We had the good fortune of connecting with Joy Rush and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joy, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting my own business, honestly, wasn’t a part of my plan. I had been a team leader in the world of higher education for years. I always enjoyed encouraging new students and creating processes in higher Ed that allowed parents and students to feel confident in their investment. My job was mostly fulfilling, but I always felt a strong desire to connect and mentor our younger generation. I started to volunteer and became a board member for a few child-based organizations. During the time, I became interested in yoga and decided to teach what I had learned to my mentees. The kids loved it so much that they told their parents and used some of the techniques to help with test anxiety and home pressures. Most of the kids I worked with at the time had no experience and never heard of yoga and meditation. To help younger students connect, games, fun yoga challenges and music were added; a play-based yoga concept was born! Soon after, I was asked to bring my yoga concept to a small private school and eventually the Yoga Joy program grew to multiple schools, partner organizations, birthday parties, a kids studio and now virtual programs and a best selling book. My entrepreneurship journey was definitely not a planned and carefully executed process. It was a combination of when preparation meets opportunity and a strong belief that this is my calling.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Yoga Joy is a play-based yoga, meditation and mindfulness program that caters to ages 2-12 with Mommy & Me, family fun yoga programs and birthday parties. I felt guided towards this goal of entrepreneurship. I worked and gave my best in class, teacher trainings and events. Eventually doors started to open that I never could have projected. I overcame the COVID pandemic with virtual programs after being forced to close studio doors. I’ve learned to offer multiple options and how to expand virtually across the country. I’d like the world to know that you can start a business from scratch with no funding and make it happen. Never be afraid to ask for help and advice from experienced entrepreneurs!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We’d spend most of our time in the city . Enjoy shopping in Buckhead. Lunch at Slutty Vegan because it’s the best vegan experience. Kandi Burrus’ restaurant Blaze to support other black business. For ambiance, we would enjoy Polaris for the view.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to shoutout, a good friend, Jasmine Turner. I am grateful to have had my share of support throughout this entrepreneurship journey, but Jasmine never ceases to amaze me with her love and support. Jasmine has stood in the gap as an instructor, PR, encouragement and more! If I could encourage a new entrepreneur, it would be two main points, surround yourself with positive people and continue to focus on positive thoughts and go for it!

Website: www.yogajoyrva.com

Instagram: @yogajoyrva

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/yogajoyrva

Image Credits
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