Julia Elizabeth: Reflecting Julia Cardona’s Vision
Photos by Julia and Christian Cardona
Julia Cardona, a graduate of Saint Mary’s High School and University of the Pacific, is the owner of Julia Elizabeth, a boutique clothing, home decor and gift store, with locations at 906 N. Yosemite Street in Stockton at 46 Main Street in Sutter Creek. Julia Elizabeth just celebrated its two-year anniversary in Stockton; the newer Sutter Creek location launched in February. For Julia, her business venture is a way to build community with her customers, friends and family. Follow her on Instagram @shopjuliaelizabeth, on Facebook at Julia Elizabeth Boutique or online, shopjuliaelizabeth.com.
Q: How would you describe your stores?
A: Julia Elizabeth is a boutique centered around timeless style, thoughtful details and creating a space where people can step away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, slow down and enjoy a moment for themselves. Today, we curate clothing, home décor, books and gifts that reflect that vision with a focus on timeless style, thoughtful details, and finding beauty in everyday life. One of my favorite parts of Julia Elizabeth has been watching it grow into a community. Through our monthly book club, events and collaborations with other local small businesses, we’ve had the opportunity to bring people together in ways I never imagined. My hope is that everyone who visits one of our boutiques or shops with us online leaves feeling inspired, welcomed and a little more connected than when they arrived.
Q: How do you determine what clothing to carry each season?
A: Buying for Julia Elizabeth is a thoughtful process of combing through our favorite brands’ seasonal collections while also understanding what our customers are looking for. Although I pay attention to current trends, my goal has always been to curate a collection that feels timeless. I want our customers to invest in pieces they can style in multiple ways, whether they’re heading to work, meeting friends for dinner, or enjoying a weekend away. I consider everything from the cut of a blouse and the shape of a sleeve to how a piece will fit different body types and whether it will resonate with women across generations. Every buying season is about finding the right balance. I love discovering unique pieces with beautiful colors, textures and unexpected details, but I also know the value of an effortless striped tee, a perfectly cozy sweater or those classic wardrobe staples that never go out of style. Clothing is an investment, and I never take that lightly. Every piece we bring into Julia Elizabeth is something I believe is worthy of our customers, not just because it’s beautiful today but because I hope it will become something they reach for and love for years to come.
Q: How do you find such unique gift pieces?
A: I approach our gift collection the same way I approach our clothing. I have always loved little treasures, beautiful stationery, whimsical trinkets and keepsakes that make someone stop and smile. My favorite pieces are often the ones people originally pick up as a gift for someone else, only to decide they can’t leave without one for themselves. One of the things I’m most proud of is that many of our gift items come from small businesses, including women-owned brands and makers right here in California. I’m constantly searching for unique pieces that feel special and tell a story because Julia Elizabeth is, in many ways, a reflection of who I am and the things I love. Our collection is inspired by makers from around the world, with pieces sourced from East Asia, Europe and beyond. One of our newest arrivals is a collection of art prints by a female oil painter based in Nottingham, England, and I love knowing each new discovery brings a little more character to the shop.
Q: What is your day job at University of the Pacific?
A: I work in the Development and Alumni Relations department at University of the Pacific as the assistant director for alumni engagement. My role allows me to wear a variety of hats, which is one of the things I enjoy most. I oversee many of our alumni marketing and communications efforts, including social media strategy, email marketing, digital storytelling and promotional campaigns. I also help plan and market alumni events, produce content that highlights the incredible stories of our graduates, and serve as the staff liaison for several of our affinity clubs and the Pacific Alumni Association Board. Every day is a little different, but at the heart of my work is building meaningful connections and helping our alumni stay engaged with the university long after graduation.
Q: What has been the biggest challenge of being a small business owner?
A: Learning how to carry the weight of being responsible for something that means so much to me. As a small business owner, there is no clocking out. You’re constantly thinking about the next collection, upcoming events, marketing, finances, customer experience and all of the behind-the-scenes details that most people never see. It can feel overwhelming at times because you care so deeply about what you’re building.
Q: What has this experience taught you?
A: Starting Julia Elizabeth from the ground up has been one of the greatest learning experiences of my life. You quickly realize that owning a business means learning every part of it from the inside out. There have been moments when I’ve made mistakes, had to pivot or learned lessons the hard way, but I think that’s part of entrepreneurship. Every challenge has made me a better business owner and taught me something I couldn’t have learned any other way. At the end of the day, I keep showing up because I genuinely love what I do. Building Julia Elizabeth has taught me that growth rarely happens overnight. It’s about creating something meaningful, continuing to learn and celebrating each step along the way.
Q: What has been the biggest blessing of being a small business owner?
A: Discovering strengths I didn’t know I had and recognizing the incredible love and support of my family and friends, who have been by my side every step of the way.
Q: How will you define success as a business owner?
A: To me, success is creating a community of customers who continue to come back year after year and allowing Julia Elizabeth to become a small part of their lives. The best part of owning this business has always been the people. I love getting to know our customers, hearing about the moments they’re shopping for, helping someone find an outfit they feel great in, or picking out the perfect gift for someone they love. Those everyday conversations and connections are what make this job so meaningful. If someone leaves our shop feeling a little happier than when they walked in, then I consider that a success. My hope is that Julia Elizabeth continues to be a place where people feel welcomed, inspired and excited to come back to for years to come
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Q: Tell us about your employees.
A: We are a family-owned and -operated business, and that is one of my favorite parts of Julia Elizabeth. Most days you’ll find my mom, Elizabeth (Liz), at the shop, and when she’s not there, it’s me. She is the reason I’m able to balance both of my careers and she has been an integral part of this journey from the very beginning. She has an incredible eye for styling and a true gift for helping customers find exactly what they’re looking for. You’ll even find her handmade jewelry in both of our locations. From time to time, you’ll also find my sister, Christian, at the shop, and you may recognize her from our social media. She helps bring Julia Elizabeth to life through content creation and modeling many of our newest arrivals.
Q: How do you destress?
A: Taking care of myself has become really important because I’ve learned that creativity isn’t endless. When I start to feel burned out, I know it’s time to step away for a bit so I can come back feeling refreshed. If I want Julia Elizabeth to be something I can continue building for years to come, I have to make taking care of myself a priority. I love staying active, whether that’s taking a Pilates or Orangetheory class or getting back out on the tennis court just for fun. Reading has also become one of my favorite ways to unwind. It’s such a wonderful escape, and starting the Julia Elizabeth Book Club has been one of the best decisions because it has given me the chance to share that love of reading with others. I always encourage people to find a book that pulls them into another world for a little while. Every so often, my family and I will take a day trip or plan a bigger adventure. Visiting new places, exploring small towns and simply stepping away from our everyday routine always leaves me feeling inspired and ready to come back with fresh ideas.
