I had heard a lot about Jules before I ever met her. We had mutual cast mates and worked on the same cruise ship at different times and the main things I knew was she was from New York, she was 'straight forward' and everyone I love loved her. When I finally met her in Chicago I was thrilled to find her honest and real and also wildly talented. And the more you're around her the more incredible things about her slip out. She is seamlessly cool and present both onstage and offstage and a deeply amazing and inspiring woman in a very low key way. Enjoy.
AS: Where are you from? Where do you live? What do you consider home?
JULES MORALES: I'm from Houston, Texas. However, I'm a military brat and have lived in Florida, Mississippi, and Panama. I currently live in Chicago. I'm honestly not sure what I consider home. I've moved and traveled so much, it's hard to tell. I can always count on going back to Houston where my Mom lives, Valrico where my Dad and StepMom live, and The Bronx where my Grandpa's house is.
AS: What are some self care activities that you do?
JM: The consist thing I do is have a gym membership that has a steam/sauna room included in the membership. It's the biggest thing I look forward to after working out. I bring lotions, scrubs, and face masks so that I can have my own little mini spa time. I also treat myself to an hour massage every now and then. I always make sure to budget that in. I also say "no" and do my best not to feel bad about it. I get invited to events, shows, and parties but sometimes it can be too much. If my schedule is becoming too demanding, I plan out a day that is only for me and I say "no" to any invites that conflict with my personal day.
AS: Pump song?
JM: There isn't just one for me. I have too many songs that keep me motivated and optimistic. Here are some...
Someday by The Black Eyed Peas
Golden by Jill Scott
Stand by Donnie McClurkin
All I Do Is Win by DJ Khaled
Compass and Guns by Thomas Newman
Soar by Christina Aguilera
Alright by Kendrick Lamar
AS: What do you struggle with?
JM: Like most people, I struggle with body image and my perception of myself. It's hard for me to reply to a compliment with a simple "thank you." I always make a face or question the other person's intentions before I respond with saying something negative about myself and then saying "thank you". It's an annoying habit that I have and I try to catch myself before I do it. Sometimes it slips but I'm aware of it. I spend more time boosting egos of others and not doing that for myself.
AS: Do you have a mantra or words to live by?
JM: I have a lot of sayings and reminders that I use to keep myself going. I normally remind myself that "no one is bigger than God." Before an audition or show that I'm nervous about, I quote Steve Martin's "be so good they can't ignore you." Romans 8:31 gets me through when I'm feeling worried or afraid, "if God be for us, who can be against us?" Those quotes keep me in check and remind me that I have nothing to fear.