Not the Plan, But Definitely the Purpose
A conversation with a certified coach who went from makeup counters to million-dollar recruiting to helping people find their true path.
I met with Julia Evans one afternoon, and within minutes, I understood why people are drawn to her. She’s refreshingly honest about her unconventional journey from accounting to makeup artist to life & career coach. Over coffee, she shared a story that proves sometimes the best career path is the one you never saw coming.
This article is for anyone who wants more out of life and don’t think it’s possible. It is, and there are people out there who genuninely care to help.
Let’s start from the beginning. Did you always know you wanted to be a coach?
(Julia laughs) Not even close. Let’s just say this wasn’t the plan. I didn't grow up dreaming of becoming a life and career coach. Heck, I didn’t even know that was a thing. If you told teenage me growing up in Half Moon Bay that one day I’d be helping people find their purpose, I would have looked at you like you have three heads.
What did teenage you want to be? And were your parents supportive?
A cosmetologist! I could already see myself helping people look fabulous. A palette of makeup colors in one hand, lip gloss in another. I was sure that was my path. My parents supportive? Not so much. I think there exact words were, “Absolutely not. You should look into accounting. That’s a sound career.”
I was great at math, and to them, it made sense. My grandmother and mom were strong minded women who led their lives with full purpose. They drilled into me from an early age that education was everything. Read. Study. Get good grades.
That sounds like a lot of pressure. Was it?
It was, but honestly? I’m grateful. That foundation gave me the work ethic to chase and survive every twist that came my way. So, I went to Chico State with a major in accounting and a minor in not sure how this is going to play out.
But, life had other plans. I got into a car accident my second year and had to come home to recover. With a lot of time on my hands and creativity in my head, I took a slight detour and became a makeup artists anyway. My parents came around. I worked cosmetic lines and was living my best eye liner life. That was the beginning of a colorful stretch of career moves, each one leading to a new hue of who I am.
I was a weight loss counselor (don’t ask, I’m still not sure about that one). Then I was a receptionist, accountant, controller. I made jewlery. I renovated homes. And yes, I own a tile saw and know how to use it.
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That’s quite a range. What attracted to each area?
Every job added a skill and something interesting about it. Through them all, the commonality was creativity and helping people. I was painting and selling art, taking on big renovations for my home, geeking out over color palettes and grout lines. It was messy and magical. Until 2008 rolled in with a recession. It changed things.
After that, I leaned into accounting full-time. It paid the bills, and I actually enjoyed it. Then one day, I walked into Robert Half looking for a recruiter job and walked out with one on their accounting team. And turned out, I was really good at it. I hit a million-dollar milestone in under a year.
That’s incredible. So, you found your calling?
You’d think so, right? But eventually, that feeling of wanting more returned. I couldn’t quite put my finger on what was missing.
In 2021, while recovering from a back injury and did something totally unexpected. I hired a life coach. That was a lightbulb moment. I realized that no matter the job — recruiting, designing, painting, makeup, I was always helping people figure things out. And it filled me with purpose. That was the common thread. That…was me.
So, you decided to become a coach?
I got certified, started my own business, and people came. First, they wanted help with career direction. Then resume rewrites, LinkedIn enhancements, interview coaching. Before I knew it, I was guiding high school and college students through major choices and helping them avoid wasting loads of money on the wrong degree, and professionals at crossroads. People who are stuck, burned out, or just tired of chasing someone else’s version of “success.” I help them find their path.
Looking back at the zigzags, do you see a connection now?
Absolutely. Life has a funny way of pulling you exactly where you’re meant to be. Every turn had purpose. Every job, every skill, every detour was preparing me for this.
What would you say to someone who feel like they want more or that they’ve wasted time on the wrong path?
It’s never too late to be what you want to be. Whether you’re 18 or 68, you can reinvent yourself. I’m living proof. If you’re standing at a crossroads wondering which way to go, know this: sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is stop trying to follow the plan and start following the pull.
Any final thoughts for readers, Julia?
(Julia grins) If you’ve made it this far, you should know I’m not your average coach. I’m a pink-loving, power-tool-wielding, spreadsheet-building makeup blend of strategy and heart. My path was perfectly mine colorful and completely unplanned. And I believe yours can be too. One conversation could be the start of your own zigzag-to-purpose story. What’s yours?
And with that, my conversation with was Julia was over. I just loved her energy and admire her passion for what she does. If you would like to meet Julia, let me know. I’m happy to make an introduction. You can also learn more about her if you’re interested at Guide Life Wellness.
