Meet Edlene Julien | Educator, Encourager, Founder & CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Edlene Julien and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Edlene, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I felt like I was stuck in a cage. I think many Caribbean families can relate. I wasn’t treated badly as a child, I just didn’t have the opportunity to cultivate my interests/gifts. At a young age, I realized I was multi-talented. My elementary school teacher handed me a magnet application because he noticed my gift in art. I sang, danced and always wanted to act and model. But in Caribbean households, those weren’t considered the typical careers; stability was always the goal… a college degree was the aim. So, I went to college. There, I studied education and later became a teacher. It was a great experience because I discovered one of my passions. I recognized my innate ability to take complex concepts and deliver them in simplistic ways. While I thoroughly enjoyed teaching, I always felt like there was more. Here I was going to work daily, encouraging my students to soar but I, contrarily, accepted the cage as my home. The cage became familiar territory encompassing of mundane, redundant, and restricted routines. I knew what to expect. I knew how to respond. It was my comfort zone. After a while, I kept thinking about my childhood and often experienced “what if” moments. I had talents and gifts that were barely cultivated and I wanted to know, if I pursued those areas, where would I be? I knew I didn’t want to live in regret all of my life. Nevertheless, I couldn’t go back to my childhood, the only direction I could move was forward. Therefore, I decided to cultivate those areas while I was in the cage. The more I explored, the more I knew I couldn’t settle. With the knowledge I obtained, one day I decided to do the unthinkable; I decided to extend my barely cultivated wings and attempted to fly then BAM, my wings hit the metal bars of my comfort zone… my cage. What a painful experience. All I saw was familiar territory. Can you imagine trying to fly while being restricted? It’s not possible. An eagle can’t soar while being in the cage. The cage of a poor mindset, restrictions, timidity, heaviness and uncertainty. It was at that moment I knew something had to change. I surrounded my cage with some dynamic people in the form of online mentors, wonderful friends and real-life shakers and movers…BOSSES. The more I gleaned through the bars of my cage, the more I grew uneasy, no longer satisfied. I knew I was playing it small. And honestly, I was miserable. I was screaming, “get me out, please get me out!” But no one heard me. One night I prayed then God whispered, “the key is in your hands, GET UP & LIVE.” I looked down, opened my right hand and sure enough, there it was. The KEY. I had everything I needed to change my life right in my hands. I’ve discovered that many of us have built cages, locked ourselves in, crying to get out; all the while holding onto the key”. One of my assignments is to help others realize they’re “holding onto to the key.” The key that will unlock the door and release them to soar. We have so much within (books, inventions, businesses, just to name a few) but we’re afraid to step out of the cage. And many times, we allow “life” and its circumstances, trials and tribulations to hold us back. We throw in the towel before we fight back. Stepping out of my comfort zone wasn’t easy. It still isn’t easy. The moment I stepped out of the cage; I felt a cool breeze on my beak (face). It felt amazing. And then immediately several thoughts flooded my mind. Typical thoughts. “Hold up, this is different.” I experienced a tug… a pull backwards. Then I asked myself a series of questions. “Can I handle life outside of the cage?” (I looked back at my familiar place) “I can definitely return to my cage. I’m safe in there. I know what to expect in there.” “But will I fulfill my God-ordained purpose in there?” Hmm. How many of us have had those thoughts? We know there’s more within, but we’re afraid to step out. And when we do step out, fear cripples us from moving forward. What can we do about it? Are their skills, strategies, concepts a person can follow to ensure they stay free and continue to soar? There has to be. After much prayer, I birthed the 9 principles of Get Up & Live. The 9 principles needed to ensure one don’t return to their cage. The Get Up & Live lifestyle consists of encouraging social media posts, apparel and mastery courses where I teach the 9 principles via asynchronous modules or in person, multi-sensory workshops.

Please tell us more about your career. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
As an Educator in the classroom and for my business, it’s my mission is to ensure my students are equal partners in the learning process. They will become active learners, engaging in extensive written and spoken discourse. Daily, my students are empowered, and enlightened to grow from dependent to self-sufficient learners. I facilitate exciting, enthusiastic, multi-sensory, and rigorous lessons in the most simplistic way. My classroom becomes a safe environment that promotes positive learning, creativity, interaction, support, and fairness. It is my goal that my students leave my class motivated to embrace adversity because they will come to understand that challenges will ultimately lead to their growth. I’m excited about my future and the mere fact that I’m living outside of my cage; there’s so much to explore and learn. The level of freedom I have now is exhilarating. However, at times life is still hard. Business is hard. There are moments when I feel like I can’t continue due to circumstances, setbacks and trials. But then, I’m reminded that I can’t give up because I have the solution to someone’s problem. One major lesson I’ve learned is “people will talk about you no matter what you do.” It comes with the territory. But are going to allow what they say dictate the distance you soar? Will you allow what they say to prevent you from stepping out of the boat and into the deep? “NO! You better not.” Just be mindful that exploring the deep has its pros and cons. You’ll be exposed to the beauty of the ocean (conquering goals, fulfilling purpose) while contrarily, you’ll also be exposed to the dangers lurking in the ocean (naysayers, and opposition). Which one will you pay more attention to? Ultimately, that’s all on you. I want the world to know that Get Up & Live equips you with the encouragement, skills and strategies needed to boldly extend your wings so you can soar into your destiny.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Self-care and great health is imperative to me. We would start each day with a 2 hour workout at my gym. I love to eat, so a food excursion is on the itinerary. Some of my favorite spots that we would visit throughout the week are Clive’s Cafe, Chef Creole, Moshi Moshi, Mr and Mrs Crab, R House, First Watch, Shooters Waterfront, Yolo and Kaluz. For live music and a chilled environment, Blue Martini. Performing Arts is dear to my heart; I enjoy watching plays, dance shows, operas and musicals, so I’ll find a show(s) to view at the Adrienne Arsht Center. I can’t leave out a moment for tranquility; a day for massages, manis/pedis at Luv Nail Shop and journaling while lounging on the beach is a vital.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to thank my parents. Their resilience, determination, and perseverance as individuals are unparalleled. My tribe which consists of my sisters, brothers and friends for always reminding me of the greatness within. They embody the true definition of the Get Up & Live lifestyle. They’ve decided to live life despite their circumstances and have always reminded me to do the same.

Website: http://bit.ly/edlenejulien
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/get_up_live/
Youtube: bit.ly/keepbeastin

Image Credits
Manuel Hernandez (@manuelhlife)