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

Hi Julie, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
My Family and Friends

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What keeps me busy professionally is my family, friends, and my multiple careers. I think family and friends is the core of everyone’s success due to their love and support.

Today I am a mother, a teacher, a non-profit founder, and a Real Estate Agent. Ever since I was little I have always wanted to do something that helps people, including wanting to be a lawyer, a veterinarian, or even a teacher. I really couldn’t decide.

My parents encouraged me to go to college and I was the first one in my family to get a degree. In college, half way through obtaining my Business degree, I decided to switch majors and become a Teacher, specifically a Special Education teacher. I have spent the last 13 years doing what I love with my family by my side, but it wasn’t always easy. Being a teacher is both physically and emotionally exhausting and your family gets put on the back burner quite often. I also managed to squeeze in getting my Real Estate license in between teaching, which I practice part-time. Because of the busy life I have created for myself my husband has been the one that has had to pick up the slack, by keeping our household together and helping with the kids. We have been together for 13 years and it hasn’t always been easy, like any marriage it takes lots of work but we always come together in the end.

In 2013 and 2015 we tragically lost 2 of our daughters. Due to the losses we suffered, in 2015 I created a non-profit to honor my girls called the Korie and Kacie Foundation. The Korie and Kacie Foundation helps families who have experienced and/or are experiencing child loss. When we lost our girls there were limited resources for families and I knew I needed to do something that would change that. Through my grief, resilience, and the unconditional support of my family, I have made a difference.

My oldest daughter has probably been my biggest motivator to just live. After the death of my girls it was difficult to just get up, but I had to for her. Without her I wouldn’t have been pushed to have my youngest daughter, Owen, who has really brought life back into our family.

I’m still not satisfied with all that I have accomplished, and have recently decided this will be my last year teaching, so that I can focus on my family and my non-profit. These are things I am most passionate about and want to devote my time to. When you experience a child loss you see your life in a whole new light and what’s really important is family. I would say I am just starting a new chapter and I know my family will be by my side throughout this journey.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If friends were visiting for a week I would probably take them to eat crawfish at Tailgators Pub and Grill because its my go to bar. I would also take them to Pappasito’s to eat Mexican Food. I would take my friends to play Bingo at Triple Crown. Possibly some kind of sporting event or concert so that they can see Downtown Houston. If they were here during the Rodeo we would definitely be going to that. Then maybe visit San Marcos to float down the river.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My Family and Friends

Website: https://www.korieandkacie.org

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

Image Credits
Rockin R Photography Sparks of Light Photography

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