Julia Chiango: Building Style, Community, and Confidence One Outfit at a Time

For Julia Chiango, fashion has always been more than clothing, it’s been a calling. From her days as a student at Temple University to becoming a boutique owner, Julia’s journey is rooted in passion, perseverance, and a genuine love for helping women feel confident through style.

From Classroom to Career

While studying at Temple University, Julia was an active member of the Fashion and Business Club, already envisioning a future in the fashion world. That vision became reality when a guest speaker, Lauren Priori of L. Priori Jewelry, visited the club. Julia took a chance, asked about internships, and soon found herself immersed in the world of fine jewelry.

That internship turned into a long-term role where Julia now handles everything from operations and marketing to events. Working within a small, women-owned business has been incredibly meaningful to her, especially seeing firsthand how her contributions have helped L. Priori grow into a team of nearly thirty employees.

The Birth of Shop Ella Boutique

Despite her success in jewelry, Julia couldn’t ignore her love for clothing. In 2023, she launched Shop Ella Boutique after noticing a gap in the local boutique scene which focuses on trendy, unique, high-quality pieces that are still accessible. Starting as an online shop, Shop Ella quickly expanded into pop-ups and now has a small retail space at the Shops on Mill in Bristol, PA.

Every piece at Shop Ella is thoughtfully curated, with clothing and accessories priced under $100. Nearly three years in, Julia feels she’s truly hit her stride, especially as the business continues to grow and connect with its community.

A Dream Realized on the Runway

One of Julia’s proudest moments came in December 2025 when she hosted her first fashion show, something she had dreamed about since opening the boutique. Held at Location 215, the event welcomed about 75 women and showcased Shop Ella’s holiday and winter collections. Seeing attendees light up over the pieces and shop the looks afterward was both validating and rewarding.

Photos By Kiernan Rome

Photos By Kiernan Rome

Photos By Kiernan Rome

Life as a Fashion Entrepreneur

Shop Ella may be Julia’s “5–9” after her full-time job, but it’s a labor of love. Her evenings are filled with packing orders, photographing new inventory, updating her website, and planning content. Weekends are reserved for pop-ups, inventory buying, and big-picture planning, proof that building a dream often happens in the hours no one sees.

Looking Ahead

Julia’s ultimate goal? Opening a standalone storefront. While she’s still fine-tuning the details, the vision is clear and entirely within reach. She also draws inspiration from fellow Temple graduate Taylor Zubkousky of Made by Taylor Nicole, whose creativity and entrepreneurial spirit continue to motivate her.

Support & Shop

You can explore Shop Ella Boutique online at shopellaboutique.us, follow along on Instagram @shopella_boutique, or visit the store in person at 408 Mill Street, Bristol, PA 19007. As a special treat, readers can enjoy 10% off their first order with code YAWA10.

Julia Chiango’s story is a reminder that passion paired with persistence can turn a lifelong love into a thriving business and that great style doesn’t have to come with a high price tag.