We were lucky to catch up with Julia Andrade recently and have shared our conversation below.

Julia, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

When I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to write stories and help others tell their own. I never jumped on it until I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in December of 2019. I was devastated and felt like everything I had ever envisioned for myself was no longer possible. It wasn’t until I sat at my parent’s kitchen table that my mother looked at me and said, “You have always wanted to be an author; why can’t you do that?” I didn’t have a good answer for her, so I decided to only go after a career and a life I wanted.

Julia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

In 2021, after almost a decade, I left corporate banking and worked as a Community Engagement specialist for a social media agency. I knew I wanted to help people connect with others while embarking on my self-publishing journey. However, I knew I wanted to focus on helping small businesses and other authors pursue their dreams, much like I had. This past November, I left my previous job to begin PLB Social Media to help small businesses promote their companies on social media. I also utilize my social media platform to reach other authors who are considering the self-publishing route.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I am not the only person in the world to receive a scary, life-changing diagnosis. Multiple Sclerosis impacts a significant number of people, but I know how frightening and ominous it can feel. It also can feel incredibly isolating, and that is something more people need to know. I want everyone to believe that just because you are living with a chronic illness, you can still do something to pursue your dreams and, even better, help others follow theirs. When I self-published my debut novel, Love in Haven, in November 2023, I knew I was responsible for advocating for my book and showing others what happens when you take a chance on yourself.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, there are two elements to this. I have always had a passion for daydreaming and creating stories. I am constantly fueling my fire by sitting down and writing out what comes to my mind. Developing people and storylines that might excite someone else is so rewarding. I love sitting down to read a good book. So now, providing that to someone else is satisfying. The second is getting to help others promote their small businesses using my creativity. The world deserves to see what every person has to offer.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @julialaurenwrites
• Other: TikTok @julialaurenwrites

Image Credits

Teai Marie Photography (@teaimariephotography on IG)