ABOUT JULIE COLE:
Julie Cole is a powerhouse entrepreneur, recovered lawyer, and proud mom of six who boldly swapped courtroom life for sticky labels and big ideas. She’s the co-founder and Senior Director of Mabel’s Labels, a company that started in a basement and grew into a multi-million dollar brand. Along the way, she’s helped families stay organized while making waves as a leader in business and parenting spaces.
As the face of Mabel’s Labels, Julie has become a go-to voice for conversations around entrepreneurship, parenting, and women’s leadership. She’s an award-winning businesswoman and best-selling author who’s just as comfortable speaking on a national stage as she is connecting with fellow parents in the schoolyard. Her energy is magnetic, and her message is clear, building a business that reflects your values is not only possible, it’s powerful.
Julie’s media presence is impressive and authentic. She’s appeared on The Today Show, Raising America, The Marilyn Denis Show, and Breakfast Television. Her writing has been featured in The Huffington Post, Today’s Parent, The Globe and Mail, and Working Mother Magazine, where she shares real talk and practical wisdom that resonates with busy parents and ambitious professionals alike.
Over the years, Julie’s impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. She’s received the YWCA Women of Distinction Award and the RBC Women of Influence Award for Excellence in Entrepreneurship. These honours reflect her commitment to doing business differently—with purpose, passion, and people at the centre.
Outside of her professional life, Julie is deeply rooted in her community. She mentors emerging entrepreneurs, speaks out on women’s rights and social justice, and actively supports causes close to her heart. She’s proof that you can lead with empathy, speak up for what matters, and still get things done.
Q&A WITH JULIE COLE:
What is your most valuable possession and why?
I don’t think I have one. I place much more value on experiences and relationships than I do on “things”.
What are your top 3 life lessons and how have they changed your life for the better (in other words, how have you implemented them to better your life)?
- Your perspective is all you have. The one thing you can control is your attitude. Complaining is useless because it is not proactive, if there is an issue, make a change!
- Your network is your net worth. People and relationships are a priority, in life and in business. Business IS personal
- A “no” is free. Make the ask, be bold, what’s the worse that can happen? A NO?
What is the most valuable advice you’ve received and how did it set you up to win?
My grandma always said “you’re as good as the rest of them, and better than none”. I have approached life that I can do anything, but leave the ego at the door.
Find mentors, put yourself in rooms, always learn, push yourself. Get comfortable being uncomfortable.
What is the worst advice you’ve received and how did it impact you?
“Don’t quit”. I think sometimes quitting is for winners. Knowing when it’s time to exit is smart. Don’t cling to mistake because you spent a long time making it.
What is the one mistake you regret in life, and why?
No regrets or mistakes. Only lessons.
When you face a challenge, what’s your method to move past it?
I face it with a good attitude and an open mind. I deal with it and move on. Holding onto things like guilt impacts your productivity. Learn, move on and let go.
How do you create a work-life balance?
I remain flexible, I shift and re-direct as needed, I say no and I’m not afraid to ask for help.
My grandma always said “you’re as good as the rest of them, and better than none”. I have approached life that I can do anything, but leave the ego at the door.
What “women” hangups have you been a victim to, that you feel sets women up to fail in their professional career?
I was late to get help at home. I got a full-time nanny when my fifth kid turned one. That was three kids too late! I thought I could manage a start-up and a busy household. Women don’t have to do EVERYTHING!
Are you affected by the Confidence Gap, where studies show that women require confidence as well as competence to succeed in the workplace environment, whereas their male counterparts don’t?
Nope.
What does equality mean to you and is it important?
Equality has to cover ALL the areas – economic, social, and in our relationships. Right now, women business owners receive less that 4% of VC funding. Women are still carrying the domestic load in households, including parenting.
In your experience, what types of male allyship do you feel women need to foster at home and at work, to encourage an equitable ecosystem?
At home, moms have to stop being the “default parent”. Dads are not doing moms a favour by participating in parenting, caregiving and household chores. Men need to see and do household responsibilities without being told. They need to see and do. Male allies at work need to call out their male counterparts when they say something sexist, interrupt a female colleague, encourage their companies to be equitable, and advocate for things like daycare and parental leave.
What would you tell your 18-year-old self, looking back over your life’s experiences?
You’re doing great – keep the path!
What advice would you give to women to help them step into their power?
Find mentors, put yourself in rooms, always learn, push yourself. Get comfortable being uncomfortable.
Can you share one resource (book, course, mastermind/masterclass, etc.) that you feel all women need to have?
I feel all women need a peer group. Yes, a therapist, mentor and coach are all important. But connecting with women in your peer group and raising each other up is the sisterhood we all need.
What mantra do you live by and how has it impacted your life?
In the early days of Mabel’s Labels, we made a sign and hung it on the wall that said “if you’re not living on the edge, you’re taking up too much space.” Have an appetite for risk – this has made me take changes and moved me forward.
I face it with a good attitude and an open mind. I deal with it and move on. Holding onto things like guilt impacts your productivity. Learn, move on and let go.
WHAT'S NEW WITH JULIE COLE:
