Welcome to our special interview series, Women Who Lead. In partnership with White House Black Market, we’re celebrating five women teaching us to think differently, speak louder, and live better. No career is the same, and that’s just how we like it. These women are leading by example and living by their own rules.

Julee Wilson, first and foremost, is a voice. She's also a force. In her role at ESSENCE magazine, she works tirelessly to reach new readers, tackle new topics, and push creative boundaries. Her editorial career started humbly—after putting in the hard work as an intern for various magazines throughout college, Julee landed her first job at Real Simple as an editorial assistant, climbed ranks, then moved to HuffPost before reaching her current role as Fashion & Beauty Director at ESSENCE. So she knows her way around a publication. But as glamorous as working in media and fashion may sound, the reality is a very packed schedule. Julee handles the travel, long work days, and tight deadlines with aplomb, all while making time for her family (she's mom to three-year-old Orion) and self-care. Here's Julee on what work looks like for her, whether "balance" truly exists, and a fashion trend she hopes will never—ever—come back: 

"I’m the fashion and beauty director at ESSENCE magazine and ESSENCE.com—AKA Black Girl Magic headquarters—which means I get to celebrate Black women every single day and talk about how we can be doper than we already are. Basically, I’m living my dream. 

Climbing the Ranks—One Internship and Assitant Role at a Time 

[Early on] I loved to write and the fashion world always interested me. I simply married those two interests. After taking summer internships at Bergdorf Goodman, Vibe magazine, and Conde Nast Traveler magazine throughout my years at college, my dream of becoming a fashion journalist was clear.

I landed my first full-time job at Real Simple magazine 10 months after I graduated from college. I spent six and a half years at the publication, where I started off as the editorial assistant to the editor-in-chief and finished as the staff fashion editor. My tenure at Real Simple taught me so much because I was able to be a writer, market editor, stylist, TV personality, and I launched the brand’s style section for RealSimple.com. Those invaluable experiences set me up to succeed at [my next role at] HuffPost, where I continued to multitask and craft my writing for the digital world. 

On the Realities of Working in Fashion and Media

It’s not as glamorous as it seems. Between the fashion shows and fancy events, there are a lot of sleepless nights and endless deadlines. If you’re looking to just twirl around town and disregard the work, then this isn’t the field for you. But if you’re dedicated to the hard work that goes into being a great writer and editor, then those moments of glamour will be worth it.

...And Raising a Child While "Balancing" It All

Balance is a joke. It’s impossible to be as present as you want to be at home—and be as big of a badass as you want to be at work. That doesn’t mean that I’m not working towards that goal every day. Sadly I haven’t figured it out yet. But the fact that my mission is constantly top of mind brings me peace. The moment I lose sight of striking that balance is the moment that I need to step back from the chaos. Right now the chaos keeps me going and allows me to not only live out my dream but also contribute to my household and build a future for my family. I worked really, really, really hard to get to this point in my career, so being a badass working mom is the ultimate goal. 

On What Makes ESSENCE Special

I get to work with smart, talented, and beautiful Black women every single day. There is nothing better!"

Julee is wearing White House Black Market's Denim Jacket with Removable Bird Pin, Two-fer Sweater, Curvy Skinny Jean, and Velvet Two-Piece Heel.