Meet Charlotte’s 25 Most Stylish: Julie Koenig

Why did you choose your profession?

I chose to direct a local preliminary to the Miss America pageant because I truly believe that the Miss America Organization helps young women develop the skills and characteristics necessary to be successful in life; personally and professionally.  The Miss America Organization is currently the largest provider of scholarships to women in the world.  Last year, the Miss America Organization and its state and local organizations made available more than $45 million in cash and scholarship assistance.

What does a typical day look like for you?

In addition to directing the Miss Queen City/Metrolina Scholarship Pageant, I am also a stay at home mom to two beautiful children, Kinsley – Age 2 and Kellen – Age 9 months!  Most days, I am fielding pageant related emails and phone calls, all while chasing children, changing diapers and somehow balancing meal times, nap times and play times!

 What is the best part of your work?

I love seeing the positive changes that take place in the young women that compete in our pageant.  Regardless of how they place in the pageant, they all gain invaluable skills such as self confidence, interview/speaking skills, and experience performing on stage.  Not only that, but each contestant is required to raise money for Children’s Miracle Network and have a personal community service platform to which their year of service will be dedicated if they happen to win.  I love seeing how this program instills in teenagers and young women how important it is to play an active role in their community.

What inspires you the most?

Young people that take an active role in improving their lives as well as the lives of others.

What is your next project?

Next year’s pageant!  It is slated to take place January 5, 2013, so we are already in the planning stages.

What was your dream job as a child?

As a child, I was convinced that I was going to be a famous singer or actress.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I love spending time with my husband and children.  When my schedule allows, I enjoy wine tasting, shopping, yoga, walking/running, traveling and reading.

What is your favorite fashion trend?

The ballet flat!  Tory Burch is my favorite.

Tell us about your personal style.

Due to the fact that I am an active mom, I tend to spend a lot of time in comfortable, easy to move in clothes.  When it is time for a night out on the town, though, I LOVE glitz and glamour and 5 inch Jimmy Choos.

Who is your inspiration or role model?

I know it is cliche, but I would have to say my mom.  She has always been there for me and has always had incredible patience for me during each phase of my life, especially the teenage years.  I can only hope that I will be there for my children the way that she was always there for me.

Who has been the biggest influence on your life?

Up until having children of my own, I would have to say my parents.  Now that I am a mom, though, I would say that my two children have the biggest influence on my life.  With everything that I do and every decision that I make now, I think about how it will affect them.

What do you like most about the city of Charlotte?

I was born in Charlotte and have watched this city grow and develop over the last 30 years.  I love that Charlotte has continued to develop its’ culture and diversity and now has citizens from all over the country, as well as all over the world.

What is your favorite restaurant spot in Charlotte?

I would have to say Ruth’s Chris or Fleming’s in Uptown.  You can’t beat a great steak and an even better glass of wine!

 What is your favorite thing to do in Charlotte?

I would have to say a Carolina Panthers Football game!  Rawr, rawr!

What is the best thing about Charlotte?

In addition to being a bustling city with great shopping, food, and entertainment options, it is roughly three hours from the beach and three hours to the mountains.

How does it feel to be named as one of the 25 Most Stylish People in Charlotte?

It was truly an honor and a surprise!  At the time of being named I was at home with a 2 year old and a 3 month old baby and wasn’t feeling very “stylish” on a daily basis, so I was surprised and excited to say the very least!

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