local storiesJanuary 22, 2026

Story & Lesson Highlights with julie stokes of Glendora, California

Local Stories

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?

A Defining Moment: Shaping My Worldview

There have been pivotal moments in my life that deeply influenced how I see the world. Rather than erasing the past, I choose to learn from it, putting my energy into growth—whether that means picking up the pieces after a setback or tackling something unfamiliar. Every day, I make it a point to keep moving forward, even if it’s just one small step. Doing a concrete action for five minutes, like making a phone call, going for a walk, or resistance training, helps break the cycle of stagnation and gets me moving in the right direction. Movement disrupts negative patterns and nurtures self-worth.

Transforming Self-Talk: Nurturing Positivity

One of the most important lessons I have learned is to stop negative self-talk and replace it with positive affirmations. For example:

Instead of saying, “I always mess up,” I remind myself, “I learn and improve every day. Get back on track.”
When I think, “I’m not enough,” I counter it with, “I am enough; I did great.”
If the thought, “I should have done more,” arises, I replace it with, “I did it, yay.”

Every time a negative thought appears, I consciously choose to replace it. Our minds can be our greatest obstacle unless we intentionally foster positivity. Leading with love and gratitude has become central to my approach.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?

Moments of Challenge: Finding Strength in Adversity

There have been many times when I felt like giving up. The choice between success and failure was ever-present, but I decided that giving up was not an option. I discovered that choosing to keep moving forward is a practice in itself. The concept of StrengthInUs was born during those moments—when I had to find my own strength before I could help others discover theirs. Honesty about the struggle is at the heart of my work: we don’t pretend the journey is easy. Instead, we acknowledge the difficulty and teach the small, steady steps that transform survival into progress.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?

Values and Influences: Integrity and Inspiration

Integrity and the daily commitment to do what’s right guide my work. I am inspired by faith and the wisdom of figures like Joyce Meyer, whose teachings gave me strength during the hardest times. On days filled with tears and choices that felt like sink or swim, Joyce Meyer’s guidance gave me the courage to stand tall again. StrengthInUs is built on small steps, gentle strength, and shared resilience.

Practice of Nonjudgment: Creating a Safe Space
Adopting a nonjudgmental stance is more than just advice—it’s a teachable and livable practice. By starting from the truth that we never know the whole story, I foster curiosity rather than certainty. When I lead from this perspective, clients feel seen, safe, and more willing to return and engage.

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?

Legacy and Client Trust

If I were to retire tomorrow, I believe my clients would most miss the genuine support and trust built over the years. Celebrating twenty years of client relationships is a milestone that speaks to my integrity, consistency, and the real help I strive to 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 Community Recognition

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