Unleashing the Power of the Enneagram: Interview with Julianne Ishler
Julianne initially came to Lettering Works in summer 2021 and just under two years later was ready to take the jump into a custom branding project together after making extensive progress growing her business and offerings.
Get to know Julianne Ishler, the Enneagram-loving writer being Enneagram Empress, and see how we built a universe of cute characters around the Enneagram together…
Tell me a little about yourself.
I'm a copywriter, content strategist, and an Enneagram practitioner. I love to write and I love to dream up new ideas and explore new places. A good playlist can always turn my mood around. I'm an Enneagram 6w7 and a Sagittarius sun and moon, and Cancer rising. I love pretty much all spiritual modalities. Oh! And I also have a big sweet tooth —Jeni's ice cream is my favorite.
What is your background (education, previous jobs and/or experiences) that led you to copywriting and The Enneagram?
I've been a writer my whole life. And I've always been curious about people's personalities my whole life. I actually used to analyze people's dreams at recess (always fascinated by the subconscious, ha!).
I studied Television-Radio, Scriptwriting at Ithaca College and after graduating, ended up as a celebrity gossip reporter in Los Angeles. I got to go to a fair share of red-carpet events and interview some cool celebrities. But the job wasn't for me. I moved back to Chicago and started working for a fast-paced startup doing writing and editorial work. Then, as that industry evolved, I got involved in social media marketing and copywriting, which I've been doing now for the past few years. I've worked for a variety of creative agencies across different industries such as tech, finance, and hospitality. Currently, I'm a Senior Copywriter at Accenture where I'm doing all of this on a larger scale and getting to work with some cool clients in a rapidly shifting industry (in both scary AND exciting ways).
But anyway! I discovered the Enneagram in 2019 and my whole world opened up. I've used it in so many different ways, from understanding others to looking more deeply at myself and even to shape the voice and the tone of brands that I'm writing for.
Customized Enneagram Symbol
Hand-Lettered Enneagram Brand Pattern
What led you to start your business?
I've always wanted to have my own business. I started out just posting self-discovery content on Instagram - everything from Enneagram to tarot to journaling prompts. I then started offering some coaching spots (which I no longer offer, as I discovered that wasn't really for me.) In 2020, I decided to get certified as an Enneagram coach through the School of Conscious Living. That was when I was dealing with some major career burnout and was rethinking things. The Enneagram really helped me find passion again in the work that I do as well as deepen my relationships.
Over time, my business has evolved so much, but the heart of it has stayed the same, which is to help people become the best versions of themselves and own their narratives. It's so cool to be able to combine two things I love: storytelling and the Enneagram. I have two distinct areas of my business that I'm focusing on now, which is self-discovery and brands. For the self-discovery area, I offer journals and resources to help you learn more about yourself through the Enneagram. The brand aspect is all about using the Enneagram to create personality-driven content and messaging. Fun fact, I haven't rolled out the latter portion yet, but this is what I will eventually be expanding my business into.
What do you think is most interesting or unique about The Enneagram?
I love that the Enneagram doesn't put you into a box. It's so easy to label yourself as "such an Enneagram 7!" or something only a 1 would do. But when you really get into the heart of the Enneagram, you'll see that it provides a blueprint for you to access ALL nine Enneagram types. I think that aspect of the Enneagram is super unique because you can learn something from each type, you know?
Enneagram Empress Primary Logo
Enneagram Empress Secondary Logo
What are some of your short and long term goals?
Let me channel my inner Type 3 for this one.
Short-term goals: Roll out a couple of new journals. I have a shadow work journal in the works that I've been really excited about. I also want to make an oracle deck to accompany The Full Circle Enneagram journal, which is my main "9 types approach" journal.
Long-term goals: As mentioned above, I'd love to offer services that help small business owners and brands tell their unique stories. At some point in the future, I'll be offering content strategy services through the lens of the Enneagram, which I've been really excited about for a while. I've accepted the fact that I'm in for a good slow burn on building my business and am grateful to be in the position that I'm in right now with a job that challenges me and builds my skills and a business that I can nurture and help others discover new things about themselves.
Aside from the business stuff, I really want to keep traveling and seek out new experiences, because that's where creativity really opens up for me.
What is one of your favorite projects you've done?
The Full Circle Enneagram journal is probably my favorite thing I've done. It reflects the nine types philosophy, which is that each of the nine Enneagram types is within us. It starts off with an introduction to the Enneagram where you meet your "cast of characters" AKA the 9 Enneagram types that were illustrated and brought to life by Lettering Works. Then, you move through each Center of Intelligence (body, heart, and head) and learn about each type and their growth and healing lessons. THEN, there are some reflective prompts and explorations that help you learn from that type and embody it.
Enneagram Custom Character Set by Lettering Works
Custom Lettering of the Nine Types of the Enneagram
How would you describe the process of working with Lettering Works to establish your branding?
The process was super collaborative and exactly what I needed to get a kickstart on my vision for Enneagram Empress. We started off with a strategy session to get aligned on themes and how each character should be expressed. I absolutely love how each character is an embodiment of the type - some are super subtle in their expressions and characteristics, but each reflects the Enneagram-type personality to a tee.
What did you enjoy most about working with Lettering Works?
I'd say I enjoyed the creative collaboration the most. Even though I wasn't physically in the room with you while designing, it felt very hands-on in the fact that I would review each iteration and provide any feedback, which ultimately led to everything that it is now.
What value have you received from your logo and brand assets?
Where do I begin! I think having something recognizable and unique will set me apart. But also, it opens up the door for so many creative opportunities with something that I feel confident about. I would spend forever on Canva trying to design something, which zapped up a lot of time and energy for the stuff I should be focusing on, like, you know, content. Now that I have a refreshed logo and Enneagram-type characters, I can really expand my business and share the joy that I have for the Enneagram in an authentic way.
Enneagram 6 - The Loyalist
Enneagram 4 - The Artist
Part of your branding included characters for each of the nine Enneagram types. Which one is your favorite?
How do I choose? All of them are so distinct and I've grown attached to each and every one. If I had to pick one, out of bias because it's my type, it's probably the Type 6, The Loyalist. The rings around the planet represent the thought patterns of Type 6 which can often feel like a loop. But in a very fun and playful way. I also love the subtle teardrop of Type 4, The Artist. That was the very last detail we put on all of these characters if I remember right. Once that was added, I was like, "That's it. Mission accomplished."
Why do you think creatives should invest in branding their businesses?
It shows that you take your craft seriously and as mentioned above, it opens up the door for so many possibilities. People start to recognize you. They develop a relationship with you and your business. Maybe they buy from you or maybe they don't, but someone they know buys from you. Branding is all about how you connect to people and how you leave an impression. Investing in branding is so necessary to truly stand out.
Lettering Works new tagline by Julianne: “Customizing brands. Elevating confidence. Empowering the creative community.”
You paid in part by taking advantage of Lettering Works’ Artist Trade Program. What was this experience like for you? What value do you think this program provides to artists?
The experience was wonderful. I love that you offer this option and how you believe in the creative potential of others. I really see it as community building. It's like, you share your talents to create something that benefits you both. I absolutely loved working with you on your website copy and I got a lot out of the experience.
Why do you think artists should consider applying for a trade with Lettering Works?
It's a unique offering and honestly, a really great way to test out something you're working on or piloting. I don't formally offer freelance copywriting services or have an official package. But working with you on the website copy helped me put on my organizational hat on in terms of auditing, strategy, and then writing. In the future when I do officially offer my services, I'll have a whole process that's ready and tested.
