Between archaeology, bagpipes, and origami, in 2007 Julia set aside the above and picked up her sewing machine. Having learned to sew and craft from her family at an early age, she was always busy with her hands. Early attempts in textiles and designs include making yarn and fabric forts in the middle of the kitchen and clothing for her stuffed animals. Julia graduated in 2008 from The School of the Museum of Fine Arts and Tufts University with a BFA in fine arts, concentrating on iconographic painting and art history. She started Rennes shortly after, aiming to create simple and functional designs drawing inspiration from travel, books, and friends.