Author, health/wellness coach, green lifestyle expert, healthy bartender, vegan cheese goddess: Jules Aron, like so many of our freelancing members, does so many things and does them so well. What stands out to me the most about Jules - besides her diverse creative talents and her beautiful inside & out presence - is her continual willingness and enthusiasm about collaborating with and supporting others, even when juggling a really demanding workload.
With two books under her belt and more in progress, and all the promotional work she's doing with the release of the latest, Vegan Cheese (including a book launch party right here at the house on August 5th!) she manages to make it all work. We recently stole a few moments from her day to have a drink, chat, and learn more about how Jules got her start.
What are you drinking?
I love a good Negroni.
Current mood in less than 3 words:
Busy, but good.
How did you discover that this was what you wanted to do?
Cocktails were always my first love, it's what I did for most of my adult life and was always there for me in transition. The corporate world wasn't for me, so bartending was what I always went back to. The author part happened by accident. It was just one of those things where I assessed all of my skills and wellness has always been a focus. My first book came about by combining my passion for cocktails and interest in staying healthy.
How'd you take the leap from passion to full time job?
I had a realization that I needed to get out of the hospitality industry, without completely removing myself from it. I knew I needed to make a major lifestyle change after living in New York City for 18 years bartending. I had bought a piece of land upstate New York, so I decided I would spend the summer basically camping there with my dog in order to figure out the next move. The book (Zen & Tonic) was an after thought, my idea to combine cocktails and health came to me once I removed myself from the chaos of the city and got in tune with nature.
What's your favorite part about your industry?
The creative aspect. Things are so constantly evolving and changing so I enjoy keeping up with the momentum and staying relevant.
How has Social House helped you with the way you do business?
The collaborative aspect is amazing. I love how everybody is so welcoming and creative, which I feed off of. I love the community feel and possibilities of working with members.
Any productivity tips or secrets?
I do believe in habits. I didn't always love routines, it's just not in my nature, but it's what helps as a freelancer to have a strict guideline for putting in the hours. Because no one is going to tell you what to do, it's up to you to create healthy habits to be productive.
Any tips for other creatives looking to start their own business?
Just make sure that you really love what you're doing. It's so hard to break into any kind of business without your whole heart.
Most challenging part of owning your own business:
Not always having the feedback or someone to report to. You have to just trust yourself and your instincts on your own, which is also the most rewarding aspect.
Most rewarding part of your week:
My morning ritual involves a hot tonic and some journaling to remove any junk from my mind so the creativity can flow. I set the tone with some relaxing music, so I don't feel rushed and can have an easy, slow morning to set the pace for the day.
Something that has happened while owning your own business that you never could have planned for or expected:
I didn't realize how much I would be out in the public realm. I wasn't thinking of my business as a brand, I was just a person trying to pursue a dream. It was more than I bargained for but had to look at it from a bigger prospect that I had to be the face of my brand.
What do you wish more people knew about you?
Maybe the fact that I'm an introvert and it's been really hard to put myself out there as a freelancer. It's something that comes with the territory, I can't just hide behind the creativity, so I'm learning to embrace the ways of putting myself out there.
Your favorite piece of work:
Zen & Tonic. I've poured so much time, energy and effort to create this one body of work, that really represents my passion for cocktails and love of wellness. It's all encompassing, and I'm really proud of the way it came out.
photography by Coco Prop Shop
