What does it take to build multiple ventures, lead global communities across continents, and still stay grounded as a creator and founder?
In this episode of the 301 Podcast, Marcus Engel sits down with Julia Mitereva, founder of Fashion Potluck, Greek Social, Founders Mesh and part of the leadership team behind Moldovan Brands Runway (MBR) project, to explore the mindset, discipline, and creativity behind her nonlinear entrepreneurial journey.
From launching her first venture in her early 20s to building one of Amsterdam’s most beloved founder communities, Julia shares the systems, philosophies, and lessons that shaped her path.
She opens up about failing early, finding the right co-founder, switching between tech and fashion, and how she’s now helping shape Moldova’s growing startup and fashion ecosystems.
🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn:
- How Julia balances multiple high-energy ventures
- The surprising influence her parents had on her entrepreneurial mindset
- Why failure is one of her most important tools as a founder
- How she built Fashion Potluck into a 40,000+ women’s platform
- Why big social platforms should take notes on ethical, safe spaces online
- The origin of Founders Mesh and why it became a startup-VC magnet
- How Moldova’s fashion and tech scenes are evolving and Julia’s role in it
- Why community only works when you build it with real intention and value
If you’re a founder, community builder, creator, or someone exploring a non-linear career path, this episode is packed with lessons on authenticity, resilience, and building things that actually matter.
⏱ Timestamps
(00:00) – Introduction
(00:10) – Balancing multiple ventures
(00:28) – The joy of entrepreneurship
(00:49) – Early beginnings in entrepreneurship
(01:27) – Influence of family on entrepreneurial spirit
(03:13) – Finding the right co-founder
(05:57) – Embracing failure in entrepreneurship
(09:07) – Building a strong co-founder relationship
(10:20) – The story behind Fashion Potluck
(14:11) – Ethical and safe social media spaces
(17:07) – Pivoting to Greek Social
(21:14) – Founders Mesh: building a community for founders
(27:24) – Unique aspects of Founders Mesh
(29:59) – Passion for fashion and Moldovan Fashion Week
(34:12) – Contributing to Moldova’s fashion and tech industries
(35:24) – Advice for aspiring Moldovan entrepreneurs
(40:10) – The secret sauce to building an engaged community
(43:16) – Balancing a busy entrepreneurial life
(47:59) – Future plans and impact
(52:43) – 3 FINAL Questions
Connect with Julia:
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/iuliamiterev/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juls.mitereva/?hl=en
Follow Marcus
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/301podcast
Marcus: https://www.instagram.com/themarcusengel
💌 Business inquiries: studiobooking@weare301.com
