A purposeful future

As a teenager, Julia Vacala '25 would spend her weekends hunting through Goodwill racks, envisioning how a forgotten denim jacket could become something entirely new. Armed with a sewing machine and a passion for sustainability, she transformed thrifted finds into one-of-a-kind pieces. It was a hobby then, but it planted the seeds for what would become Vianne Clothing, a sustainable fashion brand disrupting the collegiate apparel industry with numerous licensing agreements at major universities nationwide.

Vacala evolved from teenage upcycler to fashion entrepreneur as a student in the Watson Institute at Lynn University, where Vacala spent three years building not just a business, but a movement. The program includes Lynn's innovative Dialogues curriculum, College of Business and Management classes and social impact courses facilitated by the Watson Institute. 

"I'm a very driven and disciplined person, and I love creating things and building things. Watson was the perfect hub and community for me because I needed people who were willing to guide me and give me the resources to excel. And that's exactly what they did, "said Vacala, who graduated with a degree in Social Impact and Entrepreneurship from Lynn.

When Vacala arrived at Lynn in 2022, she brought her passion for sustainability with her and was already looking to solve a problem she noticed among her peers. College students wanted stylish game day apparel, but the market was dominated by fast fashion brands that didn't align with this generation's environmental consciousness.

"I was going to tailgates and realized there was nothing available that aligned with my values," said Vacala. "That's when I thought, 'Why don't I create that option myself?'"

What started as a simple question became the inspiration for Vianne Clothing. In order to turn her idea into a reality, Vacala knew she needed mentorship, resources and business expertise. Her experience at Lynn provided all three. 

Through her coursework, Vacala connected with professors who were much more than educators. They offered industry mentorship and startup experience building companies themselves. Every class became an opportunity for Vacala to refine her business model, test her ideas and receive guidance from people who have walked the entrepreneurial path before.

"I had professors with deep knowledge in the areas I wanted to pursue who truly helped me get to where I wanted to be. It never felt like I was doing it alone," Vacala said. "I even had a Watson director at the time who dedicated so much time to supporting me that he now serves on the Vianne Advisory Board."

With faculty support, Vacala created Vianne's first ambassador program as a student, uniting college women around sustainable fashion and a purpose beyond selling clothes. The response was immediate and overwhelming.

Today, Vianne holds licensing agreements with several major colleges and universities across the country, adding a new university partnership nearly every month. The ambassador program now receives hundreds of applications daily from students across the country who are eager to join the community Vacala continues to build.

Her brand's commitment to sustainability goes beyond design philosophy. Vianne is partners with Goodwill Industries of South Florida, where over five operators produce all of the brand's apparel, creating meaningful employment opportunities while maintaining ethical production standards. It's a partnership that embodies the social impact principles Vacala learned at Lynn.

The relationships Vacala built didn't end at graduation—two members of Vianne's current advisory board are mentors she met through the Watson Institute. As the business continues to grow, Vacala makes it a priority to meet regularly with her former professors for guidance.

"My mentors completely shaped my business, shaped me as a person and were really there for me through it all," said Vacala. "That's what Watson Institute and Lynn University gave me."

Part of the Watson Institute's mission is to prepare students to create meaningful change in their industries and communities. Vacala has done exactly that, and as Vianne continues to expand, the brand serves as a powerful example of what Lynn students can achieve when given the right support, resources and mentorship.

For current and prospective Lynn students, Vacala's message is clear: don't wait to start pursuing your dreams. She encourages students to expand their networks, seek out mentorship and take full advantage of the resources offered at Lynn.

"Most students don't know what's available to them until they ask questions," said Vacala. "If you have a dream, you don't have to wait to start. At Lynn, you have the resources in front of you to start now, and that is the best time to start."

As Vianne continues its nationwide expansion, Vacala remains committed to the values that started it all: sustainability, community and empowering the next generation of conscious consumers. With hundreds of daily ambassador applications, growing university partnerships and a production model that creates meaningful employment, Vianne is proving that fashion can be both profitable and purposeful.