Meet Juline AKA ‘Juls’ Gurney | Fitness Bikini Master Competitor and Business owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Juline AKA ‘Juls’ Gurney and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Juline AKA ‘Juls’, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting my own business was a decision born out of a combination of honoring my son’s powerful message to help me through the grieving process of losing him and of the passion I have for fitness.

As a former fitness competitor, my experience exposed me to the intricacies of activewear and its suitability for gym activities and an active lifestyle. I gained valuable insights into the qualities that make activewear effective in these settings. This experience fueled my curiosity about emerging trends in the industry and led me to recognize a significant gap in the market for versatile activewear solutions. This realization, coupled with my desire to fulfill my son’s wishes, served as the catalyst for my venture into entrepreneurship.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Throughout my professional journey, I’ve consistently held management roles. What distinguishes me from others is my relentless determination and unwavering commitment to excellence. I’ve always strived to be at the forefront, setting the pace through hard work and dedication. My approach to leadership centers on treating everyone, whether they work for me or alongside me, with the utmost respect, and in return, they consistently give their best.

One of my greatest passions is imparting knowledge and empowering individuals to enhance the lives of those they encounter. With over three decades of experience in upper management, I’ve come to understand that if you don’t have a deep passion for what you do, where you work, or the organization you work for, it’s time to consider entrepreneurship.

Throughout my career, my focus has consistently revolved around helping people attain their desires and necessities, knowing that financial security would follow. I find immense fulfillment in assisting women in feeling beautiful, confident, and, yes, even sexy. This is why I’m drawn to the transformative power of fitness, especially in reshaping women’s bodies. Moreover, I’ve had the privilege of guiding them towards greater self-assurance, culminating in stage competitions once their transformations are complete.

The most significant lesson I’ve acquired over time is the importance of trustworthiness and genuinely caring for others. When people have faith in your character, believe in your words, and consistently witness your positive outlook, every task becomes more manageable. I want the world to understand that I’ve identified and embraced my life’s purpose on this planet, which is to extend a helping hand to anyone in need.

Throughout my journey, I’ve encountered numerous women who, once dressed, avoid looking in the mirror due to dissatisfaction with their reflection. With a beaming smile, I can proudly declare that I’ve brought about a transformation in this aspect, and I remain committed to doing so through my I AM Activewear brand.

When women wear my clothing, whether it’s for the gym, social events, or simply lounging, they not only gaze into the mirror with satisfaction but also eagerly anticipate showcasing their attire. The visible transformation and newfound confidence are vividly evident in the images I’ve shared. That goes for all types of bodies. My brand is for everyone. I made sure of that.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Certainly, the Las Olas area in Downtown Fort Lauderdale holds a special place in my heart as it happens to be my own neighborhood. Whenever friends and family come to visit, I make it a point to introduce them to the Riverside Hotel, a true gem on Las Olas that boasts the distinction of being the oldest and most exquisite hotel in the area. We often begin our day with a delightful breakfast at the Wild Sea Restaurant or indulge in a scenic brunch at the Boathouse, situated right along the river. By the way if anyone want to see friendly faces, stop at the front desk.

For lunch, we head over to Del Frisco’s Grille, where we prefer the outdoor seating area that provides a perfect vantage point to observe numerous business entrepreneurs relishing their meals and perhaps even enjoying a drink and cigar. As we continue our exploration, we stroll down Las Olas, exploring the captivating clothing boutiques and art galleries that line the street.

As the day transitions into evening, we venture to Yolo for dinner, savoring the vibrant after-work ambiance that’s infused with music and the lively presence of business owners who frequent the place to network and unwind with a drink. Trust me, they really know how to keep the energy alive. And let’s not overlook the rooftop, an excellent spot to unwind and socialize during the night.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have a multitude of supportive individuals and groups in my life who have consistently mentored and cheered me on throughout my journey. First and foremost, my wonderful husband, Kevin Gurney, has been my unwavering support system, standing by my side through all my ambitious endeavors, from marathons to stage competitions, and even in launching my own finance business and my current venture with the activewear brand.

I must also mention my very first coach, Larry, who played a pivotal role in my transformation journey. He not only helped me shed over 50 pounds after the loss of my son but also ignited my passion for competitive fitness. His encouragement and belief in me were instrumental in getting me started.

In the realm of technology and web presence which I know nothing about, My webmaster, Jeff Nettles, deserves special recognition. Despite my limited budget, he had unwavering faith in my vision and reassured me with the words, ‘Don’t worry, I’ve got you,’ making my online presence a reality.

Additionally, my gratitude extends to my daughter, my extended family, and my circle of friends who have always been ready to lend a helping hand in any way they can, whether I need models or to get the word out where I will be selling. In particular, my cousin Luna Mondestin has been a remarkable source of support, assisting me in collecting clothing for our brand whenever we have opportunities to showcase our wonderful products as vendors

Website: https://iamactivewear.com/ https://jlpgroup.net/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iam.activewear/ https://www.instagram.com/julinegurney/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julinegurney/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iam.activewear https://www.facebook.com/juline.gurney

Other: My story in Oxygen Magazine https://www.oxygenmag.com/life/womens-fitness-personalities/juline-gurney-honoring-her-sons-memory/ Behind Bodybuilers https://behindbodybuilders.com/juline-gurney.php

Image Credits
FLL Magazine and Juan Fly Drone Photography