Inspiring Women: Julie Jones, Blue Heron Inn

Have you ever met someone who seems to have such a cool life?  I have.  Do you ever wonder how someone landed in such an awesome job?  I do.  One of the things that really interests me is the human experience.  Not just the human experience itself, but the idea we are all living during the same time in history and now, more than ever, we are experiencing vastly different lives.  I’m very inspired by women who have charted their own path, opted for the more challenging and sometimes risky route, and are living their dream.  I’ve asked some of the most interesting women that I know to give us a glimpse into their lives, into their homes, and share their journey to an authentic life.  I’m kicking off this series with the phenomenal Julie Jones.  Julie and her husband, David, are the proprietors of the Blue Heron Inn on Amelia Island.   Grab a cup of coffee and make yourself comfortable, because you are not going to want to miss Julie’s journey and the pictures of her gorgeous restored Victorian coastal inn.

Tell me your background…Where did you grow up? Go to school? Did you earn a degree? In what?

I grew up in a family of six in a small town in Virginia. I have fond memories of going camping a lot as a family. The “great outdoors” was a part of our lives. When I graduated high school I went to Virginia Tech where I earned a degree in Communications.

What was your first “real” job and what did you learn from it?

My first “real” job was a Production Assistant for WBTV in Charlotte, NC.  I ran cameras, worked the teleprompters and interfaced with guests on the Early Morning Show. Two years later I moved to Atlanta to work for CNN Headline News as a writer. Two years after that I decided to move into public relations work and joined an international association management firm in downtown Atlanta. At 26 I was writing speeches, planning corporate events, designing newsletters and brochures, interfacing with clients and attending conferences as an exhibitor. Looking back it was during this time when I got to see most of the major cities in the U.S. while gaining invaluable interpersonal communication and management skills as well as developing a solid sense of confidence. Five years later, Sarah, our first child of four was born. I decided to change careers and become a teacher. I absolutely loved learning about children and their development.

 

What “job/career” do you do now? I put it in quotation marks because it’s hard to classify living a dream as a job or career.

I know I have a “job” now as an innkeeper at the Blue Heron Inn but honestly, it doesn’t feel like a job. It feels like a part of me. I absolutely love doing what I do. We live next door in an 1883 Victorian. So after waking up around 6:30 each morning I grab a cup of coffee and walk next door to work! Don’t get me wrong, I love having “days off” to rejuvenate and relax but most of what I do doesn’t feel like work. I get to meet so many unique people from all over the world and learn about so many different places. We have had guests from South Africa, Norway, Switzerland, Finland, Germany, France, Brazil, Alaska and Hawaii, just to name a few. Not to mention Florida – we have lots of people visit from just a few hours drive away. Before they leave they really feel like family. I enjoy the cooking, decorating and entertaining aspects that go along with owning an inn as well.

When/how did you know owning a Bed and Breakfast such as the Blue Heron Inn was your passion?

It’s hard to run a bed and breakfast inn by yourself. So, my “soulmate” my husband, also had a similar dream. We had traveled a lot and stayed at many inns, manor homes and even castles and had imagined that it would be “fun” to run an inn together.

Was there a defining moment that led you down this path, or, did it happen naturally over time?

Once, flying home from Europe and sitting in adjacent seats with our kids were were listening to the same “Joel Olsteen” sermon on our airplane screens. Olsteen’s message was clear: “Sometimes you just have to get out of the boat to make those dreams come true!” We tapped each other on the shoulder to see if we were both hearing the same message. We were. The very next day we put our house on the market.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Advice to my younger self? Don’t take yourself too seriously! Enjoy little moments more. They are gone in a heartbeat.

What is the best piece of advice anyone gave to you?

When I was 15 and discouraged about not getting the first job I wanted my older brother gave me some good advice that has always stuck with me: “Do the very best in the job you have now and it will help you in each and every job thereafter.” His advice has proven true time and time again. My career as a teacher has enabled me to plan menus, keep to a schedule, interact with guests, market the inn and a be flexible while managing a myriad of other tasks.

What would you like to achieve in the next 5 years?

In the next five years I would like to continue on our successful track and perhaps travel with my hubbie to Europe.

What is your favorite quote?

My favorite quote: Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

If you had to pick one word to define you, what would it be?

One word is hard! “Determined, passionate, caring.” How’s that?

Thanks Julie for such an inspiring journey and sharing your fabulous Inn.  The pictures of the Blue Heron Inn speak to Julie’s incredible ability to make a warm and welcoming Inn anyone would be happy to stay at.  When Julie and David bought the Inn, Julie spent 5 months renovating and decorating it with antiques and pieces she loves.  I can attest to Julie’s skills as a hostess.  She makes THE BEST appetizers for her daily happy hour and makes everyone feel so comfortable.  Repeat guests will often request breakfast items she made on a previous visit and she is happy to accommodate.  She has really enjoyed expanding the services of the Inn by hosting several weddings this spring.  It isn’t pictured, but she has a wonderful pool and garden behind the Inn that makes a great backdrop for a small intimate wedding.  If you would like to visit the Blue Heron Inn you can click on this link to visit Julie’s page.