Meet Juli Long

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Juli Long. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Juli, we sincerely appreciate you joining us today and agreeing to talk about some very personal topics. So, to kick things off, let’s talk about a tough one – divorce. Can you talk to us about how you overcame divorce?

Honestly, I’m still in the process of overcoming it. Divorce isn’t something you just “get over”—it’s a journey. At first, I thought it would be much harder than it’s been, but I think that’s because I made a decision early on to focus on what really matters: my kids.

My ex-husband and I knew we had to put our children’s needs first, no matter what. We have an autistic son who’s our priority, and we agreed that staying caught up in drama wasn’t going to create the best environment for him—or for our family. Co-parenting is no walk in the park, but we’ve made it work by keeping the focus on raising happy, healthy kids.

I’ve also seen enough toxic divorces to know that wasn’t the path I wanted for myself or my family. I’ve always been someone who learns from other people’s experiences, and I knew I wanted to handle this with as much positivity as possible. Life is complicated, and I want to teach my kids how to face challenges with grace, even when things get messy.

At the end of the day, I see this as a season of growth—for me and for my kids. I’m showing them that even when life throws you a curveball, you can handle it with strength and keep moving forward. That’s the legacy I want to leave them with: resilience and hope, even in the hard times.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m the founder and CEO of iCandi Productions, a platform dedicated to storytelling, empowerment, and building community. Over the years, I’ve worn many hats—content creator, event host, radio producer, and author—but the heart of everything I do is connection. Through iCandi Productions, I’ve been able to create spaces for authentic conversations, celebrate creativity, and bring people together in meaningful ways.

What’s special about my work is the way it combines passion and purpose. Whether it’s organizing women’s empowerment events, producing thought-provoking media, or simply sharing my personal journey, I love inspiring others to dream big, own their truth, and thrive unapologetically.

Right now, I’m gearing up for some exciting new projects! My solo podcast, The Candi Dish, is set to launch in 2025, with conversations about everything from mental health to relationships to navigating life as a single mom. I’m also working on celebrating the 10-year reunion of iCandi Radio, which has been a cornerstone of my brand and a hub for diverse voices and stories.

Ultimately, my goal is to keep creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and inspired—and to show others that no matter where you’re starting from, you have the power to build the life you want.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three most impactful qualities and skills in my journey have been resilience, creativity, and the ability to connect with people.

#1 is resilience! Life will throw challenges your way—whether it’s navigating personal struggles like divorce or professional setbacks—and resilience has been my foundation. Being able to adapt, pivot, and push forward has made all the difference. My advice? Don’t be afraid of failure; embrace it as part of the process. Learn from it, adjust, and keep going. Building resilience takes time, but every challenge you overcome makes you stronger.

#2 is creativity! Creativity has been at the heart of everything I do, from producing radio shows to writing blogs and hosting events. It’s what sets your vision apart. For those just starting out, my advice is to trust your unique voice and lean into what makes you different. Take the time to explore, experiment, and let yourself think outside the box—it’s where the magic happens.

#3 is making connections! No journey is ever a solo act. The ability to connect with people—whether through storytelling, collaboration, or simply being authentic—has been key to my growth. Relationships open doors, spark ideas, and build communities. My advice is to invest in relationships and show up for others. Listen, engage, and be intentional in how you connect.

For those early in their journey, my biggest tip is this: be patient with yourself. Growth takes time, and success doesn’t happen overnight. Focus on building a strong foundation, learning from every experience, and staying true to your purpose. The rest will follow.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Absolutely—yes! Networking and building community have been the foundation of my career. I’m always looking to collaborate with people who share a passion for creativity, empowerment, and making an impact. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative professional, or someone with a unique vision, I’m open to partnerships that align with my mission of storytelling, community building, and creating spaces where people feel inspired and connected.

If you’re interested in collaborating, let’s connect! You can reach me via email or through my social media platforms. I’d love to hear your ideas and see how we can make magic happen together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://candijuli.my.canva.site/
• Instagram: https://www.threads.net/@candijuli
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msicandi
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/icanditv

Image Credits

Photo credit from Dillingham Photography & Films