Story & Lesson Highlights with Julia Wheaton of St. Paul

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Julia Wheaton. Check out our conversation below.

Julia, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
My greatest source of joy outside of music is spending time with the sky, nature, and animals. They help bring me back to center—because as much as I love what I do, it can still get stressful at times. Being outside, listening to the quiet and the sounds of life, and looking up at the sky reminds me how small I am in this big, beautiful world. And then there are my two golden retrievers, who follow me everywhere. They’re pure joy in fur form, and it’s impossible not to smile when they’re around.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Julia Wheaton, a 21-year-old vocalist with a voice rooted in soul, honesty, and a spark I can’t help but share. I was born and raised in Minneapolis in a Brazilian household, and I love blending the heart of both cultures into a sound that’s uniquely mine. I started my career at 14, and over the years, I’ve learned to use my voice not just to sing, but to speak truth through music.

Right now, I’m preparing to release my debut album “What’s Left of Me Now” – an intimate and powerful collection that reflects my growth, my roots, and my deep love for the art of music. The album will be out on August 26th, 2025. I’m also the lead vocalist of Bloodline, a genre-blending band I formed with my siblings and close friends. Music isn’t just what I do-it’s who I am, and with every performance, I want people to truly feel that.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
A part of me that has served its purpose is my naivety—the version of me that loved without hesitation or leapt into something without pausing to consider the consequences. In many ways, it was the childlike part of me that could forget about responsibility, especially when it came to love. That openness taught me so much about connection and vulnerability, but now I’m learning to balance my heart with wisdom. I still want to feel deeply—because that’s what fuels my art—but I’m ready to protect myself from being hurt in the same way again, and to draw inspiration from the new version of myself that’s emerging as I release the weight of past pain. That’s really what my album is about: the growing pains and realizations that come with stepping into adulthood, learning to make sense of my feelings, and discovering that my vulnerability is my greatest strength.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has taught me far more than success ever could. When everything is stripped away, you’re left face-to-face with who you truly are and where your security really lies. Through suffering, I’ve learned resilience, growth, and strength—and I’ve discovered parts of myself I might never have known otherwise. It’s shaped the way I create, too. Without it, I wouldn’t have been able to write my upcoming album with such raw, heart-wrenching honesty. Suffering taught me not just to feel, but to feel everything fully—and that’s what makes the music real.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
My music is the one thing I’m committed to, no matter how long it takes. I know without a doubt that this is my purpose—what I was created to do. I believe God gave me this gift not just for myself, but to reach people, to move them, and to help them feel something real. This isn’t just a career for me, it’s a lifelong calling, and I’m here for it every step of the way.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope the story people tell about me is that I lived with honesty and never strayed from being my true self. Maybe some will remember me as dramatic, but I’d like them to see it instead as a testament to how deeply I felt life. I want to be remembered for embracing sensitivity as a strength, for finding beauty in emotion, and for pouring that into everything I created. And, of course, as someone who loved animals endlessly, because love in all its forms was at the heart of who I was.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Joshua Kline

Ben Van Wyke

Nick Greseth

Adriana Wheaton

Ben Saefke

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?

Coffee? Workouts? Hitting the snooze button 14 times? Everyone has their morning ritual and we

Highlighter Series
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?

Our deepest wounds often shape us as much as our greatest joys. The pain we

Highlighter Series
Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?

Culture, economic circumstances, family traditions, local customs and more can often influence us more than