Conversations with Julia Brownfield

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Brownfield

Hi Julia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started out doing stand-up comedy and storytelling before moving to Colorado in 2020. It was a strange time for everyone, and although I performed at a few open mics and shows through 2022, I realized my daily career had to take priority. Stand-up comedy is a serious time commitment—something most people don’t realize. To hone your material, one must hit at least four open mics a week. In bigger cities, dedicated comedians will do multiple open mics a night. That hustle is real, and while I loved it, I knew I didn’t want to pursue it full-time.
What really spoke to me was storytelling. I discovered it in 2016, and it just clicked. I would write out full stories and then pull jokes from them, but deep down, I was more excited to tell the whole story. I once dreamed of being on Saturday Night Live and doing stand-up was always on my bucket list—but I’ve found that I’m more of an expressive storyteller.

Last summer (2024), on a whim, I decided to teach a storytelling workshop in Colorado Springs—and to my surprise, 12 people showed up! I realized so many others also wanted a space to tell their stories. That’s how The Story Lounge was born. I now host a monthly open mic, and I produced our first showcase on March 22nd, 2025. We sold over 30 tickets—which was a sold-out show at the Fifty-Niner venue! It’s been incredibly fulfilling to create a space where stories matter, and voices can truly be heard.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The Story Lounge journey has really just begun, and I’d be lying if I said it’s been smooth—it’s definitely been stressful at times! Storytelling is still relatively new in this area, and a lot of people struggle with stage fright. That’s totally normal, and we’re working through it together. I’m incredibly proud of the folks who have pushed past their fears and stood on that stage to share their truth. It takes courage, and every time someone gets up there, it’s a victory.

As for my own journey—it’s been a mix of stress and joy. I’ve always been a ball of nerves before any show, and that hasn’t changed! Whether I’m performing in someone else’s event or producing my own, I care deeply about showing up with intention and giving it my all. I’ve been organizing and producing shows for years, and while it comes naturally to me, the real challenge is rallying others to bring that same level of dedication. Passion matters, and if someone isn’t fully in, it shows—and I’ve learned that I can’t include them in the show unless they’re ready to bring their best. This work is too important to do halfway.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’ve been a writer for as long as I can remember—it’s always been at the heart of who I am. I’m naturally drawn to the arts. I’m a creative person, a crafter, and a storyteller. Professionally, I’m a writer and nonprofit consultant, while my personal life is filled with writing, storytelling, joke writing, and sharing stories on stage.

I don’t aspire to be a full-time comedian, but I love that I can weave humor into what I do. Hosting The Story Lounge gives me the perfect outlet to share jokes, stories, and connect with others who are discovering their own voice. I get to blend creativity with community—and that’s something I’m incredibly proud of.

What really sets me apart is that I stay in my own lane. I don’t compare myself to others or mimic what they’re doing. I follow my instincts, create what feels authentic, and if people connect with it, that’s fantastic. And if not—that’s okay too. I believe there’s power in doing your own thing and trusting that your people will find you.

What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is that I do my best every single day. Life isn’t easy, and I don’t believe in beating ourselves up over the small stuff—but I also don’t want to wake up 10 years from now filled with regret over something I didn’t try. I’ve met people who carry that kind of regret, and my heart truly goes out to them. But at the end of the day, I know I can’t change anyone’s life except my own.

So I’m going to keep showing up for myself, taking chances, and doing the things that matter to me—and I hope that, in doing so, I inspire others to do the same.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storylounge719
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storylounge719