Meet Jules ♥︎ | Jules ♥︎ | Movement Teacher & Wellness Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jules ♥︎ and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jules, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When starting my business, the term ‘artist’ was never one of the first words to spring into my mind. At least, not for quite some time.

As a child, I was bubbly, creative, and curious. You could find me cutting up cardboard boxes and using hot glue along with other scraps to turn them into custom dollhouses. I loved performing, whether in a play or dancing. I relished everything about creating and executing a variety of plays and performances.

Alongside this artistic side, I possessed a deeply structured aspect to my personality. I thrived on routines and had a knack for working with numbers, a trait I owe to my Dad, who was often referred to as ‘Rain Man’ by his friends and colleagues.

When it came to my athletic pursuits, my primary sport of choice was gymnastics, followed by dance and then sprinkled with various other physical activities like aerial silks, yoga, pilates, and group fitness classes.

As I grew up, societal norms nudged me towards prioritizing the structured side of my personality. I followed suit, aiming for what was deemed ‘successful adulthood.’ I continued on the path towards becoming a Physical Therapist, and while I always remained connected to health and exercise, the PT route didn’t last. Despite graduation and becoming a Certified Personal Trainer quickly after, I couldn’t help but feel disconnected from the path that I was on. It reminds me of the lost slipper being shoved onto the feet of Cinderella’s stepsisters. I could force the career path I was on to fit for a while, but eventually, I knew the ‘shoe’ would fall off again and again until it found the right fit.

It was in the first months of 2020 that I reassessed my career direction, which happened to coincide with the surge of fitness influencers appearing online. While I applauded their success, it struck a chord to witness many individuals with fit physiques suddenly elevated as esteemed coaches. Specifically, to the ‘coaches’ with little to no certifications who were prescribing diet and exercise as though one size fits all. Some even encouraged extreme dieting and potentially dangerous ‘wellness’ practices. It devastated me to think about the impact it could have on my younger sister. Would she see these Fitness Influencers and experience the same negative body image thoughts and feelings that I had experienced. Or worse, would she try any of these programs and would they lead her down a more severe path? These thoughts truly gutted me. We have a nine-year age difference, at the time she was only 12.

From this frustration, the Diamond Review was created. Starting in high school, I experimented with countless online/in-person fitness programs, trainers, classes, and trends. And while I much preferred to be on the student side of these, I also felt compelled to share my experiences. After all, I had gone to school to learn about why we move the way we do. Specifically, kinesthetics of exercise, proper movement, and optimizing nutrition among athletes. If I wasn’t going to be the personal trainer, I felt confident that I could use my experience and education to review and share, empowering others to make informed choices in their fitness journey. After all, fitness is not one-size-fits-all.

Our bodies and minds are our lifelong companions; their well-being directly impacts our quality of life. My business ethos revolves around the idea that choosing to live a healthy lifestyle is available for everyone. You just need to know where to look and what to look out for. The lack of accessible education shouldn’t hinder anyone from enhancing their well-being. Life is short and there is so much to experience, to love, and to enjoy. If my endeavors can inspire even the slightest positive change, encouraging intentional movement, joyous dancing, uproarious laughter, or soul-stirring art, then I consider the day a success. To you, dear reader, I extend my gratitude for allowing me a place in your journey, which in turn fuels the purpose in mine.
♡ Jules

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is crafted through shared experiences, creative movement, storytelling, and one of my personal favorites: baking.

There are moments that seem almost effortless, but of course, to balance that, there are moments filled with tremendous difficulty. I would say the most challenging moments thus far have been the social sacrifices and isolation.

I firmly believe it is necessary, when taking the road less traveled, to go through this lonely period, but the emotional toll is very real. Roughly two months after transitioning to being self-employed full time, I experienced what I refer to as my “stitch era.” Living in what felt like a foreign place, with no ‘home’ or family close, I was navigating a new job, moved into a new apartment, and my life shifted into a completely new direction.

The challenges during The Stitch era weren’t all due to the business but were also symptoms of my divorce. Leaving a relationship of eight years, having been married for less than three, added layers of challenge I certainly didn’t expect or prepare for. That story will be for another day, but as far as how it played into my business growing, it was a blessing in disguise.

I was reshaping my life entirely, moving into my own apartment where I used my living/dining room as a studio space to create. Working in a completely different way than I was used to (previously a nanny and long-time service industry employee), even the small moments of everyday life were brand new. This gave me the freedom to dive in completely to my vision and work harder than I’ve ever worked before. About 14 months have passed, and I would say overall, things are going exceptionally well. I love what I get to call work and am continuing to learn at least one new thing every day.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you want…

An exquisite cup of coffee: Grab a latte, Matcha or Espresso at MiddleState Coffee (212 Santa Fe Dr)

Healthy food and comfortable seating: The Green Collective (two locations: LoHi and Wash Park)

Best Boba tea in Denver: Lollicup (1589 S Colorado Blvd)

To feel strong: take a class at BARRY’s (260 Josephine St.)

To feel sexy: Dance with the most inclusive, fun, and sexy group of ladies and gentlemen at Studio 3sixT . Specifically the ‘XXX’ class with Missie or any class with Becca D (2553 S Colorado Blvd)

Nails with the cutest designs that last for a month: Tiffany at Blue Sky Nails (East Alameda Location) Dip Nails always stay perfect for at least 4 weeks.

Perfect glowy-skin facial: Luna Salon & Day Spa (3955 E Exposition Ave)

Live Jazz music: City Park hosts free Jazz concerts during the summer

A fun group activity: test your escape skills at EscapeWorks Denver (1529 Champa St.)

Picture-perfect picnic & stunning sunsets: Sloan Lake between July-September (trust me)

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There is a Yogi Tea quote that says, “Every neighbor can be your teacher.” I am forever indebted to all of the people who have walked alongside me thus far.

My mom — I could write a novel with ways to thank her, but I’ll keep it short and sweet. You’ve shown me what true strength and compassion look like to everyone and everything. I thank you for providing me with the environment free to explore who I am and what I believe in. More than that you continue to be an example to me, encouraging me to follow my dreams, and stay true to my character.

My older sister, Amanda, I walk through life with a sense of safety knowing I have you to lean on. Dad was right, you are one of my best friends and if you would answer the phone more, then we would talk every day.

My younger sister, Lindsay, I would walk through fire for you, but you arrived as the angel I once prayed for. Think of Lilo when she wished on a star and got Stitch.

My younger brother, Bubbu, a spitfire kid with quick wit and always knowing how to make me smile. Underneath all of the silliness, you have one of the sweetest souls.

My Dad, and angel since I was 12 years old. Not a single fire engine, ‘414’, oldies bop, or Green Bay Packers sign will ever pass me by without thinking of you. No matter where we were, saying goodbye was always obnoxiously long. You loved so many, and it was clear they loved you too. Those long goodbyes are now beautifully kept memories and if I’m lucky, maybe a trait I’ll inherit and my future kids can complain about too.

Losing my dad at a young age was devastating, but the stand-in family I gained quickly after patched some of the holes in my heart that I never would’ve been able to sew alone. Bailey and Cannon, thank you for finding me again in this lifetime and being the family that I would choose again in every life after.

To all of my coaches, teachers, mentors, friends, counselors, kind strangers, coworkers, and even to those who handed me some of my hardest life lessons. I can’t thank you enough for sharing with me your one of your most valuable assets, your time. There is so much I want to say and individually thank you for. Please don’t think for a moment that I have forgotten you. I just have a word limit.

Lastly, those in my life who see my vision and potential (sometimes even before I do). It’s through your continued belief and unwavering support that I am where I am today. I hope the support feels mutual. I want you to succeed. I love seeing you win, and I believe in you, too.

Website: https://www.julesandpearls.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jules_andpearls

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/jules&pearls

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/21pcar7wjkuw5pmzw5xeaiuha?si=39a8890a6f3f443a

Image Credits
Vishal Shah (x2) and Sierra de Grasse (x1)