Meet Juliana Folk | Actor | Writer

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

Hi Juliana, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
As corny as it might sound, I truly believe that a career in the arts isn’t something I chose to pursue, but rather it chose me. Growing up, my parents were both artists. They encouraged me to express myself creatively whenever I had the chance, whether it be with music, writing or imitating characters from my favorite films. I was always very aware I had a big presence and I never felt the need to hide that. Creating something unique and beautiful out of nothing is what attracted me to the arts early on, and once I figured out I could make a career out of it, I never looked back. Of course I took a few detours along the way, as most artists do, but those detours are what makes me a better actor, writer and overall creator.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
It took me many insecure years to be able to answer this next question. “What sets me apart from others”… While I could sit here and say that my talent is unlike any other, I was born to be on the big screen, I’m so ready.. blah blah blah. And while all that, without a doubt is true… I don’t think any of it matters. What sets me apart is that I refuse to give up on myself and I love the work I’m doing. After years of chasing a dream without a clear understanding as to WHY I was chasing it, I had to slow down and have a very real conversation with myself. What I came to realize is I could spend the rest of my life working towards accolades and outsider validation. I could focus on how many “likes” or “followers” I have. I could try to monetize every aspect of my life and my “brand”…. OR, I could really, truly, enjoy the work I am doing. I can try to make people laugh, cry, smile, feel something. I can spend my days working towards the greater good. I can be authentically me, everyday. So, what sets me apart? What am I excited about and proud of? It’s simple. Through art, I am able to impact those around me. I show up as my authentic self, good or bad, and I trust that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. I’m excited to work with other creative individuals and breathe life into the projects with which I am involved. Choosing a life in the arts is anything but easy and I face challenges every single day but one of the major lessons I’ve learned is that my unique journey is exactly that, mine. Comparison and negativity gets me absolutely nowhere, so I let that go. My story is a work in progress. I am constantly evolving. I am always seeking to be and do better and through art, I hope to one day change the world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
LA is a magical place. Not everybody feels the same, and that’s ok, but for me the energy is electric. Without a doubt, one of the first places I would take this friend is Malibu, but not just anywhere in Malibu. There is a secret beach spot past Trancas Market that my manager took me to years ago and that would be our first adventure. I love being outside and I am very active so a run along Ocean Ave and up to the Santa Monica stairs would have to happen. Another must stop is Aroma Cafe in Studio City where they have the BEST salmon Cobb salad I’ve ever had. A drive through Laurel Canyon with a pit stop at the Canyon Country Store, maybe even a bit to eat at Pace. Pasta at Maccheroni Republic on S Broadway. And at some point some shopping at Platform in Culver City.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I consider myself extremely lucky that for the majority of my life, I’ve been surrounded by people who believe in me and encourage me to “dream big”. Unfortunately, I know a lot of actors, writers, musicians, and artists that can’t say the same thing. Each and every one of my closest friends and family (they know who they are), support me and encourage me in their own unique way.

Besides my AMAZING husband and my son, who deserve so much of the credit in my story, I want to shout out my older brother, Salvatore. Whether he knows it or not, he inspires me to keep pushing forward and to reach that next big goal I’ve set for myself. Growing up we didn’t always get along but I always looked up to him and hoped he was proud of me. He has high standards for himself and in a way I use his measure of success as my own barometer. Maybe it’s that competitive sibling rivalry, but either way, it works.

Oh, and I can’t forget the group of strong amazing females in my life. My mother, my sister, my ALL female team of agents and managers and…Oprah… because well…. Oprah.

Website: www.julianafolk.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianafolk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julianafolkofficial

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAtRFGs2zRpN4I3YW5lChnQ

Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7238037/

Image Credits
Jeremy Folk, Fearon DeWeese, Sarah Nelson, Abby Carrillo