Julia Levi is a founder and creative director operating at the intersection of luxury, hospitality, and culture. She is the Co-Founder of Charlie Fox, a hospitality-driven cannabis boutique in the Hamptons recognized by Elle Decor as the most luxurious cannabis shop of all time for its elevated and highly curated retail experience. Built as a lifestyle destination rather than a traditional dispensary, Charlie Fox blends cannabis and CBD with books, homewares, and an in-house apparel line, creating a distinct and immersive brand world.
The company also partners with local charities and businesses, embedding itself meaningfully within the Hamptons community. Levi is also a partner in Calissa in the Hamptons and Amali in New York City, where she oversees experiential programming, partnerships, and creative vision.
Can you point to one event that triggered your interest in your career?
I was fortunate to travel extensively growing up, which exposed me to different cultures, aesthetics, and ways people gather around food and community. I became very aware of how spaces feel — how design, service, and atmosphere shift from city to city. That foundation naturally led me into brand consulting within the hospitality and lifestyle space.
What about this career choice did you find most appealing?
For me, it’s always been about world-building. I’m interested in how something looks, how it feels, how people move through it, and what stays with them afterward. Whether it’s a restaurant, a retail concept, or a product line, I love shaping the universe around it — the tone, the details, the energy.
What steps did you take to begin your education or training?
Working inside the industry — watching how brands were built, how operators made decisions, what resonated with guests and consumers, and what didn’t. I paid attention to the gaps. I watched how strong concepts translated vision into success — and just as importantly, why others fell short.
Along the way, were people encouraging or discouraging?
Both. Luckily, my partners at Calissa, Amali, and Charlie Fox share the same long-term vision. But throughout my career, I’ve also seen businesses treated like copy-and-paste — concepts rolled out without depth, soul, or authenticity. That approach rarely lasts.
Did you ever doubt your decision and attempt a career change?
Absolutely. When you’re building something from scratch, you’re constantly recalibrating — what’s working, what isn’t, whether the risk is worth it. I’ve definitely had moments of thinking, “This would be easier if I didn’t care so much.” But we’re all still here — and that says something.
When did your career reach a tipping point?
Creating Charlie Fox. Building something from zero in a highly regulated, misunderstood industry — and choosing to approach it through a completely different lens. There was no template, no clear formula to follow. In many ways, it felt like the Wild West. In a fun way.
Can you describe a challenge you had to overcome?
Balancing creative vision with business realities is probably the biggest challenge. Whether it’s designing a space or developing a product line, my instinct is always to push for perfection. But there are real constraints — budgets shift, timelines move, materials fall through. The true art is learning to stay flexible while still maintaining your standards.
What single skill has proven to be most useful?
Discernment. Being able to tell when something is truly right — and having the confidence to walk away when it isn’t.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Seeing a vision come to life and watching people genuinely connect with it. When guests respond to a space, a product, or an experience in the way you intended, that’s incredibly rewarding.
Any advice for others entering your profession?
Learn the operational side as deeply as you can. The strongest brands are as thoughtful behind the scenes as they are visually. And just as importantly, you have to genuinely believe in what you’re building. I don’t put anything into the world that doesn’t reflect who I am.
Julia Levi photo courtesy of Gregory DelliCarpini Jr.
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