We are so happy to be able to welcome the newest member of our team here at Wear Your Music, Joy!  We sat down with Joy to get to know her a little bit. Keep reading to learn more about our new friend and colleague Joy, about what inspires her, why she chose Wear Your Music and which artist she's a little embarrassed to admit she likes! 

WYM: What did you always want to be when you grew up and how has that dream changed since becoming an adult?

Joy: I always wanted to be a writer and a traveler, but not necessarily merged together. I always thought I would write travel pieces as well, but I wanted the bulk of my writing to be my own personal story. Part autobiography and part self-help is the book I always dreamed of writing. While my book is not written (yet), I do write for The Mighty, a digital health community created to empower those facing health challenges and disabilities. I also run a blog focused on mental health, self-care, yoga, wellness, my personal journey and I am a content writer for different clients, one of which involves traveling. I realized once I had my son that life is short and while my goals and dreams are important to me, I acknowledge any time I have with my family is but a promised hope, so I never rush. I savor every moment and as my goals shift and morph, I have gratitude for the ebb and flow of my life. 
 

WYM: Who inspires you?

Joy: Easy. My son. He is 11, however beyond his years. From early on, he was not supposed to be here. Then when he came, they said he wouldn’t make it. Then when he made it, they said he’d never progress. He has never stopped moving forward since the beginning. He is always wanting to learn more. He is the most intelligent person I have ever met. His thirst for knowledge is almost palpable. His empathetic soul in his super power. At 11 years old, he teaches me to accept who I am, flaws and all. He is different. HE KNOWS THIS, but instead of hiding in the shadows he stands up for who he is, what he believes in and all those who need a voice. If I truly want to be anything when I grow up, I want to be just like my son Landon. 
 

WYM: What are you most proud of accomplishing?

Joy: My Art of Yoga workshops for kids & teens. I know how hard it is to get out of my own head sometimes. Kids these days are living in a fast-paced digital world and sometimes need to be brought back down to their center. My program aims to teach kids coping mechanisms, learn about positive self-talk, being mindful and caring for others. We do yoga, play games, talk about their feelings, learn breathing techniques and so much more. My goal is help kids make their social emotional learning a priority. It is a powerful tool they can use for the rest of their lives. Self-care is never selfish. 
 

WYM: What made you want to work for Wear Your Music?

Joy: I am all sorts of crafty. I make jewelry, scrapbook, paint, art journal and so much more. I love working with my hands. I also am a huge supporter of local businesses that give back to the community. When the opportunity arose, I jumped at the chance and applied for the position of Jewelry & Production Assistant. In addition to being crafty, I am the friend you call when you want something organized! I love writing and running my yoga classes, but I also was missing the camaraderie of a traditional workplace. I have been working for myself for over 10 years and I felt like it was time for me to branch out. I was looking for something that I knew would benefit from my skills and where I would enjoy coming to work. Hannah has created something unique in Wear Your Music and she has given me the chance to use my crafty & organizational skills for good. I am grateful to work for such an amazing company with a charitable mission behind it. 

WYM:  What’s one song or artist that you’re embarrassed to admit you like?

Joy: Taylor Swift. This one even surprised me. I was not a fan at first. I didn’t dislike her, I just wasn’t a fan. But, as she got older, her music took a turn as well. It got edgier and she started to write about the world in its current climate. She is a storyteller. As a lover of words, I can appreciate that about any artist. What stands out with her, is her ability to use her music for good. She advocates for change, love & equality. She has a way of making advocacy look easy, when we know it is not. I was embarrassed to admit I listened to her a while back, but now I know that it should be less about what others think and more about the way an artist makes you feel. She gives me hope and empowers me to do good. What more could you want in a song or an artist?

Welcome to the team Joy!