Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Witt.
Hi Julie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey into the world of interiors and furniture began quite unexpectedly — I married into a carpet store business. At the time, we primarily sold floor coverings, with a few hide-a-beds on the showroom floor. Located near the Canadian border, the store also offered paint, wall coverings, and even services like sharpening saw blades and retoothing chainsaws. That was the original focus of the business.
Over time, however, the store began shifting from rolls of carpet to more furniture offerings. I got involved early on, attending furniture markets and marketing seminars, and slowly developed a deep passion for the industry.
Eventually, I ventured out and opened my own store in Buffalo, just before big-box stores began dominating the market. It was a large store and warehouse — too big to be small, too small to compete at the big-box level. Still, it became the backdrop for some truly meaningful and pioneering experiences.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of that chapter was becoming one of the first to specialize in furnishing Memory Care facilities. What started as a side project became a core part of the business. We didn’t just supply furniture — we designed thoughtful, specialized environments tailored to the needs of those with memory challenges. We created full-store vignettes and became one of the first businesses to truly focus on this niche.
We also had the distinction of being the first woman-owned Flexsteel Gallery in Buffalo, which brought with it a series of “firsts” and unique challenges. At that time, being a woman in business — especially in this industry — was rare. I was also a single mother of three, raising my children while building the business from the ground up. The bus would even drop them off at the store after school. I had no money starting out, but I still own that building to this day — a testament to the grit and determination behind the journey.
Over the years, I had the privilege of working with incredible people who left a lasting mark. One was Raymond Waites, who became a mentor and friend. We were the first showroom to feature all his licensed lines under one roof, and he often visited. He taught me to focus on timeless design and the emotional language of aesthetics. Through him, I learned the importance of pattern and color as bridges between trends — not trendy, but transitional.
Another important mentor in my life, a buyer for the store Daytons, introduced me to the idea of viewing a store through a “spiritual lens” rather than just facts and figures. This was deeply resonant. — you don’t just sell furniture, you create an emotional experience, helping people feel something when they walk into a space.
When we moved the store to Wayzata, we collaborated with Bob Timberlake, and even welcomed owners from Century Furniture. One particularly defining moment was being featured on the cover of the Fox Street luxury home tour — over 6,000 people walked through that house in just three weekends. That was the first time I truly saw myself as a designer.
Designing that home was different — it felt different. That feeling, that emotional connection, is what we strive to create in every project now. Whether it’s for a family in Northern Minnesota, a boutique hotel, or a luxury residence, we focus on how people live — not just how their homes look.
That perspective has always tied everything together. From memory care to luxury homes, from art galleries to retail spaces, it all centers on helping people live beautifully and well. That’s why our tagline became “Shaping the Art of Living.”
We also became known for our Art Parties, where we would bring in millions of dollars in fine art for short-term exhibitions in our space — creating immersive environments where furniture, design, and art converged. Art and area rugs have always been the foundation of our design philosophy.
Today, after 50 years in the industry, I look back on a journey that began with a few rolls of carpet and led to national recognition, groundbreaking work, and lasting relationships. I didn’t follow the industry — I learned by doing, by feeling, and by focusing on people.
That’s still what drives us: helping people create homes that don’t just look good, but feel good. That’s the art of living.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road — far from it. I didn’t come into this with a formal education in business or design, but that never stopped me. I learned by doing, by observing, by listening. In many ways, I’m a true bootstrapper. I had to create both the money and the vision from the ground up. There were times when I didn’t have what I needed — whether it was to furnish a store, build a building, or simply cover operating expenses — but somehow, I always figured it out. That kind of pressure created a lot of stress, but it also built resilience.
We weathered major historical and economic shifts — from the Jimmy Carter era to Desert Storm, to multiple market crashes. The economy constantly ebbs and flows, and small businesses feel every ripple. There were days when it would have been easier to walk away. But the rewards always outweighed the struggles.
What kept me going — and still does — is the joy of working with people. There’s something incredibly meaningful about watching someone light up when they connect with a beautiful piece of furniture or art. Helping people create beauty in their lives has always been the blessing that carried us through the hardest times.
Lighting, art, design — these aren’t just objects to us; they’re tools for connection, expression, and healing. And that has always made the road, no matter how bumpy, worth traveling.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
We specialize in residential interior design, with a focus on creating deeply personal, timeless spaces. What sets us apart is our belief that our clients are the best guides — they know how they want to live, and it’s our job to help them express that through design. Our role is to listen, interpret, and elevate their vision into something beautiful and functional that reflects who they are.
One of the projects I’m most proud of is the Fox Street House. That home truly catapulted us into the high-end design world. Even more than 20 years later, it remains a stunning, relevant space — a home that has aged gracefully and continues to host everything from weddings and gallery events to intimate gatherings. It perfectly embodied our philosophy of “shaping the art of living.”
The house introduced what we called “the new modern.” It blended classical elements with contemporary touches — antiques alongside modern artwork — and yet it all felt cohesive, intentional, and completely livable. That’s exactly how we approach design for our clients: curated, collected, and always meaningful.
Another major milestone was the store and design center we built in Buffalo. It was truly creating something from nothing — a vision brought to life with very limited resources. That experience, like the Fox Street House, reflects our core design belief: we’re not trying to reinvent the past, but rather reinterpret and apply it in ways that feel fresh and enduring.
Twenty years later, those spaces still don’t feel dated — and that’s the hallmark of timeless design. That’s what we’re known for, and that’s what we continue to strive for: helping people create homes that reflect who they are and stand the test of time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.julianinc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julian__design/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Juliandesigninc
