The Life Coach of 30th Avenue

A former musical theater actress who has performed in shows like Sweeney Todd and The Scarlet Pimpernal, Julie Holmes now takes center stage in the lives of her clients as a professional life coach.

Engaging, charismatic and on top of her game, Julie Holmes is a difference-maker, as the men and women she coaches attempt to cope with the daily challenges of their lives. I recently sat down with Julie and we talked about a variety of subjects, including her love for Astoria and just how life coaching can help open doors in both personal and professional lives.

First of all, Julie, for those of us who may not be completely familiar with your profession, what exactly does life coaching involve?

Life coaching is a results-oriented process. I talk with my client and, working together, I see where they are at in their lives and where they want to be! I then create an action plan to help the client reach his or her goals. (Julie, by the way, has a certification from the Robbins-Madaes Training Center for strategic intervention.)　

Generally speaking, what's the make-up of your clients?

Well, I'd have to say it's quite diverse. I've worked with actors, social workers, moms, entrepreneurs as well as businessmen and -women. In life coaching you encounter a whole range of issues people need help with, such as behavioral issues, relationships and self-esteem problems. I've even done career consulting.

Julie, you were an actress and a personal trainer for many years. What caused you to make this transition in your life and how difficult was it to change direction?

The transition was easy and exciting! I always had a passion for helping people get to a better place in their lives. I was the person my friends always looked to when there was a crisis in their life or someone lost a job or was having relationship problems. And, as much as I loved performing and entertaining audiences, I just fell out of love with the business end of things... the audition process and backstage politics.

A former trainer who has worked with some of the most recognizable brands in the gym business. Julie is of the opinion that professional training and life coaching definitely complement each other!　 

Working with a personal trainer helps you take care of yourself physically. But there are different aspects to being healthy. Life coaching can improve your self-esteem and emotional growth as a person. Since I do have a background as a personal trainer, I can work with clients to create a diet and exercise program. This way, they don't have to rely on a trainer at their gym and the additional expense involved.

Julie, as a life coach you could definitely be considered a role model to your clients. Who are your role models? What men and women do you draw inspiration from?

In the coaching field, I'd have to say Anthony Robbins. He is absolutely brilliant at what he does. Marie Forleo is a business coach who I learned a great deal from. And I can't forget Zach, my friend who I went to high school with back in Sacramento, California. Zach owns a really successful bussiness and he inspired me to make changes in my life, as far as growing my career.　

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Julie, nowadays everybody is looking at their bottom line.

The economy dictates that we have to re-invent ourselves in seeking out new careers and income-producing opportunities.

Julie, tell Aplez's viewers just how your services can work for them in this regard?

As a coach, one of the things that I enjoy doing best is assisting people in finding their true potential. I want to help my clients discover their passions and strengths, using those qualities to create a service or business that people will pay money for.

How long have you lived in Astoria and what drew you to the neighborhood?

I moved from Sacramento to New York in 2000. For a short time I lived in Manhattan. But upon hearing how cool and affordable Astoria was, I decided to check it out. And I must say, I haven't been disappointed.　

Speaking of Astoria, what are some of your favorite places to kick back and decompress after a long day?

Rapture Lounge in Astoria is a great place to relax and it is just a block away from my apartment. The food at Brick Cafe in Astoria is awesome; you could say I'm a regular. (Julie also mentioned Create and Flo Lounge Restaurant in Astoria, on 30th Avenue as other go-to places.)　

Julie, before we wind up our conversation, is there anything you would like to say to Aplez.com's viewers?　

When talking to friends or new clients, I get a very real sense that most people don't think that they have control over their lives. They tend to allow events that are adversely affecting them, to overwhelm them. You know what... we can't control things that happen to us. That's just part of life. But we can control how we react to what happens in our lives, and do something positive about the situations we find ourselves in.