We had the good fortune of connecting with Joyce Stanley and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Joyce, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting Stanley Professional Services was a deeply personal journey for me. It all began with my genuine passion for the industry and a burning desire for greater autonomy. I saw an opportunity to offer specialized solutions to clients in a way that truly resonated with my values and my vision of success.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career journey has been quite the adventure, filled with its share of ups and downs. What really makes my story unique is the way I’ve managed to balance a full-time role as an executive administrative assistant in the federal government with the responsibilities of running my small business.
I take immense pride in the ability to juggle these two worlds and do well in both. It’s not always been a walk in the park, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. The key to making it work has been dedicated time management and setting clear priorities.
Challenges have been plentiful, but they’ve taught me some important life lessons. I’ve learned the importance of resilience, adaptability, and knowing when to ask for help. Perseverance and a strong work ethic have been my guiding lights.
My hope is that my journey shows the world that with determination, you can balance a full-time career with entrepreneurship. It’s possible to follow your passion while keeping a steady job, and with the right mindset, the sky’s the limit. My story is proof that hard work, ambition, and smart time management can lead to personal and professional fulfillment.
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?
Day 1 – Welcome to Atlanta:
Morning: Start with breakfast at the Flying Biscuit Café for some Southern-style goodness.
Mid-Morning: Visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site and learn about the Civil Rights Movement.
Lunch: Head to Ponce City Market for diverse dining options.
Afternoon: Explore the Atlanta Belt-Line, a scenic urban trail.
Dinner: Try traditional Southern comfort food at Mary Mac’s Tea Room.
Day 2 – Culture and History:
Morning: Begin with a delicious brunch at Buttermilk Kitchen.
Mid-Morning: Visit the High Museum of Art for a dose of culture.
Lunch: Head to The Varsity, an Atlanta institution.
Afternoon: Discover the history of Atlanta at the Atlanta History Center.
Dinner: Savor a meal at Empire State South.
Day 3 – Nature and Outdoors:
Morning: Grab breakfast at Ria’s Bluebird.
Mid-Morning: Explore the serene Atlanta Botanical Garden.
Lunch: Enjoy a picnic at Piedmont Park.
Afternoon: Visit the Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest in the world.
Dinner: Dine at Canoe for a scenic riverside experience.
Day 4 – Day Trip to Athens:
Morning: Take a day trip to Athens, Georgia, about an hour away.
Lunch: Eat at The Grit for excellent vegetarian cuisine.
Afternoon: Explore the historic town and visit the University of Georgia campus.
Dinner: Try the local fare at Last Resort Grill.
Evening: Enjoy the vibrant music scene that Athens is known for.
Day 5 – Entertainment and Food:
Morning: Breakfast at Home Grown for Southern comfort food.
Mid-Morning: Visit the World of Coca-Cola to learn about the iconic beverage.
Lunch: Head to Krog Street Market for a diverse food hall experience.
Afternoon: Explore the Martin Luther King Jr. historic district.
Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Two Urban Licks, known for its wood-fired cuisine.
Day 6 – Day of Exploration:
Morning: Start with brunch at West Egg Café.
Mid-Morning: Visit the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum.
Lunch: Experience gourmet and greasy hot dogs at The Varsity.
Afternoon: Head over to Treat Your Feet in Buckhead for a little down time and relaxation by getting pampered with back and feet massages.
Dinner: Dine at The Optimist, famous for its seafood.
Day 7 – Farewell Atlanta:
Morning: Brunch at Le Petit Marché for a cozy and delicious meal.
Mid-Morning: Visit the Center for Civil and Human Rights to round off the cultural experience.
Lunch: Enjoy an eclectic meal at The General Muir.
Afternoon: Shop and explore the neighborhoods of Little Five Points.
Farewell Dinner: Head to The Capital Grille for a memorable farewell dinner.
This itinerary covers a mix of history, culture, nature, and delicious Southern cuisine. It doesn’t get any better than this!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely, I’d love to give a shoutout to some incredible individuals and sources of inspiration in my life. First and foremost, my husband has been an unwavering pillar of support, and my late parents instilled in me the values that drive my journey. My children and grandchildren continues to motivate me daily.
Family, in its entirety, has played a crucial role in my success. They’ve provided the love, encouragement, and belief in my potential that has been instrumental in getting me to where I am today.
In terms of mentorship, I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my Master Life Coach, Jasmine Stokes. Her guidance and wisdom have been invaluable in shaping my path and helping me achieve my goals.
There are also so many people who have supported me along the way, too many to list individually, but they know who they are, and their encouragement has been an integral part of my journey.
Website: www.stanleyprofessionalservices.com
Instagram: @stanleyprofessionalservices_
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stanleyprofessionalservices
Image Credits
Image credits go to L3gendary Photos.