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

Joya , appreciate you joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My parents instilled hard work and core values. They brought me up with a firm belief in God and Jesus Christ. Those lessons will never be lost. Faith and prayer is definitely something they got right.

Joya , 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?

I have a story just like any other creative. However, I feel what may set me apart is the ability to actually care for a person first despite of what they have to offer or what I can benefit from. Which, in these times are rare and it can be misunderstood as “being fake or an opportunist”. When in reality I cherish knowing a person for themselves and wish to build a professional relationship based on a personal one.
Personal relationships last longer than any business relationship. Which is why I aim towards having an authentic personal connection with others and being able to build a business together from that.
I’m most proud of my resilience and being able to continue to persevere when I’m constantly in a room full of snakes.
However, I would be lying if I said that I didn’t love being in a room full of people who doubt me, or may not like me or may disregard me. I laugh to myself inside because I’m purely and spiritually fulfilled and happy. That is something that they are missing within themselves and I have it. My confidence and faith exceeds the energy it takes to dismantle my future endeavors.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I’m a navy veteran, I was stationed overseas in Italy. It was one of the hardest times of my life. Unfortunately, I was a victim of MST (military sexual trauma). Official records.
Years later , despite all of this I still continued my duty to my country. ( Obama Campaign). Yet still fighting for my veterans benefits to this day.
How can I have been part of a historical win for a Presidential election and still not be able to reep any benefits?
Being resilient (for me) means knowing that there is better to come even out of the most difficult situations.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, my mission is to show that the good guy really does win. You don’t have to cheat, lie or manipulate to be authentic and loved.
I have 200 followers yet I’m still here. That alone should harness respect.
I’m a firm believer in credentials over followers.

Contact Info:

• Website: J.m. Management.com
• Instagram: J.M. Way management
• Facebook: Joya Monique Gresham

Image Credits

@looksbylunden