60 Seconds with Juliet Bakovljev

Monday 1 June 2026

Tell us about your role and your organisation

I am the Founder of The Arzen Collective, a multidisciplinary wellness clinic based in Lisburn. It was created to bring medical, holistic, alternative and aesthetic practitioners together under one roof.

My role is varied and hands-on, covering vision, growth, partnerships, practitioner relationships, client experience, marketing and the day-to-day development of the business. I also design pathways that help connect clients with the right practitioners for their individual needs, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.

The Arzen Collective was inspired by my own experience of feeling lost within traditional systems and not always knowing where to turn for support. Our aim is to create a more connected, whole-person approach to health and wellbeing, supporting the body, mind and nervous system in a collaborative space.

Since launching, the Collective has grown quickly, bringing together a diverse network of practitioners and building a community centred on connection, collaboration and meaningful care.

Give us a brief overview of your career journey so far

My career has never followed a straight line, but looking back, every step was preparing me for what I am building now.

I have worked across a range of industries, including as an Outdoor Producer for the Olympics, within film and television on productions such as Game of Thrones and Dungeons & Dragons, and in events planning for English National Ballet. I later worked as an Actors’ Agent, placing talent in productions like Outlander, before moving through roles in accountancy, recruitment, events management and executive support.

At times, it felt like I was moving from one thing to the next. But each role built valuable skills — organisation, creativity, resilience, leadership, problem-solving, commercial awareness and the ability to connect people.

As Founder of The Arzen Collective, I now use all of those experiences every day. My ADHD, which I once saw as a limitation, has actually played a key role in helping me build something multidisciplinary and adaptable.

What is one skill that helps you most in your role and why?

One of the most important skills in my role is my ability to understand people.

So much of what I do involves listening, reading between the lines and recognising what someone needs, even when they struggle to fully articulate it themselves. Whether working with clients, practitioners or collaborators, empathy allows me to build trust and genuine connection.

Within The Arzen Collective, this is essential. We support people who may feel overwhelmed, unheard or unsure where to turn. Being able to bring the right practitioners together and create an environment where people feel seen and supported is at the core of what we do.

For me, empathy is not just a personal trait — it is a business skill.

What advice do you have for women in your sector/industry/type of role?

My advice would be to stop waiting until you feel fully ready.

So many women hold themselves back, believing they need more experience, qualifications or permission before taking the next step. In reality, confidence often comes after you begin, not before.

I have learned that the parts of yourself that once felt like weaknesses can become your greatest strengths. My ADHD, varied career path and the times I felt I did not fit into one box have all contributed to building something different.

My mantra is:

You are not behind. You are collecting the pieces.

Every experience, setback and version of you has value. Trust that it is all leading somewhere, even if you cannot yet see the full picture.

Are there any exciting plans in the year ahead in your organisation that you can share?

The year ahead is focused on evolving The Arzen Collective from a clinic into a movement.

We are developing clearer wellbeing pathways, expanding our multidisciplinary practitioner network and creating a more connected and accessible approach to support across health, wellbeing, neurodiversity, women’s health and nervous system care.

Our vision is simple: to make finding the right support feel less overwhelming, more human and more connected.

Who has been your biggest career inspiration and why?

My biggest career inspiration is my mother.

She received an OBE for her contribution to the arts, but what inspires me most is how she achieved it. She has always led with passion, resilience and a deep commitment to supporting others, even during challenging times.

At 72, she continues to work as a Cultural Manager for Rock Choir, still creating, still connecting people and still showing up with purpose.

She has taught me that success is not just about what you achieve, but about the people you support and the passion you bring at every stage of life.

If you had to pick your soundtrack song to get you through the working day, what would it be?

Everybody Get Up – Five

It is energetic, uplifting and a reminder not to take everything too seriously. Sometimes you just have to get up, back yourself and keep going.

Describe how your membership with Women in Business has helped you in your career

Women in Business has played a huge part in my journey as a founder.

Through the WIB Mentorship Programme, I was paired with Georgie, and I genuinely do not think I would be anywhere near where I am today without her support. She helped me see beyond the limits I had placed on myself, break through the glass ceiling, and move forward with greater confidence, clarity and belief in what I was building.

Being named a finalist in the Women in Business Awards 2026 for Inspiration in Business (Small Business category) was also an incredible milestone. Just two months after launching The Arzen Collective, it brought visibility, credibility and encouragement far beyond what I expected at that stage.

For me, Women in Business has been so much more than a membership. It has provided mentorship, opportunity, recognition and a supportive community that empowers women to go further than they first imagined.

How can our members best connect with you?

I am always open to meaningful conversations, collaborations and connecting with people who believe in doing things differently.