Julia Carrano is Miss NJ Teen USA 2023 and model whose presence in the fashion world shines brightly with many accomplishments. Since signing with BMG-NY at just 14, Julia’s career has soared, walking the runways of New York Fashion Week for esteemed designers and featuring in prestigious campaigns for brands like Costume Gallery and Bodywrappers. Beyond her modeling success, Julia’s elegance has earned her title in the pageant circuit, including Miss NJ Teen USA 2023 and Miss Photogenic, where she uses her platform to advocate for important causes. With talents in music and dance and a dedication to mental health advocacy as a Crisis Counselor, Julia’s impact extends far beyond the fashion industry. As the founder of Hearts 4 Hearing, her philanthropic endeavors provide hearing aids and support to those in need, showcasing her unwavering commitment to making a difference in the world. Julia Carrano is a true force of nature, inspiring others with beauty, talent, and compassion.
HELLO JULIA, WELCOME TO ABOUT INSIDER! THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO CHAT WITH US! CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF, WHO IS JULIA CARRANO IN YOUR OWN WORDS?
I’m 20 years old and a lifelong resident of the Jersey Shore. I’m a college student, model, pageant titleholder, restaurant server and all-around Jersey-girl. My friends would describe me as the one who always brings the laugh to the party.
YOUR JOURNEY IN THE FASHION WORLD BEGAN AT A YOUNG AGE, SIGNING WITH BMG-NY AT JUST 14. CAN YOU SHARE WITH US WHAT INITIALLY SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN MODELING, AND HOW HAS YOUR CAREER EVOLVED SINCE THEN?
I signed with BMG-NY as a commercial/print model at 14, but prior to that I had done several campaigns with dancewear brands. I’ve been a competitive dancer since I was very young. Winning the ‘Photogenic’ award at a national dance competition started my journey. From there, it’s honestly been a whirlwind. I’m fortunate to be local to the NYC market and have had countless commercial/print/runway opportunities.
AS A MODEL, YOU’VE GRACED THE RUNWAYS OF NEW YORK FASHION WEEK AND WORKED WITH ESTEEMED BRANDS LIKE COSTUME GALLERY AND ART STONE DANCEWEAR. WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT OF YOUR MODELING CAREER SO FAR, AND WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT THE FASHION INDUSTRY?
There have been so many opportunities and people to thank along the way, but I would definitely say walking in NYSW (New York Swim Week) last year was the most memorable (and fun). I met an entire network of other models, designers and photographers that launched my career as a swimsuit model and opened doors to other opportunities and collaborations. I’ve also made close friends in the community. We even traveled and stayed together for the inaugural Atlanta Swim Week, which was held in early May.
BEYOND MODELING, YOU’VE ALSO ACHIEVED SUCCESS IN THE PAGEANT CIRCUIT, WINNING TITLES SUCH AS MISS NJ TEEN USA 2023 AND MISS PHOTOGENIC. HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR ROLES AS A MODEL AND A PAGEANT TITLEHOLDER, AND WHAT LESSONS HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM EACH EXPERIENCE?
Time management is key, and also knowing when to delegate tasks. As Miss NJ Teen USA, I make several appearances each week. A lot of preparation goes into each appearance, such as wardrobe, hair and makeup and travel considerations. I’m also often asked to speak at events, so researching respective organizations for relevant topics to speak on is something I do regularly. In addition to modeling, I’m also a college student and restaurant server. I have a lot of balls in the air so my planner is my lifeline. I’ve learned so much through my pageant journey. First, it took me 4 tries over the course of 5 years to finally win the title. Each time, I had to really evaluate myself and figure out what I needed to practice and improve, whether it was interviewing skills, walking on stage, or overall confidence. I worked hard and never gave up on myself or my dreams. I’m grateful for the skills I learned through the journey and now as the titleholder and I know they will serve me well in future endeavors.
YOUR ADVOCACY FOR MENTAL HEALTH IS COMMENDABLE, PARTICULARLY YOUR WORK AS A CRISIS COUNSELOR WITH THE NATIONAL CRISIS TEXTLINE. CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR INVOLVEMENT IN THIS IMPORTANT CAUSE AND HOW IT HAS IMPACTED YOUR PERSPECTIVE ON MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS?
I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression since I was in middle school, so the youth mental health crisis in our country is an issue I’m personally connected to. I walk the walk and as a titleholder my goal has been to reach as many young people as possible to share the message that it’s ok to not be ok. I hope to serve as an example that we are not limited or defined by our challenges. In addition to my work as a crisis counselor, I’ve been a guest on mental health podcasts and have had many opportunities to speak with groups of students from elementary school through high school. Recently, I partnered with NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) in a campaign to open conversations and end the stigma around mental illness. What impacts me the most is when someone approaches me privately after an event to share their own story and tell me that mine resonated with them.
AS THE FOUNDER OF HEARTS 4 HEARING, YOU’VE MADE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT BY PROVIDING HEARING AIDS TO THOSE IN NEED. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START THIS NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION, AND WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR ITS FUTURE?
Alongside my mom, my grandparents helped raise me, so they’re a huge part of my life. My non-profit, Hearts 4 Hearing was inspired by my grandfather, who is hard of hearing. I learned that hearing aids can cost $3,000-$8,000 and are not covered by Medicare or most private insurance making them unobtainable for many who need them most. Only 20% of patients who need hearing aids have them. At Hearts 4 Hearing, we procure donations of used hearing aids and deliver them to the Audiology Clinic at Montclair State University. From there, the hearing aids are refurbished and held in a hearing aid bank until they can be matched to low-income recipients who have applied for them through the state (NJ). Since founding Hearts 4 Hearing in 2018, we have collected over $1.5 million worth of hearing aids which have helped hundreds of people regain their hearing and quality of life. I recently started consulting with organizations in other states utilizing my business model to develop similar programs in their area.
IN ADDITION TO YOUR MODELING AND PHILANTHROPIC WORK, YOU’RE ALSO AN EXPERT ALTO-SAXOPHONIST AND FLUENT IN AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE. HOW DO YOU INCORPORATE THESE TALENTS AND SKILLS INTO YOUR ADVOCACY EFFORTS AND EVERYDAY LIFE?
I wouldn’t say I’m fluent in American Sign Language, but it has always interested me. I started teaching myself in middle school and later became the VP of the Sign Language Club at my high school. I even got to sign the National Anthem alongside the choir at Homecoming football games. Fluency in any language is when you don’t have to internally interpret it in your native language. I’m not there yet, but I can understand conversations others are signing. Funny story – I once watched 2 people have a full-blown argument in sign language on a subway in NY.
I’ve been playing the alto-saxophone since 3rd grade and it stuck with me. Music, in general, is a huge part of my life. Not only is music integral to my therapeutic journey, it also inspired my career as a competitive dancer. Going to live concerts is my #1 favorite thing to do.
AS SOMEONE WHO USES THEIR PLATFORM FOR GOOD, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ASPIRING MODELS AND ACTIVISTS WHO WANT TO MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT IN THEIR COMMUNITIES?
I would say to let your passion guide you. As a titleholder, I’ve been so fortunate to have this platform. Once the crown and sash go on, people pay attention, but you don’t need the adornments to make an impact. What’s important is to have a deep personal connection to your cause and to align with like-minded people and organizations. Each of us has unique talents and gifts to contribute. Giving feeds the soul and through giving, we get an abundance in return.
WHAT’S SOMETHING WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT MIGHT SURPRISE US?
Hmmm…I’m an open book, so that’s a hard one. I think just by looking at me, most people wouldn’t be able to guess my music preference. I’ve always been a little emo at heart. Growing up, my favorite band was Panic! at the Disco. I have even had the opportunity to meet the lead singer, Brendon Urie, on three separate occasions. I would say that their album A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out and Collide With The Sky by Pierce the Veil are two of my favorite albums of all time.
LOOKING AHEAD, WHAT ARE YOUR ASPIRATIONS AND GOALS FOR THE FUTURE, BOTH IN YOUR MODELING CAREER AND YOUR PHILANTHROPIC ENDEAVORS?
I plan to continue my work with Hearts 4 Hearing. Currently, my website appears on the top of Google searches for how to donate hearing aids, so that really helps drive the business. I would like to try and expand the effort to include collecting used pacemakers. Laws prevent the reuse of pacemakers in subsequent human patients, so old pacemakers are usually thrown away. These laws, however, don’t apply to veterinary uses. I am a huge animal lover and have had dogs my entire life. Used (human) pacemakers can be reused in dogs and there is a great need for them. Unfortunately, many dog owners are faced with the decision to euthanize their beloved pet due to cost and/or availability of the pacemakers that could otherwise save their lives. I also plan to continue my advocacy for youth mental health when I pass my title on in June. Through this year, I’ve been fortunate to align with several groups and national organizations. As an ambassador for NAMI, I will continue to support their mission and goals.
WHAT IS ONE MESSAGE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO GIVE TO YOUR FANS?
Never give up on your dreams and never let anyone tell you that your dreams aren’t worth chasing.
WHERE CAN OUR READERS FIND YOU ONLINE?
My personal Instagram is @julia.carrano and until I pass my title to my successor on June 23, you can follow my pageant journey on Instagram @missnjteenusa. My non-profit website is Hearts4Hearing.org
