Julia ‘Jules’ Gaitho, the visionary behind the once-popular YouTube channel Over 25, has finally shared the deeply personal reasons that led to the channel’s end.
After seven years of engaging content and a dedicated following of 157,000 subscribers, the channel abruptly shut down in May 2023.
Leaving many fans wondering what went wrong.
In a candid interview on her current YouTube channel, Julia opened up about the challenges that strained the relationships within the Over 25 team, which also featured Ivy, Lornzie, and Shikie.
Although they had strong bonds as friends, she revealed that their friendship did not translate well into a business partnership.
“When you work with friends, conflicts are almost inevitable,” Julia shared,
Reflecting on the tension that arose from differing opinions and approaches.
She admitted that her inability to communicate effectively contributed to the discord.
“I wish I knew how to say ‘no’ more firmly back then.
I lacked the skills to address conflicts head-on, so I would bury my concerns to avoid confrontation. But those unresolved issues eventually exploded.”
Julia also touched on the lack of a formal agreement.
Something she believes would have helped the team navigate their roles and responsibilities more clearly.
“I wish we had set up a contract from the start, one that defined who did what and where the ultimate responsibility lay.
Without clear roles, we often clashed, especially over finances and client relationships.
I always gave too much, which led to further disagreements.
A contract outlining roles—like Creative Director, Finance, and Business Development—would have made a huge difference. But we just didn’t know.”
For Julia Gaitho, the blending of friendship with business ultimately became their downfall.
“We knew how to be friends, but we didn’t know how to work together,” she admitted,
Encapsulating the heart of the issue.
While the end of Over 25 marks the close of a beloved chapter, it also offers valuable lessons for anyone navigating similar dynamics.
