After graduating from Marion high school, Julie (Jones) McAlpin continued her education with HairMasters Institute of Cosmetology. She graduated with honors and was awarded as the highest ranking student in her class.

Honoring her brother's memory, the first J. Christopher and Company salon was opened in 2006 in Bloomington, Illinois. The business thrived under her direction. Due to family obligations, Julie opened the second J. Christopher & Company salon in Marion, Illinois in 2008.