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

Hi Joy, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind my success and brand is simply giving back. That is why community service and involvement are not only important within my life but in the business. Fashion in the community is what we are known for, and I am happy to provide that platform. Over the years’ our fashion mentoring, skating events, fundraisers, and donation drives have reached over 5,000 individuals. Each event speaks to the bigger purpose that we have at TJOS, to connect with the community. In return, clients can see that TJOS was not created just to make money but with a purpose in giving through fashion. Every time we host one of our community events, our customer list and collaborations grow. The money will come as long as we are walking in our purpose. God blessed me with the gift to touch and educate through fashion and history. That is something that I don’t take for granted. Through clients and consumers, I can share confidence, style, and rich history with the eyes and ears of those in my community. Most importantly, in ways, they have never seen, heard of, or thought of together. When we give without looking to receive anything in return, God blesses our obedience and dedication to his vision. That is what my life and TJOS’s foundation are built on. I am just a vessel and extension of a bigger purpose. So the simple answer is God is the most important factor in my success and the brand!

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?
We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about? TJOS stands out because our brand is about evolving, empowering, educating. Each part of our business allows us to reach a different group. Our mission is to bring fashion to the community. That means mentoring inspiring young girls, with fashion events connecting the industry, and styling by building confidence educating our clients to look and feel their best. I am most proud of our beautiful clients transforming to embrace and love their bodies. Today it is so easy to get discouraged because of what we see of others, and I’m here to help with that. The team and I bring a sense of calmness and comfort in getting to know our clients. Once our clients are comfortable, it allows us to create an environment of growth and joy for full engagement during the styling process. How did you get to where you are today business-wise. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way? TJOS is five years and counting, and none of this has been easy but all worth it. Having a business is like having a child to a certain extent. Each year comes with a new obstacle, growth, and focus point. When I first started, I thought I had to be grinding and moving nonstop. Then I quickly realized I cannot do it all myself, and rest is necessary. Thankfully I grew to have the support and team members that I needed to surround me. Another year it was learning how to balance and network with the right people. The lessons are endless, but the number one is remembering why I started. No matter how hard it may get, I always remember that I’m a vessel, and this is bigger than me. No obstacle can stop me from what already has my name on it. In my fifth year, I am focused on extending my reach of being a vessel and claiming everything that God has for me to speak and advocate through fashion. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story? I want the world to know that I am here to make an impact. TJOS is here to fill a lane in the industry that is needed. Less competition and more compliments. Less talking and more giving. I want us to be united so that we can build back the legacy that our ancestors created and had for us with Black Wall Street. Most importantly, I want others to stop telling a narrative of our story and for us to embrace and learn our history. That is why I created my podcast, Styled in Living Color to highlight our stories. This is our platform to give flowers to those Black in fashion past and present doing the work. If we want to see the change, we have to live it and do it. The best way I can do that, is by doing my part through my brand by educating, empowering, and bringing fashion to the community.

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?
Pre-Covid if my best friend was coming to town for a week we would hit the town with lots of outdoor activities. Starting on Sunday, we will go to bottomless brunch at my favorite spot Floriana in NW DC. From there, we will do a mini photoshoot to knock out some content. Brunch looks are always the best! On Monday, we will head to Artechouse in SW DC for one of their exhibits preferably, a cherry blossom interactive one. After the exhibit we will head over to the district wharf to eat, and grab some drinks at Lupo Marina. On Tuesday, we will go to the national harbor to get on a ferry ride to Old Town Alexandria to eat at Chart House. After the early dinner we will head back on the ferry to head back to the harbor and go to the paint room for a fun sip and paint. On Wednesday, we will head back into the city to go to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Cultural. On Thursday, we will grab some seafood and crab cakes, then go to a drive-in movie theater showing Harry Potter. On Friday, we will grab lunch from my go-to spot elevation burger then head to top golf with a group of our friends. Finally, on Saturday, we will head down to VA to Potomac Point for a day at the winery with tours and a picnic with the girls. This is the perfect end to a great week with my best friend. Especially with Covid and being in the house we are making up for old time.

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?
I would love to dedicate my shoutout to the strong Black Women from my family that instilled leadership, empowerment, and the importance of continued education. Coming from a family of educators when I was younger, I always assumed I would become a teacher to follow in their footsteps. Although I may not be the school teacher I envisioned, I am happy to say I am continuing the legacy. With education, my mom starting me in modeling, and the influence of my father’s love of history, I wouldn’t be me. Last but not least, special shoutout to my husband for expanding my creativity, pushing me out of my comfort zone, and continuously holding me accountable for myself and TJOS!

Website: WWW.TJOYOFSTYLING.COM

Instagram: @THEJOYOFSTYLING

Linkedin: Joy Lawson

Twitter: @thejoyofstyling

Facebook: The Joy of Styling, LLC

Youtube: The Joy of Styling

Other: email: info@tjoyofstyling.com

Image Credits
Photographers Credit: Jacob Webster, Cam Lawson, Sed Gary, Zach Johnson

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