What It’s Like Being a High-Performing Model & Actress From a Maxim Cover Girl Semi-Finalist

Julie Ann Dawson moved to Los Angeles six years ago to pursue her dreams as an actor and model. She broke the news after rising to the top 1% of the semi-finals, hoping to become the next Maxim Cover Girl.

Julie beat out approximately 35,000 candidates, who were competing for the grand prize to be on the cover of Maxim Magazine, which included a multi-page interview spread, $25,000 cash, and a trip to Paris for a photo shoot with famed fashion photographer Gilles Bensimon, whose portfolio includes Beyonce, and Gisele Bündchen.

She specializes in acting for films, TV, and commercials, and has been a professional model & on-camera host for 15 years. Using her expertise as a former award-winning professional athlete with wrestling, martial arts, gymnastics, and 10 years of competitive cheerleading, Julie is best known for her work in action and sci-fi action thriller films.

You’ve Got to be a Super-Prolific Creator

With Julie, there is no such thing as a typical day! Those are her words. “That is something that I really enjoy about my life that keeps things interesting. As an entrepreneur, I do spend a good part of my day brainstorming creative ideas, followed by taking action on those ideas to create something new.”

Some good habits I try to stick to each week include meditation, practicing energy healing, watching a show or film for enjoyment or to study acting, and Krav Maga of course. Any extra free time I have I really enjoy going on hikes or painting.

Take Care of Your Physical & Mental Health

“I think having a friend, therapist, or someone you can turn to talk to and be vulnerable with helps tremendously,” says Julie.

I’m very grateful I have so many supportive family, friends, and fans that are in my corner cheering me on, and I do my best to not take things personally. I’m thankful that I hardly receive negative comments on social media, but when I do, I can see the statement from another perspective, and the person leaving the comment is being triggered because they are feeling hurt themselves and it’s not really about you.

Implementing a self-care practice into your schedule is critical. For me, that routine looks like meditation, energy healing, practicing martial arts, or watching a funny movie.

Do Something Extra (Like Energy Healing)

Besides being a SAG actress and CEO, Julie is a martial artist and master energy healer. “It helps me retreat inward and receive intuitive information about my next steps, and the things I need to release or work on within myself,” Julie says.

“With Krav Maga, having a physical release (with sparring or letting loose on a punching bag), has helped me get through some difficult times since exercise is known to release endorphins while lowering stress hormones, and of course, the added benefit of getting in shape.”

Just Don’t Give Up!

In finishing, Julie says that despite the challenges of the industry, you’re in, there is no room for giving up. “Things have definitely not been easy, and there have been times when I felt burnt out, but I kept pushing forward and what I have found is just beyond your breaking point, there is always something positive that opens up for you- such as a new opportunity, a new connection, etc. Most people have no idea how close they really are to achieving their dreams, and this is why you must never give up.”