We had the good fortune of connecting with Julien Malaguarnera Nolan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Julien, how do you think about risk?
My biggest rewards were the result of my biggest risks.I began snowboarding in the French Alps at the age of 12 and I was hooked. I was driven to be the best my body would allow and after many years on the slopes, I decided to snowboard professionally and was chosen to be on the French National Team. What a dream come true to compete with the best athletes around the world. In 2001, a career ending injury. A stunt in the air landed my right into a tree. I broke my left leg in two separate areas at the age of 20. I look back on that part of my life with fond memories. The risks were worth the memories.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My two decade career has been a passion project. I have been lucky enough to travel all over the world to DJ runway shows in Europe and Asia to becoming a Marketing and Branding Executive in the U.S. My first love is curating music. High-end fashion brands such as Christian Louboutin and Berluti hired me to create the beats, and they flew me in to DJ in person while models like Gigi and Bella Hadid walked the runway. My creation of the playlist set the tone, delivered the ambiance, and produced the mood for runway shows. This is where I honed in on my love and passion for being a creative. Fast forward to today, my career has evolved but my love for branding, curating, and marketing have not changed. I took my talents to America and joined the Fig & Olive restaurant group 12 years ago where I have helped the top tier with the look and feel of each of our restaurant spaces in each city. In 2021, I have also decided to pursue another dream of mine: Real Estate. I have my license and I am enjoying helping my clients all over the Houston area find their dream homes. My career has taken a few pivots and I am enjoying the journey!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For breakfast, I would take them to Mademoiselle Louise for some freshly baked French viennoiseries and patisseries. For lunch, hands down it’s Kata Robata, one of Houston’s best sushi spots. Happy hour, a hidden gem is Roots in Eado for wine tasting with a flare. For a casual dinner, Nancy’s Hustle. Love the vibe. And for an upscale dinner, BCN is always my go-to.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would not have been able to have succeeded professionally if it wasn’t for my dad. He has always been a great example in my life. His professionalism, his work ethic throughout his successful. career in the constructions business in France and Monaco. His ability to connect with strangers in any situation, be able to find common ground and build rapport with others almost instantly is simply amazing, I definitely recognize myself in him.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliennolan3

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julienmalaguarnera/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/juliennolan

Other: https://www.har.com/julien-malaguarnera/agent_Malaguarnera

Image Credits
Charles Baldwin, Jr.

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