You’ve seen the TikToks. You’ve seen the massive crowds at LSU gymnastics meets. Most people think they know everything about the Dunne family because Olivia—better known as Livvy—is basically the blueprint for the modern NIL athlete. But if you're only looking at the gymnast, you're missing half the story. Specifically, the part involving the Livvy Dunne sister who actually keeps the whole machine running. Her name is Juliana Dunne, though everyone calls her Julz, and she isn't just a sibling standing in the background of a viral video.
Social media is a weird place. It makes us think we understand a person's entire life based on a 15-second clip. People search for "Livvy Dunne sister of" and expect to find a clone or maybe a rival. Reality is way more interesting. Julz is the tactical brain. While Livvy is sticking landings and signing deals with brands like Vuori and American Eagle, Julz is often the one behind the camera, the one editing the clips, and the one managing the sheer chaos that comes with having a sister who is arguably the most famous college athlete in the world.
Why Julz Dunne is the Secret Weapon of the Dunne Brand
It’s easy to dismiss a sibling as a "plus-one." Don't do that here. Julz graduated from LSU herself, and her presence in Baton Rouge wasn't just about getting a degree; it was about building a digital empire. Most fans don't realize that the "Livvy Dunne sister" dynamic is actually a professional partnership. Julz has been heavily involved in the content creation side of things since the beginning.
Think about the workload. You have a full-time D1 athlete who has to travel, train, attend classes, and maintain a 4.0 GPA. Then you add on the requirement to post daily to tens of millions of followers across TikTok and Instagram. It’s physically impossible for one person to do that alone without burning out. Julz stepped into that gap. She understands the "LSU Gold" aesthetic better than any hired marketing firm ever could because she lives it.
She’s basically a creative director. If you look at the behind-the-scenes footage from their shared social media accounts, you see Julz orchestrating shots. She isn't just "the sister of" a celebrity; she’s the person making sure the celebrity stays relevant.
The LSU Connection and Life in the Spotlight
Being the Livvy Dunne sister at a school like LSU comes with a unique set of challenges. LSU isn't just a university; it’s a pressure cooker for athletics. When Livvy’s fame exploded, it didn't just change her life—it changed the family’s entire orbit. Julz was right there through the "Dunne-nastics" era, where security had to be ramped up at meets because teenage boys were swarming the arena.
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They’re close. Like, really close. You can tell by the way they roast each other. That’s the most "human" part of their brand. In a world of filtered perfection, Julz often posts the "fails" or the moments where Livvy isn't being a superstar. She provides the grounding force. While the internet treats Livvy like a goddess, Julz treats her like a sister who probably forgets to do her laundry.
Not Just a Social Media Ghost
Julz has her own following, too. It’s significant, though obviously not at the "13 million followers" level of her younger sibling. But her audience is different. It’s more niche. It’s people who like the lifestyle, the humor, and the "real talk" about what it’s like to navigate the influencer world. She’s built a brand that is adjacent to Livvy’s but holds its own weight.
She often shares content from their travels—trips to the ESPYs, vacations in Italy, or just hanging out in New Jersey where they grew up. It’s a glimpse into a lifestyle that most people only see through a polished lens. Julz keeps it a bit more raw.
The NIL Era and Family Management
Let’s talk business. The Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules changed everything in 2021. Suddenly, college athletes could make millions. Livvy was the first to truly break the ceiling. But when that kind of money starts flowing in, you need a circle you can trust.
Most experts in the sports marketing world, like those interviewed by On3 or Sports Business Journal, will tell you that the most successful athletes have a "home team." For the Dunnes, that home team is led by their parents, Katherine and David, but Julz is the boots-on-the-ground manager. She’s the one who understands the trends. She knows what sound is trending on TikTok before the talent agencies even catch wind of it.
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If you’re looking at the Livvy Dunne sister as just a family member, you're missing the business evolution. We are seeing a shift where families are becoming their own agencies. The Dunnes are the pioneers of this. They didn't just outsource everything to a big firm in Los Angeles; they kept it in-house. That’s why the content feels authentic. It’s written and filmed by someone who actually knows the subject.
Navigating the Negativity
It isn't all red carpets and beach photos. The internet is a dark place sometimes. Both sisters have had to deal with an insane amount of scrutiny. When people criticize Livvy for "sexualizing" gymnastics or focusing too much on social media, Julz is often the first one in the trenches defending her.
There’s a level of thick skin you have to develop. Julz has mastered the art of the "clapback." She uses humor to deflect the weirdness of internet fame. It’s a survival mechanism. If you didn't laugh at the absurdity of having thousands of people scream your sister's name in a stadium, you'd probably lose your mind.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Dunne Sisters
The biggest misconception? That there is some sort of intense rivalry. People love to project "Cinderella" stories onto famous families. They want there to be a jealous sibling.
Honestly, it’s the opposite. Julz seems to relish the role of the "man behind the curtain." She gets the perks of the lifestyle—the travel, the events, the clothes—without having to deal with the same level of invasive paparazzi-style attention that Livvy gets. She can walk through a mall a lot easier than her sister can. That’s a win in the world of fame.
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The New Jersey Roots
They aren't "Southern Belles," despite the LSU connection. They’re from Hillsdale, New Jersey. This is important because it explains the personality. There’s a specific kind of Jersey grit and directness in how they communicate. They grew up training at ENA Paramus, a high-level gymnastics club.
Julz was a gymnast too. She understands the sport. She knows the difference between a good Yurchenko full and a great one. That athletic background is the foundation. It’s why she respects the grind. She knows that while a photo takes a second to snap, the muscle required to pose for it took fifteen years of training to build.
How to Actually Follow the Story
If you want to see the "real" Livvy, you actually have to follow Julz. That’s the insider secret. Livvy’s main accounts are for the brands and the massive fan base. Julz’s accounts are where the personality lives.
- The Vibe: Chaotic, funny, and surprisingly relatable.
- The Content: Behind-the-scenes of major shoots, travel vlogs, and "day in the life" snippets.
- The Insight: You see the work that goes into the "Livvy" brand.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Creators
If you’re following the Livvy Dunne sister story because you want to understand how to build a brand, there are actual lessons here. It’s not just about being pretty or being good at sports.
- Build Your Inner Circle: You cannot manage a massive digital presence alone. Whether it’s a sibling or a best friend, you need someone who knows your "voice" to help create content.
- Vary Your Platforms: Notice how Julz uses TikTok for humor and Instagram for the "aesthetic." She doesn't post the same thing everywhere.
- Lean Into the Relationship: The most successful content the Dunnes produce is when they are together. People love "duos." If you have a partner in crime, put them in the video.
- Stay Grounded: The reason people still like the Dunnes after years of overexposure is that they still seem like they’re having fun. They haven't become robotic.
The story of the Livvy Dunne sister is really a story about the new American Dream. It’s about a family taking control of their own narrative and turning a niche sport like gymnastics into a multi-million dollar media powerhouse. Julz Dunne might not be the one on the balance beam, but she’s definitely the one making sure the lights stay on and the cameras are rolling.
To truly understand the "Livvy" phenomenon, you have to look at the person holding the phone. That’s where the real magic happens.
Next Steps for Deep Diving:
Check out Julz’s "LSU Graduation" vlogs to see the transition from student to full-time brand manager. It’s a masterclass in pivot marketing. Also, keep an eye on their joint "Dunne Sisters" accounts which often test out new content formats before they hit the main pages. This is the best way to see the "Livvy Dunne sister" dynamic in its natural habitat without the filter of a major brand deal.