Story & Lesson Highlights with julie stokes of Glendora, California

We recently had the chance to connect with julie stokes and have shared our conversation below.

julie, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
My business. I guide people to find strength in everyday life—especially on the days they don’t feel like it. Through short, sustainable strength workouts, simple nutrition shifts, creative practices, and supportive rituals, clients rebuild confidence and energy without overwhelm. StrengthInUs is about steady progress, shared courage, and the quiet resilience that grows when we keep showing up. I know I have done my job, when they leave with a smile.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
StrengthInUs —
I guide people to move through life one day at a time — with strength that stays soft, gentleness toward ourselves, presence that honors what’s real, and rituals that rebuild.
We fall down all the time; what I teach is how to get back up, dust off, and return to the path. Through strength training, nutritional coaching, art, and words, I help people grow stronger. You are pushing into new territory, which takes courage and openness. The important thing is that you showed up and started. Changing the way they eat a little at a time so progress never feels overwhelming. Motivation begins when you start moving — even five minutes — and from that first step the quiet resilience that lives within and between us begins to grow.
StrengthInUs is about finding the strength in you and believing we get stronger together — through steady practice, honesty, and the courage to keep becoming. One day is better than zero days; two days are better than one; three days are better than two.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
We don’t erase the past whether its picking up the pieces, a new career or trying something new, we all make mistakes and we learn from it and keep moving. Do one tiny, concrete action for five minutes — a phone call to get things started, walk, resistance training, or whatever gets you moving in that direction. Movement breaks the loop.
Stop that negative talk, replace it with positive attributes to yourself.
Negative: “I always mess up.”
Replace: “I learn and improve; everyday.”
• Negative: “I’m not enough.”
Replace: “I am enough i did great.”
• Negative: “I should have done more.”
Replace: “I did it, yay.”

Do this everytime something negative comes into mind. Lead with love and gradtitude.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There were many times I wanted to give up. I cried, I wondered whether to sink or swim, and I learned that the choice to keep moving was itself a practice. StrengthInUs was born in those moments — when I had to find my own strength so I could help others find theirs. That honesty is the heart of the work: we don’t pretend it’s easy, we name the struggle, and we teach the small, steady steps that turn survival into steady progress.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
Integrity and a everyday choice to do the right thing guide my work. Inspired by faith and the steady wisdom of Joyce Meyer and many others, I turned sink‑or‑swim moments into the strength to get back up again. Joyce Meyer was a steady companion on the hardest days; when tears came and the choice felt like sink or swim, her teachings helped me find the courage to stand. StrengthInUs is a practice of small steps, gentle strength, and shared resilience.
Nonjudgmental stance
Try not to judge is more than advice — it’s a practice you can teach and model. Start from the simple truth: you don’t know the whole story, and curiosity helps more than certainty. When you lead from that place, clients feel seen, safe, and more likely to keep showing up.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
Celebrating 17 Years of Client Trust
This is a powerful milestone. Seventeen years of clients staying with you says everything about your integrity, consistency, and the real support you provide.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.julesartstudio.com
• Facebook: Strengthinus Personal Training
• Youtube: Julie Stokes: Simple floor exercises for seniors

Image Credits
1997 – Amatuer Body Building
AFAA – Certifications – 2006 to present
Personal Training
Life Coach Certification
Nutritionist Fundamentals Certification
Nutritionist Consultant – Holistic Healing
Stress Management Certificate
Golden Hearts: Senior Fitness Training
Nutrition for Sports and Exercise
CPR
Practical Skills & Choreography
Mind/Body Fitness
Power Yogafit Certification