We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Joy Washington a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Joy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

My biggest risk was leaving my 9-5 to go for my dreams.

It was a hard decision to just jump and go being that stable income is required to survive.

I was very scared but I was also very eager to get to the level I wanted.

My first full day as an entrepreneur started in Miami and I have been on the go since then.

I started hitting my prime era and as life always goes, curveballs can happen at any time.

That put a pause on everything and had me rethink what I was doing, why I was doing it too, and what to do from there.

I realized I was unhappy and depressed, my environment was no longer helping me progress, I allowed things to distract me/ get in my way and I wasn’t where I wanted to be at.

I took another risk and moved back home.

I then realized that the answers to what I wanted were in front of me the whole time.

By Going back to use my resources from past jobs/ old networks, I was able to connect with a new network and open doors for the career path my heart is set on.

I’m looking forward to what the future brings me.

Joy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

How I got started :

During the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, I lost my job and all sources of income.

I quickly came up with a solution to start my own business in social media and photography.

My creativity and love for arts goes back to my childhood playing the clarinet and staring photography at 15.

I also have multiple sclerosis and I needed to find something that would keep me motivated, happy and brain stimulating!

I’m currently a Photographer, Content Producer , And Journalist Who Loves To Spread Joy Through My Work.

Attention To Detail And Focusing On My Subject Is Something That Comes To Me Naturally In All Areas.

My energy is my currency and opens many doors for me.

People ask me how I do it :

Energy is everything,
Energy is currency, and trust your instincts and be true to yourself.

My proudest moment is securing a media partnership with a bank.

CannaFirst Financial,
( Powered By Merchants & Marine Bank, Member FDIC ) .

I have also been considered as a photography freelance candidate for major well known brands:

Amusement parks, Candy brands , Food Brands and more.

Even though I didn’t make it to the final round for selection, It’s nice to know I’m on the right path and I have the eyes I want on me!

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Rule #1.

Your Network Is Your Networth and You’re Your Environment.

Using Linkedin as my main network and Instagram as my second has made a major difference as well.

You also need great customer service skills!

I have met the majority of my future clients at events while working for another client.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Networking, Going To Events, Posting, Taking Social Media Courses, YouTube, and Following Pages That Align.

Someone is always watching, Always!!!

Even when you don’t see it. Even if the likes aren’t adding up.

Stay authentic to yourself, especially on Social Media.

I use Instagram, Linkedin, and Tiktok.

Example:

On Instagram, you never know who might be in your stories daily.

I have had many surprises from celebrities, artists, athletes, and more.

Keep going, keep posting, make sure you’re following pages that align with your career path.

Stay Focused, You could create another account for platime/entertainment when you have extra time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://joywash66.myportfolio.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/cannavibezzllc_media?r=nametag
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joy-w-5636581a7
• Twitter: https://x.com/cannavibezzllc/status/1638625265722228737?s=46&t=-sEUvmWDRmFz-h2i2i3hGQ