Julia Masci Textiles is an eco-conscious business offering naturally dyed textiles, handmade fashion accessories, and home décor items, along with educational workshops for all ages. Using plants, rust, and food waste, Julia transforms discarded fabrics into beautiful, sustainable pieces.
The business is rooted in values of environmental responsibility and community connection. “I want to help people reconnect with the land and think differently about what they consume,” Julia says. Her work brings together sustainability, storytelling, and creative expression.
Julia’s journey as an entrepreneur began when she was a single parent looking to create flexible income. With no formal business background, she relied on her experience in retail and her passion for creative work to build something from the ground up.
She began by naturally dyeing baby clothes and selling them at markets. Over time, her business expanded to include adult clothing, home goods, fine art, and eventually hands-on workshops. “Being an entrepreneur means being adaptable,” she says. “I kept asking: what’s working, what brings me joy, and how can I make it sustainable?”
For Julia, the heart of her business lies in building relationships — with customers, with the environment, and within the community. She credits her success to being open to learning and willing to take small steps forward, even when things felt uncertain. “I’ve always followed my gut and adjusted as I go.”
Julia first connected with the Business Centre of Guelph-Wellington in 2019 when she began exploring the idea of turning her creative practice into a business. After taking part in early workshops, she joined the RISE Program in 2021 and was later accepted into Starter Company+ Program in 2024.
The support from both programs gave her the tools and confidence to expand her offerings. “I went from selling at markets to building out an educational side to my business. It gave me direction and helped me better understand how to generate consistent income.” Working with a business advisor helped her clarify pricing, improve her sales strategy, and map out the next steps in her growth.
With the grant she received through Starter Company+, Julia has been able to grow her workshop program by investing in equipment like portable burners and safety-compliant dye pots. She’s also purchasing more materials in bulk to make larger class sizes possible. This growth allows her to partner with schools and community organizations to deliver hands-on, environmentally focused programming to new audiences.
When asked what she would tell someone considering the program, Julia says, “Starter Company+ pushed me to think more seriously about the structure and sustainability of my business. The grant was amazing, but the mentorship was just as important. If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, this program will help you do it with clarity and support.”
Today, Julia runs a busy studio practice that includes seasonal collections, one-of-a-kind art pieces, and a growing schedule of natural dye workshops offered across southern Ontario. As well, she's developing a line of DIY kits to help others try natural dyeing at home.
Julia also partners with schools, libraries, and community organizations to deliver workshops that combine environmental education with creative exploration. Her mission continues to evolve, but one thing remains constant: a deep commitment to sustainability and making meaningful, lasting connections through art.
"I really love the program; I wish I could do it again. I like the hand-holding and having a check in with a mentor to see if I’m on the right track. It gave me more of a sense of accountability which was a really nice aspect of the program." — Julia Masci