For Julia Grace, speaking about mental health isn’t just a career, it’s a calling. Diagnosed with depression and anxiety in 2014, she transformed her own challenges into a platform for helping others navigate theirs. What started as sharing her story locally evolved into Be Kind to Your Mind, a full-fledged speaking, training, and wellbeing business that spans corporate clients, schools, community groups, and international audiences.
“The diagnosis sent me off on a path of research and reflection,” Julia says.
“I wanted to understand not just how to manage my own mental health, but how to translate that knowledge into practical tools others could use in their everyday lives.”
Through her work, Julia brings complex neuroscience and mental health concepts into real-world application, using a unique blend of humour, heart, and lived experience. “I make the science relatable, actionable, and meaningful,” she explains.
“Whether I’m speaking to pre-teens in a classroom, corporate teams, or retirement village residents, the message is the same; look after yourself, build resilience, and care for your wellbeing.”
Across New Zealand and beyond, Julia’s work has touched thousands of lives. A highlight she says was a nationwide tour with National Young Leaders Days, speaking to 9,500 pre-teens about anxiety. She’s also presented in India, Australia, the UK, Bali, Singapore, and Fiji, while her corporate clients include Coca-Cola, ASB, and the Auckland Business Chamber.
“What I do is about connection. Every event is an opportunity to make someone feel seen, understood, and equipped to care for themselves.” Feedback from clients and audiences affirms the value of her work, from teachers to corporate leaders, and reinforces why she continues to grow her business and reach.
Creativity as a catalyst
Julia’s approach is informed by more than education and mental health experience, it’s also shaped by her artistic background. An award-winning singer-songwriter with multiple studio albums, she seamlessly weaves music into her keynotes and workshops.
“Music and creativity have always been part of my journey. In my work, I don’t just share stories, I bring them to life through performance. It makes the experience interactive, engaging, and memorable.”
Julia Grace speaking at the PSA 2025 Conference.
Her signature style – combining science, storytelling, humour, and song – has become a defining feature of her personal brand and business. “It’s sometimes hard to explain, but there’s a real magic when those elements come together.”
As a solo operator, Julia has had to translate her personal brand into a business that can scale while staying authentic. Every colour, element, and detail of her brand reflects her personality, from her signature purple and green brand palette to her “jelly” concept, inspired by her stage wardrobe.
“It’s all me,” she says. “Being solo gives you immense flexibility. I can inject my personality into everything I do, which builds consistency and trust with my audiences.”
The journey hasn’t been without challenges. “As a creative, I want to do 50 things at once. Learning discipline and how to manage the business side (numbers, strategy, operations) has been a steep learning curve. Being recognised with the Solo Meo Award is validating, because it acknowledges the hard work behind the creativity.”
She says that being named a finalist and receiving recognition from The David Awards 2025 has had a profound impact. “It’s been humbling. Many awards celebrate what comes naturally to me, like speaking or performing. But this award recognises the discipline, resilience, and business acumen required to turn those skills into a sustainable solo venture.”
2025 has presented challenges, including navigating event cancellations and personal pressures such as building a home while living in temporary accommodation. Yet Julia’s approach to her own wellbeing has been central to her continued success. “I’ve had to practise what I preach – prioritising sleep, nutrition, and physical activity – to maintain mental and emotional resilience. It’s a year that’s tested my determination, but it’s also strengthened it.”
Advice for other solo operators
For fellow solo operators and small business owners, Julia emphasises purpose, persistence, and authenticity. “Be clear on why you’re doing what you’re doing, and keep coming back to that purpose. Consistency in your personal brand, caring for yourself, and being disciplined about the business side, these are the pillars that sustain a solo business.”
She also encourages entering awards like The David Awards as a means of reflection and growth. “Even if you don’t win, the process forces you to take stock, refine your messaging, and celebrate what you’re achieving. For me, it refreshed my speaker show reel, my one-sheet, and gave me renewed confidence in what I offer.”
In 2024, Julia published Be Kind to Your Mind, sharing practical approaches to mental health and wellbeing, and she continues to develop new workshops, content, and projects to expand her reach.
“Being a solo operator can be lonely and challenging, but if you align your business with your purpose, take care of yourself, and stay consistent with your brand, the impact you can make is enormous. Awards like this just highlight that, and motivate you to keep going, one David-sized step at a time.”
This article was originally published in the October 2025 issue of NZBusiness, read it here.
Julia Grace won the Solo Meo Award at The David Awards 2025. The judges’ said of her entry: “Julia has delivered over 500 events, written a bestselling book, appeared on radio, and worked with many large organisations. On top of that, she’s achieved healthy growth and strong numbers, an impressive solo achievement.”
If you think your small business has what it takes to enter and win, entries for the 2026 The David Awards are free and can be submitted here.
