Orinda Woman Fulfills Her Dream By Opening Up Lafayette Boutique

Julie Rubio has lived in Europe, New York and Hawaii.

She's taught yoga

She even has a production company that's created films that have been shown at festivals

But all Rubio really ever wanted to do was own a boutique, just like her mother did.

"I always thought I'd grow up and open a boutique," said Rubio.

Last month, she did just that. Rubio opened J. Colleen on Lafayette Circle in the old house that used to be the Queen Bee gift shop.

The boutique separates its merchandise by the rooms inside the former home.

In front, there is a wide array of jewelry from places such as Bora Bora, Hawaii and New York City. There's also some high-end clothing and even a Buddha statue for sale.

In another room, there's a mix of hats, shoes, candles, mist and organic sunscreen.

Down the hall, you'll find designer dresses alongside organic t-shirts, designer purses and scarves from New York.

In the back room, there's another room with high-end clothing from Chanel and other designers. There's even an original copy of Hillary Clinton's wedding dress.

Scattered around the walls of the shop are paintings by local artists. Rubio feels it's important to showcase them.

"I want people to realize you don't have to go to San Francisco to see art," she said.

There's a small garden area on the side where customers can hang out. There's also a small parking lot out back that Rubio converts for evening parties.

Rubio likes the mix of items at her boutique.

"Anybody who comes in here can find something they like," she said.

Rubio grew up in Los Angeles and was a regular visitor to her mother's boutique.
She learned the ins and outs of business as well as the fashion industry.

"She taught me how to buy and negotiate," said Rubio. "She also taught me to take care of myself."

For a couple decades, Rubio lived all over the world from Honolulu to London to New York. Her ex-husband worked for a Wall Street firm.

When she returned to California, Rubio started the East Meets West film production company. Among its credits are "Too Perfect" (a film set in Orinda) and "Oakland B Mine."

Despite all her travels, Rubio still wanted to open that boutique.

"I wanted a home. I wanted somewhere I could come every day," she said.

She started scouting locations and found the empty building on Lafayette Circle.

"When I walked in here, I fell in love with it," she said.

Rubio used some of the money she earned from her films and opened up J. Colleen, the title of which comes from Rubio's first initial and middle name.

Business has been good so far, but Rubio admits she was anxious about opening the store.

"I was scared to death. I was waking up at 2 a.m.," she said.

Rubio plans to give back to her community. She is organizing an Oscar night fundraiser next March in the back lot for Miramonte High School.

She also makes donations of clothing and other items to Hospice.

"I'm very blessed and very fortunate, so I feel I should give back," she said.

Rubio lives in Orinda with her 17-year-old son and her husband, Blake Wellen. Wellen and his father own the Lafayette Car Wash and Detail Center.