Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Raaz.
Hi Julie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
From the Stars to the Streets: My Journey from Sales to Entrepreneurship
For 17 years, I worked in sales, helping Oil & Gas & Tech companies in Houston scale, innovate, and achieve success. My career was built on understanding what businesses needed and connecting them with the right solutions to thrive. One of the highlights of my career was working with Intuitive Machines, a Houston-based aerospace startup that made history in 2024 by landing on the moon. I was the salesperson who discovered their potential early on and sold them Ansys software—technology that became critical to their lunar mission. Knowing that I played a small but vital role in getting them to the moon is something I will always be proud of.
Turning a Passion into a Brand
Despite my success in sales, I always had an entrepreneurial drive. I wanted to build something of my own, something that reflected my passions. That’s how Raazbros was born—a lifestyle brand centered around adventure, fitness, and family. Whether it’s snowboarding, surfing, skating, or just embracing an active lifestyle, I wanted to create a brand that brings people together. The idea was simple: unisex, high-quality gear that husbands, wives, and kids could share; designed for movement, travel, and adventure.
Sober Sorority: A Mission for Wellness
While building Raazbros, I also realized the importance of mental health, fitness, and self-care in my journey. That’s where Sober Sorority comes in—a brand focused on clarity, wellness, and community. It’s more than just a sobriety movement; it’s about making empowered choices and living fully. I wanted to create a space where people could find support, inspiration, and a shared sense of strength.
The Hustle, the Challenges, and Staying ‘Freaky Loud’
Transitioning from a career in sales to building my own brands wasn’t easy. There were challenges, doubts, and moments where I questioned everything. But if there’s one thing my career in sales taught me, it’s that persistence wins. That’s why my motto is Freaky Loud—it’s about showing up boldly, owning your journey, and refusing to shrink back.
Looking Ahead
Both Raazbros and Sober Sorority are growing, and I’m excited about what’s next. Whether it’s expanding our product lines, building a bigger community, or finding new ways to inspire, my focus is on creating something meaningful. From helping a startup land on the moon to now launching brands that bring people together, my journey has been about pushing limits and making an impact.
If my story teaches anything, it’s that success doesn’t have to look like one path. It can start in sales, take you to the stars, and lead you right back to what you were meant to build.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey has been full of ups and downs—and most of it, I had to figure out alone. For the last 20 years, I’ve had to take care of myself. There was no safety net, no one handing me opportunities. I didn’t have a choice but to succeed, because no one else was going to do it for me. That mindset shaped everything.
Even before launching my own business, just branding and marketing myself in the corporate world over the past 18 years was a challenge in itself. In tech sales, you’re constantly proving your value, staying ahead, and working twice as hard to stand out. I had to learn how to sell not just software—but myself, my skills, and my worth. That experience taught me how to navigate spaces where I didn’t always feel seen or supported.
Now as a founder, I’m applying all of that—grit, resilience, and a deep understanding of how to build something from the ground up. It hasn’t been easy. But those struggles shaped who I am today, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I talked about this in the first paragraph
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Houston has a special place in my heart. One of my absolute favorite things about living here is the food scene—it’s incredible. You could eat at a different restaurant every single day of the year and still not run out of new places to try. The variety, the flavor, the culture—it’s a dream for any foodie.
I also love the Houston Rodeo. There’s just something magical about rodeo season—the energy, the events, the fashion. It’s one of the few times a year where the whole city comes together in such a unique and fun way, and I go all in, boots and all.
That said, the size of the city can be overwhelming. It’s massive, and with so many people here, it can feel a little chaotic at times. Getting from one side of Houston to the other can feel like a road trip.
But what really fuels my passion for this city is the opportunity to make a difference. I want to help Houstonians take control of their health and build a stronger, more active community. Houston has so much to offer—but I believe our city needs a bigger movement around fitness, wellness, and taking care of ourselves. That’s part of my mission—to inspire a healthier Houston, one person at a time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.raazbros.com
- Instagram: @raazbros @sobersorority
- Facebook: @jeweliepurple JULIE RAAZ
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieraaz/
- Youtube: @jeweliepurple
- Other: Faire.com @raazbros
