Meet Chavonna Joi | Motivational Speaker, Creative Entrepreneur, Social Worker

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

Hi Chavonna, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
There will be failure. Sometimes we as entrepreneurs think we may just know it all. I’ve learned that it takes one person to start but takes a village to succeed. There’s always a team behind every successful person. I’ve also learned you must take chances in order to grow and that it’s ok to fail, it’s ok to start over and it’s normal to give up from being overwhelmed. We don’t want you to give up but that’s why I created my Brand to Inspire others to keep going, keep learning and keep growing. You will succeed behind many failures.

\

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Transitioning from a Social Worker to Creative Entrepreneur was definitely a transition. Have my Degree in Human Services minor Psychology. Love helping those is need. Rather is with food, clothing , finding services or empowering others. My passion has always been to be a self starter (serial entrepreneur). My creativity is was makes me different. I can sit and create art, create a new skill like making skin care, designing hats, creating or writing a book for aspiring entrepreneurs. It’s like God whispers in my ear and say Chavonna here’s your next task. I decided in 2021 to quit my 9-5 as a Social Worker and work for myself. My journey was not easy. As a entrepreneur I failed, I didn’t make any sales the first year of business, I thought I knew everything about being a boss and I didn’t. I learned in due time I had to seek help. I had amazing visions for my businesses but needed an extra ear or four haha to execute. A lot of learning, a lot of failure and and a lot of money being spent. What makes me keep going is challenges I’ve gone through in life as we all do at some point in our life. I’ve over came a lot by seeing my vision, praying to God and asking him is this dream I have for me, did you give me this art of creativity to not do anything with it. I looked at my goals and knowing there will always be challenges.

I want the world to know I started Joi of Hats (trucker hats) to not only wear it as a fashion peace but to Inspire you all. Inspire you to be a boss, to be courages, to keep pushing for your dreams and goals and to never give up on yourself because at the end of it all we all have a gift.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would definitely take my best friend to BlVD Bistro in Harlem- they have the best brunch in town so delicious, so check out their drinks, Jumbo shrimps and grits . In LA check out Avalon Hollywood in LA for night life. Malibu Beach is lovely. Of course NYC where people never sleep on 42nd Times Square always something to do but the best luxury hotel in NY is The William Vale if your looking for a jacuzzi in your room and great food.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Definitely wanna shout out J. Scott who stand strong and was in my ear daily to keep going and don’t give up. Shout out to my bro Wallace who was there when I wanted to give up because I was overwhelmed and pushed me to keep going no matter what. Last but not least my son. Shout out to my son Derric. He motivates me especially the lost of his father 2 years ago. He pushes me to be strong and keep pushing.

Website: www.joiofhats.com

Instagram: Joiofhats