February 20, 2012

I was recently asked a question regarding my motto (from the home page): if knowledge, discipline and time are the only variables of success, what are its constants? I didn't have to think, my answer was: WILLINGNESS TO CHANGE.

I look at all the photographs from my competitive days (from the gallery here) and realize that now I look different, I spend my time differently, I THINK differently and while I still value my past experiences, the change has been a part of forward motion which allowed for greater possibilities that formerly I could only imagine.

Every creation begins with imagination, every success - with a vision. Then come planning, action, results and… a new, more inspired vision. I often think about my contribution to society, to people around me, to the world, and while I do what I can for the time being I always wish I could do more. But if our own reality begins with a vision which has its roots in awareness and perception, and our reality inevitably affects the reality of the world around us, then the most certain way to contribute is to broaden awareness and to deepen perception. Willingness to change IS the core of this process.

To some, personal growth may seem like a selfish quest for ever-elusive perfection. For me, it is the path which leads to something that, at this point, I can only imagine - still imperfect but meaningful, something that "unexpectedly" just might change the course of life not only for me, but for those around me… maybe even for the world.

Juliana Jade



November 1, 2010

Life is definitely an adventure! The further I go, the more interesting it becomes. With trials of the past few years, this one feels like a breeze. I am filled with joy and anticipation of the new twists in the journey…

I deeply enjoy the creative process. Over the past year I have transitioned from writing a novel to screenwriting, and am currently working on a feature film. I’ve re-acquainted with my former hobby – skydiving. Falling seems to come so naturally :-) I love being awake to all my senses. Exercise is still an integral part of my life and I have enjoyed introducing minimalist running into the regimen. I got to walk on hot coals this year and a few times a week I go swimming in the ocean… no, no wet suit.

I am fortunate to have an amazing team of people working at my business – Fitness Together Issaquah. The operation is being refined more and more into the vision with which it began, to improve the quality of life of each individual who comes through our doors.

Through all the recent changes and transitions, I come back to the one thought that change doesn’t take as long as it may seem, you can change as fast as you can think. Every morning I choose what I will think just like I choose what I will wear. It’s about being true to yourself and focusing on what really matters. We are the only ones ascribing meaning to our lives, so whatever it is, it makes sense to enjoy it, embrace it and pass it on.

With never-ending commitment to excellence,

Juliana Jade





August 5, 2009

A year has flown by… this one was more 'exciting' than the rest. As I planned for national events I was struck by cancer which brought with itself numerous surgeries. Now months later, I do not think of myself as a survivor - the term might fit some but not me. I did not yield to the scare tactics of western medicine or its inept ways of trial and error 'treatment'. Instead, dedicating much time to research, I have made every positive change in my lifestyle to contribute to future health. Meanwhile, I bought a business, began writing a book which was in the plans long ago and took up another language - this one is just for fun! Though still fit, my body might not be as strong as it once was but I believe its energy was transformed into more internal power which is the force that continues to drive me.

Not everything that happens is desirable but all that comes our way brings with itself opportunities for personal growth. Whatever the external stimulus may be, it is the internal response that shapes the life we have. Every action taken is a reflection of character within, and when the future arrives, it will be too late to change it. It is the decisions we make today that define the life we will have tomorrow.

With renewed dedication to excellence,

Juliana Jade






November 28, 2008

Another competition season down… more to come!

It was my first year defending titles… it has definitely had a different feel to it. The novelty of figure glamour has taken backstage, and in the foreground were bigger goals and more training.

Two competitions and two trophies… can't complain about that! It has been a great "staging area" for the next year's national events. I took 2nd place at both: the Northern Classic and the Northwest Championships. A year ago it would have been a thrilling outcome - now I can't help but want more :-)

Life is bigger than competition but if you have ever had a goal which went beyond the ordinary, you too know the satisfaction which comes from making sacrifices along the way in order to bring you closer to the only natural outcome: making more of yourself than you already are. And regardless of the venture, that is a cause which can empower you from within.

The quest goes on… Whether in bodybuilding, fitness in general or any aspect of life, whatever it is that inspires you - I hope you find it, hold on to it and keep on moving forward!

With unyielding dedication to excellence,

Juliana Jade




July 7, 2008

What a year! Two car accidents, a new business venture and LOTS of rain… if you are from the NW you know what I am talking about! It is July and I am 95% recovered, busy as ever and READY FOR ACTION!!!

I will be competing in Northern Classic early next month and then onto a national competition. As we know, timing is everything. I may look like a super-woman, never-the-less, I want to make the best appearance and am still deciding whether to continue onto North American Competitions at the end of August or the Nationals in November. Either way, a great show is guaranteed!

Life is up and down, but it makes little difference as long as we stay focused and continue to stimulate our bodies as well as out minds. Bodybuilding has been an amazing outlet for my energy. But it has also provided me with an opportunity to meet amazing people - strong in character, willful, those who never give up. I have been fortunate to never forget how fascinating life is: it flows outside of us, but its essence lies within. It is whatever we make of it, it is ours to take, mold and enjoy.

Keep going… it is the best way to learn.
With dedication to excellence,
Juliana Jade




October 20, 2007

I am excited to share with you the outcome of my 2007 competitive season. I have been competing for about a year and I absolutely love it!

It began with the USAs in Las Vegas late July. Though I did not receive the desired placement, I was in the best shape of my life and ended up spending an extra day filled to capacity with photo shoots. I worked with amazing photographers and you can see some of their work in my gallery.

Another outcome of the nationals was a full sponsorship to a North American Strength Show in Vancouver, B.C. Despite the fact that I was still training for a WA State Figure competition, I agreed to participate and placed 5th (!) in the event (makes me wonder what I could have done with more carbohydrates in the system.) There was also a model search event, which resulted in several photo shoots as well.

A week later I placed 1st in Northern Classic of WA State! I am proud of what I was able to accomplish this year, while not only successfully managing a business, but also in the midst of my parents immigrating from Russia. They are living with me now… and they enjoy their baked goods :-)

As for next year, I will begin with the Emerald Cup and then back to Vegas for a better placement. I have been presented with amazing opportunities in life, and intend to make the most of them all! Now that I am off season, I miss the exhilarated state of pre-competition animal-like hunger and the moment of anticipation while on stage. I look forward to next year and I am excited to see what it will bring about.

With dedication to excellence,

Juliana Jade