From Investment Banking to Fashion

In a society that often prioritizes safety and stability over individual fulfillment, it takes courage to explore one's unique path. Helene Juliussen embodies this courage through her decision to leave behind her lucrative career in investment banking at Goldman Sachs to pursue a career in fashion.

Today, she works at Roberta Einer, a renowned luxury women's wear designer in London that specializes in embroidery and traditional couture techniques.

I had the privilege of speaking with Helene about her journey and how it led her to opportunities that aligned with her values and her unique edge. Her story is a reminder that taking calculated risks can lead to remarkable growth and fulfillment.

At a glance …

Name: Helene Victoria Juliussen

Age: 25 years old

Nationality: Norwegian/American

Current Residence: Chelsea, London

Industry: Fashion

Passion: Design and Styling

Other interests: Food, Dogs, Sleep

Instagram: @HeleneJuliussen

Can you give some background on why you decided to change your career path?

HJ: So, this time of the year marks the one-year anniversary since I left my corporate job which is why this is such a special time to have this conversation. I finished my master’s degree in international business here in London and went right into a job in banking which seemed like the right choice at the time.

“It was the right title, with the right company with the right salary, only issue being that I dreaded going into the office every day”

Most days in the office were spent daydreaming about what I really wanted to do. I would listen to inspiring podcasts during my lunch breaks, or when I was walking home, and it would constantly remind me of the fact that there are people out there doing what they love and feel passionate about for a living. Living being one of the keywords. Work consumes so much of our time and if it’s not fulfilling then what is the point? Besides earning money and staying alive of course, but you know what I mean.

After half a year at the company, I quit my job without a backup plan. I knew I needed to try something completely different, and I’ve always had a dream of working in fashion, I just never thought it was an option for me.

How did you manage to land a job in fashion without coming from a fashion background?

HJ: There are so many different jobs needed when running a fashion business so there are opportunities when coming from a different industry, but it sure can be challenging.

From the get-go, I was open to all kinds of jobs and ended up applying for a summer internship at a small brand that I adored and was following on Instagram. They had posted a story saying that they were hiring, and I immediately sent them an email. I remember the day I landed the job because I was so happy, it just felt like such an accomplishment to me at the time. I was so excited to be able to go into a job where we were creating dresses, macrame skirts, and sexy tops instead of typing out numbers in Excel. It just gave me so much joy.

But I would say that the most important thing is to be open to taking any opportunity that comes your way to get one’s foot in the door. At that point, you just need to absorb all the knowledge from the team around you and do your best to figure out where you fit in. That’s what I did at least!

What is the best part of working in fashion?

HJ: It’s the creative aspect of the job that drives me. I’m also new to working with tangible products. There is something about being a part of the full journey of a physical product. From the idea being born until the garment is sent off to stores such as Selfridges and Mytheresa. Creating something that you can see, and touch is strangely rewarding.

My new job has also allowed me to do and see things I never thought I would. I have for example been trusted with the task of arranging our last two showrooms in Paris. I never even thought I’d have the chance to participate in any fashion week, let alone in Paris. So that has been very exciting. I was also given the opportunity to style the Roberta Einer AW23 look book shoot, which was also a massive deal for me. So, all in all I think it’s the aspect of being recognized for my vision and being trusted by my team that’s been one of the most exciting changes for me.

Why Fashion?

HJ: I’ve always loved clothing. It just makes me happy, and it also tells a story. Whether you want to or not, it will tell a story about what type of person you are, and I’ve always found that very fascinating.

I loved playing dress up as a kid and as an adult I just love to dress up, whether it’s for a night out or if I’m heading out to buy groceries. Don’t get me wrong, you will definitely catch me in uggs and a hoodie, but if I have the time and energy I will never be underdressed for any occasion.

Any advice to someone who is thinking that they might have made the wrong career choice?

HJ: First of all, I would say that it is never too late to make a career change.

It’s important to remember that we are constantly evolving, so if you find out that what you’ve been doing for the last 10 years isn’t you anymore it’s ok to move on.

If you’re in your 20’s, like me, and you think you might want to try something new, then give yourself the opportunity to explore something new. It’s also investing in your future, if you do something you are excited about, I’m pretty sure the reward will be a lot higher in the future. That reward being a range of different things, it can be happiness, money, fulfillment, or recognition.

Either way, I believe that you owe it to yourself to give yourself a shot.