There’s a bold spirit in everyone. And with a bold spirit comes timeless collections that capture the essense of each movement and generation. Bulova reminds us that time is what we make of it, and believes in embodying the legend within. Our Bulova BOLD Changemakers Series connects you with inspiring women who make their industries and communities stronger. Here, we’ll learn about their stories.
Meet Julianne Costigan
Profession: CEO, Founder
Social Media Handles: @julianne_costigan and @costigan.studio
Favourite Bulova Timepiece: The Sutton
Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Julianne Costigan and I’m the founder and CEO of COSTIGAN—a Personal Branding Studio where style isn’t just an accessory to success, but a strategic tool for owning your narrative and elevating your impact. We work with leaders, entrepreneurs, and executives who understand that their brand is an extension of their influence. Through styling, image strategy and high-impact experiences like Portraits With Impact, we help ambitious women craft a visual identity that aligns with their goals and positions them for long-term success.
Photo provided by Julianne Costigan
Being a Changemaker is all about knowing where you come from and to have the courage to take a new step forward. What gives you courage to live out your story?
My support system—my family and friends—has always been instrumental in giving me the courage to live out my story. In 2019, I made the difficult decision to leave my dream editorial career to work with ‘real’ women.At the time, this path wasn’t clearly defined, and walking away felt in some ways, like a failure. But looking back, it was the best and most pivotal decision I could have made. Following my passion opened doors to opportunities I never could have imagined, and I’m so grateful I had the support to take that leap.
Everyone’s story consists of many chapters, what was one of the most influential ones in your journey?
The most influential chapter of my journey was launching my business. What began as a solo venture—driven by my passion for working with real women—has since grown into a thriving company with a team of 10 (and counting) and a dedicated space in downtown Toronto.. But beyond the growth and the milestones, the most rewarding part has been the impact. Every day, I get to witness the transformation that happens when women step into alignment with their personal brand.Our work isn’t just about style – it’s about helping women step into their power so they can lead with confidence, inspire others, and shape the future for the next generation of leaders. What would your 15 year old self be most proud of that you have accomplished?
Photo provided by Julianne Costigan
She would be proud that we’re driving a conversation that truly matters – especially for women in leadership – by redefining how personal brand and style intersect with success. Women in executive roles face immense pressure to manage their professional image while leading with confidence. Yet personal branding is still often misunderstood or dismissed as superficial. In reality, it’s a powerful tool for reducing decision fatigue, enhancing leadership presence, and fueling career growth. At 15, I was working in a boutique, styling women and helping them find outfits that gave them the confidence to walk into important moments. Today, we’re doing so much more. We’re not just helping individual clients—we’re working toward making personal branding services a recognized and valued benefit for all female leaders.
What do you hope is the legacy you will leave behind?
The legacy I want to leave for my kids is the courage to believe in themselves—to trust their vision and never give up, no matter how many roadblocks or challenges they face. I want them to see that resilience and self-belief can turn dreams into reality.
For women, my legacy is about empowerment. I want to help women embrace their unique qualities and recognize them as their greatest strengths. True confidence comes from owning who you are, and if I can contribute to shifting that perspective, then I know I’ve made a lasting impact.
