We recently had the chance to connect with Julie Ahmad and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Julie , thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
Thank you for asking this question. I love the chance to clarify what we do because the art world can sometimes feel a little mysterious from the outside.
I started this space with the heart of an artist. In the beginning, it was a working studio, a place filled with paint, tools, and ideas in motion. We were focused on the act of creation, on experimenting and sharing space with other artists. Over time, though, we grew into something larger and more intentional. We recently rebranded and have become a fully realized boutique, contemporary fine art gallery showcasing some of Austin’s most revered female professional artists.
I think the biggest misunderstanding is that many people still see us as a studio or collective, when in reality, our mission has evolved. We are now a professional gallery dedicated to curating exhibitions, connecting artists with collectors, and creating meaningful experiences around contemporary art. We still carry the creative energy that comes from being artist-founded, but our focus now is on high-touch collector experience, exceptional programming, and community engagement.
To put it simply:
* A **studio** is where art is made. It’s about the process.
* A **collective** is a group of artists working together, often sharing resources and ideas.
* A **museum** preserves and educates, often focused on history and scholarship.
* A **gallery** connects artists and audiences, curates exhibitions, and represents living, working artists.
We’re not a studio anymore, and we’re not a museum. We’re a gallery that curates, supports, and promotes contemporary art and the artists behind it. We want people to see our space as a place of discovery, conversation, and connection.
We may have started as artists making work for ourselves, but now we’re focused on creating a platform where art can be experienced, collected, and celebrated. Our roots are creative, but our vision is curatorial.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Thank you so much for having me. I’m Julie Ahmad, an Austin-based contemporary artist and the founder of The Women’s Gallery by Julie Ahmad. My background is in fine art, and for many years I worked full-time as a professional artist. My studio was a place of constant creation, filled with color, texture, and experimentation. Over time, that space began to grow into something more. It became a place where I could not only make art but also share it, support others, and build community.
That growth inspired our transformation from a working artist’s studio into a boutique contemporary fine art gallery focused on uplifting and representing Austin-area female artists. I wanted to create a platform where women in the arts could be seen, celebrated, and supported. Too often, their voices are underrepresented in gallery spaces, and I felt called to change that.
What makes our gallery unique is that it is artist-founded. Every decision, from how we curate exhibitions to how we present the work, comes from a deep understanding of the creative process. We strive to create an environment that values authenticity, collaboration, and connection.
Right now, we are expanding our programming and high-touch collector initiatives. The journey from working artist to gallerist has been incredibly rewarding, and my mission remains the same: to create space for art that moves people and to champion the women who make it. And we are just getting started.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
Lately, the people who have taught me the most about work are the professionals I’ve surrounded myself with during this transition from artist to gallery owner. As a creative, I’ve always relied on intuition and vision, but building a sustainable gallery required enlisting experts I could trust — people who could dive deep into branding, operations, and strategy.
I hire smart, experienced professionals and give them the space to do what they do best. Their guidance has been invaluable in helping me rebrand my studio into a fully realized gallery and in creating systems that ensure the long-term success of the business. This approach doesn’t just strengthen the gallery, it strengthens the artists we represent. By combining creative vision with strategic execution, we create a platform where women in contemporary fine art are truly seen, supported, and celebrated.
For collectors, this means a gallery that operates with professionalism, clarity, and dedication, while still staying rooted in the artist-first mindset that defines everything we do.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that held me back the most was the fear of success. I doubted myself, worried I wasn’t ready, and struggled with imposter syndrome as I transitioned from being a working artist to becoming a gallery owner. I questioned whether I could truly support other women artists, manage a business, and step fully into this new role.
What helped me move forward was remembering why I started: to create a space where women in contemporary art are celebrated and seen. Every day I remind myself that I don’t have to have all the answers, I just need to stay open, trust my vision, and surround myself with people with the right people.
To other women thinking about starting a business, or stepping into a bigger dream, I say this: it’s okay to feel fear. It’s okay to doubt yourself. The key is to hold that fear gently, keep showing up, and let your vision guide you. When I see the women artists we represent thriving, it reminds me that my courage isn’t just for me, it’s for them, and for every woman daring to create something meaningful.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely. I am as authentic as the Texas summers are long. What you see publicly is who I am privately, the same curiosity, passion, and love for creating and supporting art. I don’t separate my creative life from my business life; they are intertwined. My goal is always to show up fully, whether I’m in the gallery, curating an exhibition, or meeting with collectors. I want the artists I represent and the community we serve to feel that honesty and trust in every interaction. Being real is not just a personal choice, it’s a way to build a gallery and a community that truly honors creativity.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What will you regret not doing?
I will regret not starting this sooner. I wish I had been braver ten years ago and stepped fully into the vision I had for a gallery that uplifts women artists. I think about how many more talented women could have benefited if I had begun earlier. There is always fear and doubt when taking a big leap, but I have learned that the risk is worth it. Every exhibition and every artist we support reminds me why it matters to act, to create, and to show up. My hope is that other women will see this and feel encouraged to be brave with their own dreams.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thewomensgallery.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julieahmad_art/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewomensgallery
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julieahmadart
- Youtube: na/
Image Credits
Kenn Box
