Meet Julian Hernandez | Real estate agent & Professional Musician & Fitness Instructor

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

Hi Julian, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I started out as a full-time classical musician and part-time fitness instructor. Once I shifted my main focus to real estate, I maintained work as a part-time classical musician as well as continuing my role as a fitness instructor, so essentially three jobs. I quickly learned that things will inevitably fall through the cracks and that’s okay, it’s normal, it’s human. I have started time-blocking my days where I’ll solely work on and think about real estate and the next few hours, it’s strictly for music. We do it at the gym, right? Why not with every aspect of your life? This small shift has massively improved my efficiency and accuracy in what I do. I have also learned the importance of saying no, and understanding that “No,” is a complete sentence. Sometimes I do not have the physical time to hang out or go to events and other times I simply do not have the mental capacity to do those same things. The point here is acknowledging and honoring when you need that space.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I originally thought I wanted to be a professor at a music school but going to school for my doctorate in music put things into a harsh perspective so I dropped out of my PhD and immediately started working at a professional chamber musician in Houston, TX. I joined a full-time touring wind quintet (shoutout to WindSync!) for 5 years where we spent over 150 days of the year touring and performing and teaching all around the world! It was incredible! I learned that chamber music provided me the opportunity to be immensely creative and by proxy, it was artistically fulfilling. It made music fun again. Now, as a real estate agent, though I had to step down as full-time clarinetist, I am still a part of several chamber groups and major organizations in and around Houston and I think I bring that level of love and fun to whatever I am playing. Right now, I am performing with the Houston Grand Opera on their next performance and I find myself having to remind myself and my colleagues to have fun! It’s a privilege to get to make music at such a high level, why shouldn’t it be fun?

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?
This is easy! I live in the Montrose area of Houston, which arguably has one of the most thriving and vibrant food and art scenes around the whole city. Dare I say it is even walkable? Top five restaurants around Houston in no particular order: Toasted Coconut, Tiny Champions, Miss Saigon, Rosie Cannonball. These give any visitor a chance to explore all the variety we have in this amazing city and is a true testament to our diversity! I would also undoubtedly take them to a show whether it be a music show, a musical, a theatre, or an art gallery. Midtown Arts and Theatre Center of Houston (MATCH) has shows every single week, the Menil Collection is free! I mean, have you gone inside the Rothko Chapel for a few minutes of calm? If my visit were lucky enough to come during a week where I’m performing, I’d give them tickets to a show whether I’m performing with Houston Ballet, Houston Grand opera, Opera in the Heights, Monarch Chamber Players, or any other group! Come to think of it, I’d be a pretty exciting visit, if I may say so myself.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would be remiss if I didn’t credit my mother for teaching me fortitude and consistency. She comes from a very humble background in the countryside of Puerto Rico and now, she is a district judge in El Paso, Texas with a hefty real estate portfolio to boot. She showed me that it is possible, you just have to hustle for what you want.

Instagram: @julianandress

Facebook: facebook.com/julianandresshernandez