Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Joel Barnes. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Joel, thanks for joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?
I just want to take a moment to acknowledge my mom and grandmother for the way they raised me. They understood what I would need as I grew up, especially with the way things were at the time. Both of them had a feeling that things would eventually shift, and now we’re seeing that shift. I’m so grateful for how they better prepared me for what’s come. I’ve experienced life from two different perspectives: one within a group setting and another in isolation, so I’ve had the chance to see things from both angles.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
During the pandemic, I started filming the meals I was making for lunch or dinner. I began sharing my cooking experiences and experimenting with new recipes. Eventually, when I’d go out to eat, I’d share my thoughts on the experience. Recently, I’ve been feeling the urge to get back to more personal content, like cooking certain recipes or adding my own spin to what other creators have made.
Here’s something cool: I think it’s pretty awesome that I’m a creator and an artist, but I also have a regular job. Monday through Friday, I’m an elementary art teacher, and during my free time or whenever I feel inspired, I create content. On top of that, I also help my mom with her brand, Coffee Conversation & Christ.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Before teaching, I worked as a server at Outback Steakhouse for about eight years. After a while, I grew tired of the restaurant industry and switched to hospitality, working at Hampton Inn & Suites. One night, while working the night audit shift, I realized that this wasn’t the career path I wanted. I felt disconnected from my relationship with God and wasn’t able to attend church as regularly as I wanted. My spirit was pulling me in a different direction. That night, while on shift, I said a prayer to God: ‘Lord, if you bless me with a new career opportunity, I promise I’ll make sure I’m in church every Sunday, because that’s the least I can do for you, especially after you’ve made a way for me during a tough time in my life when I had my own apartment and could barely cover my rent, yet you continued to bless me.’
Long story short, that same night I filled out an application for PGCPS, and because I had a bachelor’s degree in Visual Communications Digital Arts, I was offered the opportunity to become an elementary art teacher for the 2018 school year. Six years later, I’m still teaching art and working to influence my students to pursue their goals, whether it’s in art or any other field.
While teaching, I also discovered another creative outlet beyond drawing and painting: content creation. If you knew me personally, you’d probably never guess I’d want to get in front of a camera and share my passion for cooking, give tutorials, and create recipes—whether they’re meals, drinks, or desserts. But cooking has become as much a love of mine as art. I enjoy the challenge, and I love where it has taken me. Now, I’m having my second interview with you all, which is amazing. Be sure to check out my food page @Tha_FlavorFiles and my art page @jo_flavord3signs.
Honestly, other than my mother, I can’t thank anyone more than my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for bringing me this far. I’m thankful for the gift of creativity and for the new heights it’s taking me to. I trust that as long as I continue to put in the work and trust in the Lord, more opportunities will come my way.
‘Life Has Rewards’—it’s not just a quote; it’s also the name of the clothing line my business partner and I run. We’ve taken a break for now, but we’re excited to get back to making merch. Check us out on Instagram @lifehasrewardsclothing.
Is there a mission driving your creative journey?
I don’t have a particular goal, so to speak, because as a creative, I believe a job is never truly ‘done.’ You’re always feeding that creative spark inside of you. Right now, my focus is on influencing as many students as I can to realize that no matter how big their goals or dreams are, they can achieve them by never giving up. My hope is that one day, I’ll look up and hear former students say, I saw Mr. Barnes do this, and he inspired me. He always told me to never give up on my dreams.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.behance.net/JJJB213
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tha_flavorfiles?igsh=ZXRqZzZwZ3JlaXI5&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jjjb213?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThaFlavorFiles
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=VjhEOl_p8v7_qJKfUWdDTQ&utm_source=ishare
Image Credits
Myself