Julie Taylor Shematz is an enthusiastic social justice missionary, who loves to encourage others with truth. Passionate about intimacy with God and inspiring others to fulfill their destinies, Julie has a powerful testimony of beauty from ashes. Growing up fatherless, she has overcome sexual & domestic abuse, offense, rejection, abandonment, depression, addictions and being a victim of human trafficking.  Her greatest pain has emerged as her most profound personal mission in life. 

In 2005, she founded Beauty from Ashes Ministries, Inc. a 501(c)(3), not for profit, faith-based public charity dedicated to reaching & assisting women, men and children involved and/or associated with the sex industry, commercialized sexual exploitation as well as trafficking and adult entertainment. She also serves as the organization's CEO. She is recognized nationally for her survivor-centered work with victims and outreach strategies that include going into adult entertainment establishments, porn expos and street outreaches.

Mrs. Shematz, currently enrolled at Florida Gulf Coast University and pursuing a Master's of Arts Counseling - Mental Health Counseling, is a licensed minister as well as a professional artist and educator that holds a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree from Herron School of Art/Indiana University.  While studying as a Dean’s List student at Purdue University, she was a triple major and ran on the women’s track team.  Julie still holds records set over 20 years ago. Additionally, Julie coached varsity track and swimming for 6 years in Lafayette, IN.  Working as a licensed hair, nail and makeup specialist for 9 years, her experience and work with all ages, socioeconomic classes and various professions is extensive.  A native of Indiana, she relocated to Fort Myers, Florida 8 years ago, where she met and married her husband Steve, 7 years ago.  They have no natural children but have adopted several spiritual children and have a dachshund named Jehu.