Meet Juli Henderson | Vocal Instructor, Blogger and Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Juli Henderson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Juli, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
In terms of my JH Voice Studio, it was an easy process because my degree is in Vocal Performance, and I love to teach. However, in terms of me extending my “voice” beyond my students to include sharing my very personal journey through the In Our Arms Blog … that process took considerable time and deep thought.

I am in this growing “club” of parents who are caring for a child with disabilities or have in the past. Because my “legacy” membership came as a result of losing our son, Robert, in 2015, I was passionate about sharing his story. I also wanted to take the journey with other families on what we call Life Unexpected.

I thought if I could be raw and transparent enough about what we, as a family, experienced as we cared for Robert during his 18 years living with his very rare genetic disorders, then I was willing to help other families through my blog posts, researched resources, and a Facebook Community group where readers could find support.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

Using my voice in the last year as a blogger in the disability and advocacy space has been challenging only in that it has caused me to look more closely at how families are actually coping. It is not work for the weak! These families are my heroes. I started sharing Robert’s story more than 15 years ago as I served on several boards that supported children with disabilities. I knew what we struggled with through the years but hearing of others’ struggles in a very vulnerable way over the last year has opened my eyes to how much more support is needed in our communities. I have learned so much from families in the United States and abroad about how isolating it can be to raise a child or youth with disabilities — especially during a pandemic. 

Our blog offers a beautiful “Breathe” candle as a way to encourage self-care for moms who may need a reminder to just breathe. They are available on our website for purchase for oneself or as a donation to a special needs family. We also partner with Presidian Hotels and Resorts monthly to offer one of our blog subscribers a free night’s stay! I am very proud that we give away tangible things that can make this walk a little bit more lovely.

I cannot do any of this without the support of my husband of 41 years, Chris, who has his own career as a physician. He takes his time to write for the blog several times a year, providing a dad’s perspective. What I have learned that has surprised me the most is that the more vulnerable Chris and I are in writing about the tough places on our journey, the more helpful it has been for many on theirs. The blog gives readers something to relate to and a place to mourn along the road as they recognize themselves in the stories. It has also given some families insight into what may lie ahead.

In the music world prior to the start of the blog, I was an active soloist in churches, at special events, and in international crusades — before and during the many years our family of seven was growing. It was challenging but so rewarding. I am thankful that I had an excellent voice teacher in college who taught me about the value of using my voice as an instrument. What I think sets me apart as a voice teacher is that I have incorporated most of her teaching into my voice studio. I have found the “voice as an instrument” teaching style to be the unifying thread throughout my teaching career as my students have gone on to become successful competition vocalists, voice and choir teachers, worship leaders, recording artists and even tour with international stars!

We have an active music scene in Texas, so it has not been hard to welcome new students. I am very fortunate that most of my voice students come to me by word of mouth. I have also been blessed to teach virtual lessons, when necessary, during the pandemic. My students are like family to me, so it was not a big challenge to ask most of them to continue their lessons in this way. I am grateful.

What I want the world to know about my brand is that it is not about me! Whether I am teaching voice or public speaking lessons, or writing or speaking about Life Unexpected, I am doing my best to communicate a lifestyle of caring and kindness towards others through my voice. My voice is my instrument.

If I was singing for a local event or an international Billy Graham Evangelistic Association Crusade, using my voice to bring hope to others was always my goal. If I am teaching my students in person or virtually, I am using my voice to communicate how they can use their voices for good. And for the rest of my life, if I have readers or listeners who take this journey with me, I hope I will use my voice through the blog to support, encourage and bring awareness to the incredible individuals in the disability community. Robert’s courageous life still brings meaning and hope to many people simply by me choosing to use my voice.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Oh, this is easy because I love my city of San Antonio!

I would take them to Morgan’s Wonderland to see this incredible world-renown theme park for people with all abilities. In the evening, our underground Pearl venue, Jazz TX, would be my first choice for enjoying live music, craft cocktails and dinner.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

Thanking:

1. Dr. Karen Keough, Pediatric Neurologist at Child Neurology Consultants of Austin for her excellent care of Robert for most of his life, and her continued support for all we do through the In Our Arms Blog.
2. My In Our Arms Blog team at Haute in Texas and my editor, Melanie Walker
3. My family for their constant support

Website: www.InOurArms.blog

Instagram: @InOurArmsBlog

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/juli-henderson-258518a7

Facebook: @InOurArmsBlog

Other: email : juli@InOurArms.blog