about?

I’ve learned to love delayed gratification. Watching our efforts compound year over year is incredibly fulfilling. I also like problem-solving with my team, knowing that anything is possible, and waking up to a new challenge every day.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?

My parents. They’re solopreneurs with grit, hustle, and heart. They taught me the value of hard work and ambition. I carry that with me every day.

Who do you love to follow on social media and why?

It’s a mix. I love Diary of a CEO, Architectural Digest, and Jake Shane. I like content that either makes me think, inspire creativity or laugh out loud.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PIECE OF TECHNOLOGY?

My monitor. She keeps me grounded (literally) in my apartment.

WHAT’S ONE APP OR GADGET YOU THINK NEEDS TO BE INVENTED?

I have a running list of business ideas in my Notes app. One I keep coming back to: an app that helps you remember people better. Not just their names, but the last thing you talked about, their dog’s name, what they do, and what wine they mentioned loving six months ago. Kind of like a personal CRM, but for real life. Perfect for networking without the small talk panic.

Where can someone find you on a day you’re not working?

Walking through Rittenhouse Square with my friends, browsing the farmers market, probably heading to yoga, and scheming some fun night-out plans. I like my weekends balanced with a little structure and a lot of spontaneity.

WHAT’S THE BEST BOOK YOU’VE READ RECENTLY?

Becoming Bulletproof by Evy Poumpouras. In another life, I’d be an FBI agent.

WHAT ARE YOUR PODCAST RECOMMENDATIONS?

Career Edit by Vanessa Pileggi, We Grow Together by Laura DiFrancesco, The Conversation Series with Danielle Clardy, and Be The Good with Christy McCaffrey. All women part of the Nolia Roots tribe.

WHAT’S ONE THING YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?

Google Calendar. It runs my life.

WHAT’S THE MOST INTERESTING ITEM ON YOUR DESK?

A tiny ceramic crane. It’s a symbol of hope, healing, and good fortune. Also, my laptop sits on a stack of eight Vogue magazines. Function meets fashion.