➜ WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT
MISSY JULIAN-FOX
Author and Founder of Heart of the Hill Tours
ust a few blocks from The Carolina Inn, Missy Julian-Fox sits on her front porch each week with friends to do what she loves most: share stories. Affectionately dubbed her “healing porch,” the setting serves as a gathering place for Chapel Hill natives-turned-friends to meet up and exchange experiences growing up here. During her own childhood, Missy would visit Julian’s, the clothing store her father, Maurice Julian, opened in 1942, which is now celebrating its 80th year in business on Franklin Street. After graduating from UNC, Missy earned a master’s degree in education at Boston University. Eventually, she was called home to do what she loves: provide access through storytelling. Missy spent years as a reading teacher at Seawell Elementary School before having her daughter, Betsy Fox. When her father died in 1993, Missy took the reins to run Julian’s alongside her husband, Michael Fox. In 2007, she passed the reins to brother (and Carolina argyle designer), Alexander Julian. Today, Missy’s son, Bart Fox, manages the menswear side of the business. Her family story is etched on every UNC basketball uniform and stands proud as one of Franklin Street’s most historical fixtures. Now, she is set on sharing the untold stories within her beloved town. “I feel like I’ve always been in love with this town and tried to be a cheerleader for how unique and special and wonderful it really is,” Missy says. After serving as director of the UNC Visitors Center for a decade, Missy founded 68
chapelhillmagazine.com
May/June 2022