JULIE SKINNER: KELOWNA STAR IS REDEFINING BEAUTY FROM THE INSIDE OUT: HER STORY FROM PAIN TO PURPOSE

imherewithmag
19 hours ago
4 min read

Created by Sam Robinson of Do U Photography.

Julie Skinner— now gracing our cover, beautifully captured by Do U Photography in Kelowna. Julie Skinner’s story is one of extraordinary resilience and redefining what it means to embody beauty from the inside out.

Her journey is not just about fashion, styling or being a 40+ model; it’s about overcoming life’s toughest challenges, turning pain into purpose, and inspiring women to love themselves at every stage of life.

From her early days as a stylist and fashion enthusiast to becoming a model in her 40s, Julie has defied societal expectations and broken through age-related barriers. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, self-belief, and authenticity. It’s about pushing the mold and embracing your unique journey—no matter what obstacles stand in your way.

Cover Model Julie Skinner by Do U Photography, Jacket: Emmy Deveaux Top: Guess, Earrings: The Hudson's Bay Company.

Her journey has been deeply personal and marked by numerous health battles that many would see as setbacks, but she transformed them into stepping stones. Julie faced chronic health issues, multiple surgeries, and the emotional roller-coaster of menopause—all while maintaining her passion for fashion and her unwavering commitment to empowering other women and supporting and sharing the stories behind the scenes of many small businesses along the way. Her openness about her struggles, including her battle with endometriosis, scars, and the effects of menopause, highlights her unfiltered honesty and immense courage.

She endured a significant series of health challenges that began early in life. At age 12, she was already battling many health issues, and by 17, she was hospitalized for three months with intestinal complications and endometriosis. Over the years, she has undergone more than 15 surgeries, with scar tissues and lesions that have attached to different parts of her body. Yet, despite all of this, she refused to let her health define her or diminish her spirit.

Matching Set: Pink Heart Boutique Hair Color- Bobbi Roper of Salon103, Hair Spray: Biolage, Dry Hair Shampoo: Daily Hair Company: Self Absorbed.

Her story is one of perseverance—of fighting through pain, setbacks, and emotional struggles—and emerging stronger each time. Her journey through menopause was particularly intense, involving hormonal treatments, different alternative medicine and treatments, and a constant battle to maintain her health.

COVER SHOOT CURATED BY Do U PHOTOGRAPHY STARRING JULIE SKINNER

Denim Jumpsuit, Belt & Heels: Guess Faux Fur, Jacket: Rosebuds Designer Consignment, Earrings & Bangle: Renee Naomi Designs, Sunglasses: Pretty Lil Things.

She describes her menopause as something that started rapidly, with medication that was supposed to put her into menopause at 35, but due to surgical delays, her system was thrown into chaos. She’s been on hormone therapy for nearly 12 years now, navigating the ups and downs that come with managing chronic health conditions.

Denim Jumpsuit & Belt & Heels: Guess, Faux Fur Jacket Rosebuds Designer Consignment. Earrings & Bangle: Renee Designs,

Sunglasses: Pretty Lil Things. Hair Color by Bobbi Roper of Salon103.

Throughout her health journey, Julie has learned the importance of self-care, gratitude, and finding joy in the everyday. She shares her philosophy of “dopamine dressing”—the idea of dressing in ways that boost your mood and confidence. Some days, she wears baggy clothes and no makeup, while other days are about heels and glamorous & fun outfits that make her feel radiant. She starts her mornings with gratitude and journaling, and she listens to affirmations and motivational messages that keep her grounded. Her commitment to self-love and authenticity shines through every aspect of her life.

Her story also highlights the importance of community and support.

Red Dress Provided by:

Sam Robinson

Heels: Most Wanted Luxury Resale

Style Assistance : FLYING Dress Photo Assistance Candace Chisholm & Carla Bond- Fisher.

Special thank you to:

Location provided by: Carla Bond-Fisher owner of Bricks & Mortar Creative & Sticks + Stones Design Group at Landmark District Kelowna.

Gown: Rosebuds Designers Consignment in Kelowna. This is the same dress we scouted Julie Skinner from seeing her on social media in 2024. @jssignatuestyle

Suit Vest, Pants & Belt: Boutique Eclettica Blazer: 2nd Changes Boutique,

Earrings: Cao Boutique Purse: Most Wanted Luxury Resale, White Heels: Emmy Deveaux.

Her husband’s unwavering encouragement has been instrumental in her pursuit of modeling and re-entering the fashion world. After 19 years together, celebrating a 15-year anniversary earlier this month, her husband’s support continues to fuel her confidence and dreams. When she shared her desire to model later in life, he told her, “If you’re going to do it, you’ve got to do it fully.”

That encouragement gave her the push to embrace her passion wholeheartedly. Julie’s journey has taken her across the globe—working on Princess Cruises and living in Egypt, where she immersed herself in ancient culture and spirituality.

Cowboy Hat, Belt, Buckle, Ring, Bolo: Howdy Partner Vintage, Denim Shirt 2nd Chances Boutique, Denim 90’s Vintage Jeans: Guess, Earrings: Sea Gypsy Designs.

These experiences have shaped her understanding of her own unique energy and resilience. She wears a special piece of jewellery daily —a symbol of her perseverance and strength—and she believes that living abroad and experiencing different cultures has given her a broader perspective on life.