LeeAlex: Thank you so much for a very detailed and educational answer - much more than what I had expected!

As for being confused sometimes with Julianna Chen - not a bad thing actually when you think about it - it means you get a lot of credit for the Tenkai Palm without putting in the practice!

Do you have any online video material that is downloadable so that I might get a glimpse of your style?

Julie: You are most welcome!

Yes, I can think of worse things than being confused with Juliana! I am honoured to have her as a friend -- she is a lovely person. And HEY, I can actually do the Tenkai palm, though, admittedly, I prefer to use the gambler's cop.

You'll have to take my word for it because I don't have any video online with performing...yet. I'm considering posting on my web site but still prefer "the old fashioned way". In the past, I have found meeting clients face-to-face and doing a showcase for them (in their offices or committee meetings) has proven to be much more useful than a video. However, nowadays, I'm getting a range of different clients who may not necessarily be able to meet me on a face-to-face, so in those instances I usually send a short (5 minute) video.

So, the short answer on if I have downloadable video: no! Sorry.

Michael Jay: It's no secret that being in the entertainment industry wreaks havoc on personal relationships. Being married, how does your husband (Suley, I believe?) deal with your being on the road?

You've said that he is also your assistant. How does he do with that, from an emotional point of view?

Feel free to skip this one, Julie, as really, it is nobody's business but your own.

Mike.

Julie: I agree, the life of an entertainer can be tough – in many different areas of one's life… as I said before, there are sacrifices and risks with the job, but for me, the reward is fantastic! I guess that is why I do this work.

As for Suley…yes, he is my husband (we just celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary) and assistant. Prior to me meeting him, Suley had (and continues to) work for David Ben, The Conjuror. They have known each other for many years and have developed their own dialogue of magician/assistant. So really, I have David to thank for training Suley so well!

It's true!! Suley is an OUTSTANDING assistant and a pillar of support when it comes to my own magic and career. He loves traveling and touring because we meet so many different people, visit so many different communities and, as I mentioned in another post, we play in towns we would not normally visit. The Mystery of the Orient tours gave us a fabulous opportunity to visit Canada on a totally different level with my family, to boot!

I met Suley when working on David's show, The Conjuror. Being David's assistant, Suley's job included fetching me from the airport when I arrived in Toronto six years ago. So, when people ask how we met, he likes to tell them, “I picked her up at the airport!”. A GREAT line!! I think that line also tells you how clever and funny Suley is. I'm extremely lucky to have such a supportive husband and irreplaceable assistant. He is more than a mere assistant; he is my confidant. I count my lucky stars everyday!!

He allows me to show him new stuff without rolling his eyes (too much) and he is a ruthless critic. He'll tell you when you flash, for sure! And, he'll make clear what he sees you flashing and where you flashing! He's does not perform magic, but he's been privy to more than most. He's unlike magicians in his timing as well…you know how some magicians watch or react differently than those people of the “the real world”? Well, even assisting me as “spectator”, Suley takes his job seriously. He tells me truly what the spectator sees, and reacts with the timing of a real spectator. Again, a totally invaluable gift.

Suley has assisted many other magicians besides David and myself: he's also assisted my father, Tony Eng, Jade and Juliana Chen. He's always professional and never breathes anyone's secrets. Very discreet. What can I say? He takes his job very seriously and that brings such a solid level of reliability and confidence to me as a performer … and as his wife!

Michael Jay: Congratulations on your 5th wedding anniversary and please give my regards and congratulations to Suley, as well. It is a pleasure to know that you've got such a strong relationship.

Here's to a lifetime of anniversaries for you and your husband!

Julie: THANKS from the both of us!

Mouser: First of all, thank you so very much for coming to these forums to answer our questions.

May I ask: Do you feel that there are any characteristics of a magician that a woman can achieve more effectively than a man? For example, do you find that audiences are more trusting of a woman or that a woman is able to establish a friendly rapport more effectively?

Julie: Thank you for inviting me to this forum and for your questions.

Are there characteristics of a magician that I, as a woman, can achieve more effectively than a man? I don't believe that advantage lays in gender. I further do not believe that an audience trusts me more nor do they think I'm friendlier over a male magician. I think the key is in the presentation. If you tell the story well (perform the illusion to the audience's delight), then I believe you will shine -- whether you are a woman or man. If your stage presence and persona come across well to the audience, they'll be cheering you on and wanting more! The big secret really is that the content of your show be consistent with your stage persona. If you are true to that it'll come across as genuine and believable.

Magic can be challenging as well as entertaining. People will bring their suspicions, inquisitiveness, hesitation and the like, regardless if the performer is a man or woman. Bottom line: you are a presenter. I've always been encouraged by my various "coaches" to be myself, present in an engaging manner, listen to my audience and respond accordingly. It's been sage advice and has served me well!