24 Feb Julie Thurgood-Burnett, Self Made Woman

Julie Thurgood-Burnett, Hereward Farms

Julie Thurgood Burnett is a self-made woman. She is a mother, developer of numerous passions – and is no stranger to both trials and successes in her life. Currently, Julie serves as the President and CEO of a lavender farm and skincare company, Hereward Farms, in Ontario, Canada. She is truly a definition of a woman who inspires others with a ‘you can do it too!’ attitude for all women.

Let’s follow HERStory to learn more.

It has been a very long drive from point A to point B. I have always worked a 9 to 5 job that never quite fit. But it paid the bills, and I was learning. I have always been about “what is the next big step….” Maybe I am addicted to that feeling of planning and excitement about something new. When I decided I had enough of my last full-time gig, I was at an agency challenged with my role as an Account Manager who had no say. I needed a voice. So I went out on my own, and to my surprise, it took off. I didn’t even know what to say; who knew I had it in me. The rest is history.

• What inspired you or pushed you to achieve your outstanding level of success?

I am not really sure. I love change. I love to change. I think evolvement is what pushes you to achieve. I think knowing that my success was MY responsibility. Sure, I have had awful experiences in my career. But I have had some fantastic wins. The ability to bounce back from every challenge or punch was my superpower.

• Did you have any women who helped you throughout the way?

I have two. One is a person, and one is a group. My mother. Her strength that I never appreciated or saw growing up till I was into adulthood – and then it was gone.

The second is ‘my tribe.’ They know who they are, and they wear that title proudly. I have this unique support system that I take so very little from, but they have no idea its impact on my life. Just KNOWING that you have a good circle is all I have ever needed.

• What advice would you give to other women in general or specifically about success?

Don’t forget that you are smart. I didn’t realize how smart I was until I was 43 years old. Honestly, I thought that everyone else was more intelligent than me; and that it may be taken as out of line when I spoke up. I didn’t have the confidence in my ability to think I was smart enough. But now I know. And so should you.

• What do you do to find joy or peace in balance with your success?

That is a great question. I think just doing things for others that they may not have expected, whether it is my family or a friend. I admit I get caught up in my own world trying to balance it all cause heaven forbid I ask for help… but I love doing things for others that make them feel loved, pee their pants in laughter, and feel listened to or just being there. That is my joy and peace. Truly. 

• Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Yes! It is okay to be vulnerable. Hey, that took me 38 years to figure out….the wall is not always a great place to hide. And…you are the fire. Remember that. Not everyone will appreciate the fire. Some will bask in its light and love it. Others will hate it and want to put it out. There is no in-between. Pick those that feed

You can find Julie on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliethurgood/.