We recently had the chance to connect with Julia Chang and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Julia, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are pretty simple but so grounding. I wake up, drink water, grab a hot beverage, usually coffee or tea, and then open up my Bible. That time with the Word and prayer centers me before anything else. After that, it’s light cleaning, like putting away the dishes. Honestly, it’s Jesus, a hot cup of something, and a tidy space. That combination sets the tone for the rest of my day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Julia Chang, and I am the founder of Crowned in Confidence and a Kingdom Pageant Physique Coach. I help Christian pageant women elevate their spirit, strength, and stage presence so they can shine with confidence and glorify God through their platforms.
My own story began as a wife, mom of three, and Taekwondo master who discovered pageantry later in life. That journey ignited my passion for strength training and self-discipline. Along the way, God shifted my focus to walking fully in my calling. And now I empower pageant queens to do the same.
What makes Crowned in Confidence unique is that it’s not just about pageant prep, it’s about Kingdom preparation. I weave faith, fitness, and stage presence into a holistic framework, helping queens step into their calling with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Right now, I’m focused on equipping women to embrace their God-given identity, strengthen their bodies with joy, and take the stage with influence that lasts far beyond a crown.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed I wasn’t the standard of beauty. The Miss USA pageant contestants I saw on TV didn’t reflect me. None of them were Asian, so in my young mind, beauty didn’t look like me. It wasn’t my features. I internalized the belief that I could only be considered beautiful when I was around other Koreans or Asians, but not in the wider world.
I no longer believe this. Pageantry actually played a surprising role in reshaping that narrative for me. While my ultimate validation comes from the King who created me in His image, there was healing in the moment when judges, none of whom were of Asian descent, chose me to represent the state of Maryland at Mrs. America. It reminded me that beauty is not confined to one standard or ethnicity. Today, I walk confidently knowing that my worth and beauty are defined by Christ, and pageantry became one of the tools God used to remind me of that truth.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be: “You are already beautiful, already chosen, and already enough, because God created you in His image. Don’t waste years trying to fit into someone else’s standard of beauty, and don’t try to fit the mold. The features you once questioned are the very ones God will use to set you apart. And one day, after becoming a mom, you’ll discover the gift of fitness as a way to honor the body God gave you.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
A belief I’m committed to, no matter how long it takes, is sharing the gospel. My entire mission as a Kingdom Pageant Physique Coach flows from that because elevating a woman’s spirit, strength, and stage presence isn’t just about pageantry, it’s about pointing her back to Christ. Titles and crowns fade, but the Word of God endures forever. If every queen I work with leaves not just physically prepared, but spiritually rooted and confident in her calling, then I’ve been faithful to the assignment God gave me.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had 10 years left, I would stop giving energy to offenses immediately. I would be truly unbothered, knowing they are nothing more than distractions from my purpose and calling. Offenses keep us stuck in cycles of bitterness and comparison, when God is calling us higher to walk in forgiveness and freedom.
My time, my gifts, and my heart are far too precious to waste on anything that pulls me away from the assignment He’s entrusted to me. Instead, I would pour every moment into elevating my spirit through His Word, strengthening my body as His temple, and stepping onto every stage of life with courage and Kingdom purpose. Because crowns and titles fade, but living fully for His glory will echo into eternity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.juliachang.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliachangcoaching/
Image Credits
Paul Buceta Photography
Rodgers Polk Photography
Sue Altenburg Photography
Rhonda Gilliam Photography
