Meet Julia Brownfield (stand-up Stage Name Was Brown) | Grants Management Professional, Storytelling and Stand-up Comedy Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Julia Brownfield (stand-up Stage Name Was Brown) and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Julia, how do you think about risk?
For me, taking risks feels natural. When I decide on something I want to pursue, opportunities seem to appear almost serendipitously. It’s as if the moment I commit to the idea, the universe aligns to guide me toward the next step.

For example, I had always dreamed of trying stand-up comedy, but for years, I let fear hold me back. Then, when I began talking seriously about pursuing it, I unexpectedly met a local comedian. I went to one of his shows, met other comedians, and soon found myself on stage telling jokes. It was terrifying—I was crippled with fear—but I couldn’t imagine not taking the leap. I wanted to do stand-up comedy, so I did it, despite the fear.

The same approach applies to other ventures in my life. Starting The Story Lounge was a similar risk. I had the idea to teach Moth-style storytelling workshops like the wonderful storytelling community I experienced in Chicago, so I took a chance and started a group on Meetup.com. I didn’t have a detailed plan; I just knew that I wanted to build a community because everyone has a story! The response was overwhelming—every class was full of passionate, serious storytellers. One of my members even connected me with Doug Hammond, the owner of Kangaroo Coffee, and that led to a monthly open mic starting this November. And I reached out to the Manitou Art Center, where I’ll be launching a second open mic/showcase in January 2025.

In business, I embrace risk in the same way. I decide on my goals and start talking to people about them. Without fail, those conversations lead to connections with others who need my skills or services. For me, risk is less about calculation and more about bold action. I don’t always have the roadmap, but I trust in my ability to navigate challenges as they come.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I work for a grant and RFP consulting firm, and I’m most proud of doing what I love. The journey to this point in my life has been full of obstacles and lessons. I’ve worked for both nonprofits and corporations, each with its own pros and cons. However, every position I’ve held has taught me new skills—skills I carry with me into every new role. I usually need minimal training on a company’s specifics because I’m already prepared to hit the ground running.

It might sound like I’m bragging—and I am! As someone diagnosed with ADHD at 29, I had a tough time in school. I didn’t know I was smart. I have no idea how I got into college, but I memorized my way through it. Honestly, I didn’t realize my potential until I explored different types of jobs. That’s when I discovered just how capable I was, and through those experiences, I craved more.

I started my career as a social worker and later transitioned to roles in sales, warranty management, district management, marketing, and training. After grad school, I returned to the nonprofit world. While I admire those who knew their career path early and stuck with it, that wasn’t my journey. I’m a creative at heart, and though I use my creativity in my work and life, I never imagined myself in a traditionally “creative” career. Instead, I embraced new experiences, diving in headfirst and saying “yes” to opportunities. Saying yes has put me at tables with CEO’s, Executive Directors, Community Leaders, Actors, and other famous people. At some of those very tables, I was offered a job that I didn’t even know was available or that I could do.

Grad school reignited my love for writing. I wasn’t writing fiction or poetry but research papers—and I loved it! My first job out of grad school allowed me to write a grant, and each subsequent role built on that foundation until I decided to pursue grant writing full-time. Today, I do more than just write grants. I handle RFPs, budgets, financials, invoicing, reporting, federal grant evaluation, sales, marketing, and project management. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

My passion project, The Story Lounge, is now coming to life, and I’m ecstatic to provide a platform where individuals can tell their stories. Storytelling has always been at the heart of my journey, and I’m thrilled to help others share theirs

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If a friend were visiting the area, I’d start by taking them hiking—after all, it’s Colorado! We’d explore my favorite cozy spots and museums in Manitou Springs, like the enchanting Magical Rockey Art Museum, where the magical life and art of C.H. Rockey come alive. Then, we’d stop by Swirl Wine Bar, Matte Factor for its unique charm, and Mona Lisa, a fondue restaurant rumored to be haunted by a little girl and her cat. I’m still hoping to catch a glimpse of them one day!

In Colorado Springs, my absolute favorite place is Michael Garman’s Museum and Gallery, Magic Town—a whimsical miniature world that’s sure to leave anyone in awe. If they were visiting on the first Friday of the month, we’d head to Old Colorado City for First Fridays, an event where you can shop for thoughtfully curated pieces by local artists and even meet some creators.

For dining, we’d indulge at The Rabbit Hole for its unique underground vibe, Thunder and Buttons for delicious burgers and karaoke, Pizza Rustica for gourmet pizza (it’s seriously amazing!), and Kangaroo Coffee for an organic caffeine fix.

Of course, only a visit would be complete, taking in iconic sites like the Royal Gorge, Cave of the Winds, and Garden of the Gods. Most importantly, we’d spend time talking, laughing, and appreciating the moments—because those are the memories you carry with you forever, and you’ll never get back once they’re gone.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to my friend Ada Cheng, a college professor and renowned storyteller. When I transitioned from stand-up comedy to storytelling, I found myself stuck. As much as I wanted to make the leap, I couldn’t break free from the structure of joke writing. My first attempt at storytelling was essentially a series of jokes strung together because I wasn’t ready to be vulnerable. What I didn’t realize at the time was that storytelling didn’t require me to bare my soul completely—it just required a shift in mindset.

Ada was there every step of the way, offering mentorship and unwavering support. When she offered a storytelling class, I enrolled, and it transformed the way I approached sharing my experiences.
I’m also deeply grateful to my friends and family, who have always encouraged my creative endeavors and supported me in ways no one else could. Even my mom, who wasn’t exactly a fan of my jokes, still acknowledged that I was funny and cheered me on to keep pursuing what I love. Their belief in me has made all the difference.

Instagram: @StoryLounge719

Facebook: https://Facebook.com/StoryLounge719

Other: https://Meetup.com/speakeasy-creatives-meetup

Image Credits
These are all random photos taken by friends