Brazen

My Unorthodox Journey from Long Sleeves to Lingerie

De: Julia Haart

Narrado por: Julia Haart

A riveting, inspiring memoir of one woman’s escape from an extremist religious sect and an extraordinary rise from housewife to shoe designer, to CEO and co-owner of the modeling agency Elite World Group

“An irresistible read . . . Written with great intensity and rare candor, Brazen is a story of longing for more and manifesting that vision.”—Tommy Hilfiger

Ever since she was a child, every aspect of Julia Haart’s life—what she wore, what she ate, what she thought—was controlled by the dictates of ultra-Orthodox Judaism. At nineteen, after a lifetime spent caring for her seven younger siblings, she was married off to a man she barely knew. For the next twenty-three years, her marriage would rule her life. Eventually, when Haart’s younger daughter, Miriam, started to innocently question why she wasn’t allowed to sing in public, run in shorts, or ride a bike without being covered from neck to knee, Haart reached a breaking point. She knew that if she didn’t find a way to leave, her daughters would be forced into the same unending servitude that had imprisoned her.

So Haart created a double life. In the ultra-Orthodox world, clothing has one purpose—to cover the body, head to toe—and giving any thought to one’s appearance beyond that is considered sinful, an affront to God. But when no one was looking, Haart would pore over fashion magazines and sketch designs for the clothes she dreamed about wearing in the world beyond her Orthodox suburb. She started preparing for her escape by educating herself and creating a “freedom” fund. At the age of forty-two, she finally mustered the courage to flee the fundamentalist life that was strangling her soul.

Within a week of her escape, Haart founded a shoe brand, and within nine months, she was at Paris Fashion Week. Just a few years later, she was named creative director of La Perla. Soon she would become co-owner and CEO of Elite World Group, and one of the most powerful people in the fashion industry. Along the way, her four children—Batsheva, Shlomo, Miriam, and Aron—have not only accepted but embraced her transformation.

Propulsive and unforgettable, Haart’s story is the journey from a world of no to a world of yes, and an inspiration for women everywhere to find their freedom, their purpose, and their voice.

*Includes a downloadable PDF containing photos and end notes from the book

Reseñas de la Crítica

“Through her poignant memoir, Julia Haart shows readers that it’s the journey rather than the destination that will fulfill us. Written with great intensity and rare candor, Brazen is a story of longing for more and manifesting that vision. While deeply personal, it reveals universal truths about humanity and womanhood. . . . An irresistible read.”—Tommy Hilfiger

“Julia Haart is a hustler. Her story is an inspiring, believe-in-your-dreams, never-give-up, anything-in-life-is-possible story of hope. She is a very smart businesswoman who also loves women! Run, don’t walk, to get this book!”—Lisa Rinna

“Julia Haart lives her life with an exhilarating fervor that’s contagious to anyone lucky enough to be around her. Never willing to accept the status quo, she has time and again fought for her place in the world and demanded her seat at the table. As a woman and business owner, I’m incredibly inspired by her stories, which are always told with candor, honesty, and heart. This book is a must-read!”—Coco Rocha

Well done

This is fascinating & educational…thanks for courageously sharing your story with the world. It’s a must listen for anyone who wants to hear a brave account of the author’s life journey.

Decent

Without discrediting Julia's storytelling and authoring abilities I must say her story left me quite disenchanted. From what she has alluded on her Netflix series I was expecting her story to have a more feminine empowerment undertone. What I did find riveting was the first half of the book. Her detailed candor on the ways of the extreme fundamentalist Othordox community was jarring to say the least. It is what made the book worth purchasing...but to say it was an "escape" for her is a bit of a stretch. She didn't so much "escape" rather came to an understanding with her husband that she wouldn't be spending some days of the week at home.

As a New Yorker who experienced Hurricane Sandy I have to admit that is was disheartening to hear her speak on the boredom her and her friends felt while the entire city was recovering from devastation. She was at a restaurant in the city just a few short days after Sandy and from that dinner just days later she was instantly offered a six figure salary and a shoe designer position without ever even showing any designs nor having experience in the industry. It seemed more serendipitous rather than an achievement, a sort of right-place-right-time stroke of luck. It is very easy to make an "escape" with a very generous new business partner.

Shortly after she meets another male business partner who also instantly agrees to invest seven figures into her shoe designs upon their first meeting. Considering her extreme religious brain washed background, being a good conversationalist and salesperson is a great accomplishments but again, this too seems extremely serendipitous more than anything else.

An appreciable part was when she brings awareness to date-rape. She offers great insight and advice to the reader on these dangers.

There is no doubt that Julia is an intelligent, think-outside-the-box creative, head strong salesperson with an unrelenting determination for her financial independence. Her story is one of character strength, work ethic and conviction, not one of struggle and hardship and definitely not one of self actualized success as she always had a male cash cow financing her every move & decision. At the very end she mentions LaPerla & Silvio, who we all know ends up being her husband, thus her owning half of Elite. This is a decent read, with interesting insight into the Black Hatter community and reinforced belief that anything is possible. You can will the life you want with determination and work ethic regardless of your bleak beginnings and background but also with some divine stroke of luck and a couple cash cows who just want your frienship along your journey.

inspirational story

loved the story and the way it is written. I loved the realness and her determination. truly inspirational story. strongly recommend

Inspirational

Wow! What an inspirational story. It’s all about overcoming adversity. Listen to it now. Right now!

Wanted more

I wanted to hear about her relationship with Silvio more I was left wanting more she left that part out completely