Julia Haart is a name that resonates with resilience, reinvention, and unapologetic ambition. Best known as the star and executive producer of Netflix’s hit series My Unorthodox Life, Julia Haart has captivated audiences worldwide with her extraordinary journey from the restrictive confines of an ultra-Orthodox Jewish community to becoming a trailblazing fashion designer, entrepreneur, CEO, bestselling author, and outspoken advocate for women’s rights.
In this in-depth profile, we explore Julia Haart’s life story, her groundbreaking career moves, her latest ventures like Body by Julia, the highs and lows of her personal life including her high-profile divorce, and the powerful lessons she offers on breaking free from limitations. Whether you’re a fan of the show, interested in fashion entrepreneurship, or seeking motivation for personal transformation, Julia Haart’s story is a masterclass in courage and self-discovery.
Early Life: From Moscow to Monsey
Born Julia Leibov on April 11, 1971, in Moscow, Soviet Union (now Russia), Julia Haart’s early years were marked by upheaval and adaptation. Her family emigrated to the United States when she was just three years old, first settling in Austin, Texas. As the only Jewish student at her private school, she experienced a unique cultural navigation early on.
Her parents gradually became more religiously observant under the influence of a Chabad rabbi, eventually relocating the family to Monsey, New York, a hub for Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) Jewish communities. Julia transitioned from a Modern Orthodox school to stricter Haredi institutions, including Bais Yaakov schools, where education emphasized religious observance, homemaking, and preparation for marriage over secular ambitions.
She later attended seminary in Jerusalem, earning a teaching certificate. By age 19, following traditional matchmaking processes (shadchan), she married Yosef Hendler. The couple had four children: Batsheva, Shlomo, Miriam, and Aron. For years, Julia (then known as Talia Hendler) worked as a teacher in various Orthodox schools, instilling knowledge while quietly questioning the system that limited opportunities, especially for women and girls.
Life in the Haredi Community: Rules, Restrictions, and Quiet Rebellion
Julia Haart’s memoir Brazen: My Unorthodox Journey from Long Sleeves to Lingerie (a New York Times bestseller) vividly details the constraints of ultra-Orthodox life. Women were expected to dress modestly (long sleeves, skirts, wigs or head coverings), prioritize family and faith above personal dreams, and avoid many secular influences. Education for girls focused heavily on religious texts and domestic skills.
Haart has spoken candidly about the friction in her marriage and her growing discomfort with how the community suppressed individuality, particularly the treatment of her daughter Miriam, who resisted conformity. These experiences planted the seeds for her eventual departure. To gain financial independence, she secretly sold life insurance policies, a bold act of defiance that funded her escape.
At age 42 in 2013, Julia Haart made the life-altering decision to leave the community. She changed her name to Julia Haart (drawing from her maiden name Leibov, evoking “heart” or lev in Hebrew) and stepped into a world she had been largely shielded from.
The Escape and Immediate Rise in Fashion
What makes Julia Haart’s story remarkable is the speed of her transformation. Within days of leaving, she launched her own shoe brand, Julia Haart Shoes, partnering with engineers to create fashionable yet comfortable high heels using innovative materials inspired by NASA gel and ski boot technology.
Her debut collection gained traction quickly. Just nine months later, she showcased at Paris Fashion Week. By 2016, she was collaborating with luxury brand La Perla and soon appointed Creative Director. At La Perla, she revolutionized the brand by introducing stretch Leavers lace, ready-to-wear collections with built-in support, and memorable runway shows featuring supermodels like Naomi Campbell and Kendall Jenner. She famously designed Kendall Jenner’s crystal-encrusted Met Gala gown.
Elite World Group: Building a Billion-Dollar Empire
In 2019, Julia Haart became CEO and Chief Creative Officer of Elite World Group (EWG), a major modeling and talent management agency. She co-owned it through Freedom Holding (formerly Pacific Global Management Group) alongside her then-husband Silvio Scaglia. Under her leadership, EWG expanded its divisions, emphasized building models that build personal brands, and focused on inclusivity and empowerment.
Her tenure wasn’t without challenges. A public firing in 2022 led to lengthy legal battles. In January 2025, following her divorce from Scaglia, a judge awarded Haart significant control: 50% of EWG and related holdings, power of attorney over Scaglia’s interests, the couple’s $65 million Tribeca penthouse, and additional assets. She has since moved forward, listing the property while maintaining leadership in the business.
My Unorthodox Life: Netflix Fame and Cultural Impact
Netflix’s My Unorthodox Life (premiering in 2021) thrust Julia Haart into the global spotlight. The reality series follows her glamorous life in New York City, her children’s journeys (some still navigating faith and modernity), and her bold personality. It humanizes the struggles of leaving insular communities while celebrating fashion, ambition, and family dynamics.
The show sparked conversations about religious extremism, women’s autonomy, and cultural transitions. It earned award nominations and renewed interest in stories of personal liberation. Haart’s authenticity, balancing high fashion with raw vulnerability, resonated deeply.
Body by Julia: Innovating Shapewear for the Modern Woman
Never one to rest, Julia Haart launched +Body by Julia (or Body by Julia) in 2023. This body-positive shapewear and ready-to-wear brand emphasizes comfort, technology, and visibility. Features include seamless construction, built-in bra support, custom cup sizing, and vibrant designs meant to be seen rather than hidden. It addresses real-body needs with inclusive sizing and has been praised as among the best in its category.
The brand aligns perfectly with Haart’s ethos: empowerment through clothing that makes women feel confident in their skin. Her Instagram and media appearances frequently highlight new collections, partnerships, and customer stories.
Personal Life: Marriages, Family, and Resilience
Julia Haart’s first marriage to Yosef Hendler ended after she left the community. Her second marriage to Silvio Scaglia in 2019 ended in divorce finalized in 2025 amid business and personal disputes. She shares a close bond with her four children, some of whom have appeared on the show and pursued their own paths in modeling, education, and beyond.
Despite public scrutiny, Haart emphasizes growth, manifestation, and living as the person you aspire to be.
Activism: Championing Women’s Rights and Justice
Beyond fashion, Julia Haart is a dedicated activist. She has supported Ukraine with medical aid and fundraising, receiving recognition from Ukrainian forces. She advocates against antisemitism, visited Israel post-October 7, 2023, and launched initiatives like Ahm Nation to combat online hate.
She has protested for Iranian women’s rights, partnered on art and fundraising events, and serves on boards promoting democracy, gender equality, and social justice. Awards include the CHI È CHI Award, 21 Leaders for the 21st Century, Icon Award, and WIN Woman Leadership Award.
Key Lessons from Julia Haart’s Journey
- Courage to Reinvent: At 42, with no formal fashion background, she built a career from scratch.
- Financial Independence Matters: Secret insurance sales gave her the means to leave.
- Innovation Drives Success: From comfortable heels to tech-forward shapewear.
- Advocacy Amplifies Impact: Using her platform for global causes.
- Self-Worth Over Approval: Prioritizing authenticity over societal expectations.
Her story proves it’s never too late to rewrite your narrative.
Why Julia Haart Continues to Inspire Millions
Julia Haart’s evolution from “Talia” in long sleeves to a fashion CEO in empowering designs symbolizes breaking barriers. Her book Brazen, Netflix series, businesses, and activism create a multifaceted legacy of empowerment.
As she continues leading EWG, growing Body by Julia, and advocating fiercely, Julia Haart reminds us that freedom starts with one brave step. Follow her journey on Instagram (@juliahaart) for the latest updates, collections, and insights
Originally written by renowned publicist R. Couri Hay, offering his signature insider’s take on culture, society, and entertainment.
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