In this episode of Community Conversations, we had the pleasure of speaking with Julian Wells-Gordon, a multi-talented creative, stylist, and model, who shared his inspiring journey into the fashion world. Throughout our conversation, Julian opened up about his experiences, from growing up in Detroit to navigating his career as a model and stylist, and the importance of staying true to himself. His vulnerability, creative vision, and dedication to his craft were refreshing and left us with valuable lessons about life, purpose, and self-expression.

Julian’s creative journey began with his first love—dance. Starting at just seven years old, he competitively trained as a dancer throughout his childhood and teenage years. However, after high school, he experienced burnout and felt the need for a new outlet for his creativity. That’s when he turned to fashion, where he naturally discovered a passion for styling and modeling.

“I never thought about being a model,” Julian reflected. “But as I got older and started buying clothes, taking pictures, and posting them on Instagram, people would say, ‘Julian, you could be a model!’ I felt like styling was more work, but modeling chose me.”

This natural progression from dance to fashion and modeling made sense for Julian, who realized the skills he developed from dancing—understanding movement, flexibility, and presence—also applied to modeling. He acknowledged, “I didn’t realize it correlated until after the fact. It was second nature when it came to taking pictures, and I’m grateful for that.”

Julian spoke candidly about the challenges of being vulnerable and authentic in the modeling world, particularly when stepping into unfamiliar territory. His experiences modeling highlights the importance of embracing discomfort and being himself in environments where perfection wasn’t the goal.

“Modeling for Baserange was raw,” Julian said. “It was my first time shooting in boxer briefs, and it felt different. But I had to learn to embrace it. In modeling, you just have to show up, move your body, and go with the flow.”

This level of vulnerability required Julian to relinquish control, something he had to navigate as he transitioned from styling to being in front of the camera. He shared how modeling has taught him to be flexible and let go of the need for perfection.

“Being vulnerable doesn’t always come easy,” he admitted. “But I respect anyone who is truly themselves. This world can be cruel, so being yourself, unapologetically, is the most soulful and fulfilling way to live.”

Julian’s journey as a creative isn’t limited to just modeling or styling. He spoke about his approach to life as a continual evolution, emphasizing that being true to oneself is the key to unlocking greater purpose. His Instagram is not just a platform for self-promotion, but a space where he documents his growth and creative expression.

“I call myself a brand because I feel like I’m always evolving,” he explained. “I use my Instagram like a journal, documenting myself. It’s about staying true to who I am and not fitting into anyone else’s mold.”

This mindset extends to his future aspirations as well. Currently studying fashion merchandising, Julian has his sights set on not only building his brand as a model and stylist but also continuing to push boundaries in the creative space. His focus is on having fun, being intentional, and staying curious—key ingredients for any successful creative journey.

When asked what advice he would offer to other young creatives or anyone searching for purpose, Julian’s message was simple but profound: “Always keep God first, and be yourself unapologetically.”

This wisdom, rooted in his own experiences, resonated deeply with us. Julian’s journey is a testament to the power of self-expression, creativity, and vulnerability. He reminded us that it’s okay to pivot, change paths, and embrace the unknown. It’s in those moments of uncertainty that we find the most growth.

As Julian continues to evolve in his career, we are excited to watch him flourish. His passion, authenticity, and determination are an inspiration to anyone striving to live life on their own terms, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for the Julian brand.