Today we’re excited to be connecting with Joy Mcelveen again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.
Joy , always such a pleasure connecting with you and thank you for sharing your stories, insights and inspiring messages with our community. We’re looking forward to getting the download and what you have been up to since our last interview, but first can you briefly introduce yourself to folks who might have missed the prior conversation.
I’m Joy, originally from South Carolina, and I wear many hats—actor, entrepreneur, and founder of Joy Is Everywhere Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to spreading joy and uplifting communities. My journey has been one of passion, resilience, and purpose.
As an actor, I’ve had the opportunity to work on incredible projects, including NCIS: Los Angeles, NBC’s Happy’s Place, and comedy skits with Jimmy Kimmel Live. These experiences have deepened my love for storytelling and creating moments that connect with people.
Beyond acting, my nonprofit Joy Is Everywhere Inc. is about making joy a birthright, not a privilege. Since my last interview, we’ve expanded amazingly—forming partnerships with Dolce & Gabbana, the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, the YMCA, and the Boys & Girls Club. These collaborations help us bring joy to kids and families through wellness programs, community events, and special experiences. We’ve also launched a kids’ podcast and YouTube show, Our Friend Joy, designed for ages 4-10, with the first season now streaming.
What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to creating spaces where people—especially kids—feel seen, valued, and empowered. Whether through my acting, nonprofit, or kids’ programming, my goal is always to spark joy and inspire others to embrace their light.
Great, so let’s jump into an update on what you have been up to since we last spoke. What can you share with us?
Since our last conversation, life has been full of exciting growth, new opportunities, and deep gratitude. I’ve been able to step back into runway and print work, including commercials, which has been such a rewarding experience. Being in front of the camera in different ways—whether for acting, fashion, or brand work—continues to remind me how much I love creative expression.
On the acting side, I’ve had the opportunity to take on amazing projects, working on both comedic and dramatic roles. Every new experience pushes me to grow as an artist and storyteller, and I’m embracing all of it.
With Joy Is Everywhere Inc., we’ve been expanding our impact in incredible ways, forming new partnerships and creating more opportunities for kids and families. One of the most exciting developments has been launching Our Friend Joy, a kids’ podcast and YouTube show designed for ages 4-10. The first season is now streaming, and seeing how children engage with it has been so fulfilling.
Of course, this journey hasn’t been without challenges. Balancing my acting career, nonprofit work, and personal growth has required patience and trust in the process. There are moments when things don’t happen as fast as I’d like, but I’ve learned to lean into faith and consistency. The support I’ve received—whether from donors, partners, or the amazing kids we serve—reminds me that I’m on the right path. And I wouldn’t be here without my incredible friends and family, whose love and encouragement continue to uplift me. I’m so blessed and full of gratitude for their support.
Right now, I’m most excited about what’s ahead. I’m looking forward to continuing to build Joy Is Everywhere Inc., expanding our reach, and bringing more joyful experiences to communities. I’m also pushing forward in my acting career and embracing every opportunity that allows me to grow as an artist. This next chapter feels like a season of soaring, and I’m ready for it.
We have now arrived at one of our favorite parts of the interview – the lightning round. We’ll ask you a few quick questions to give us all some fun insights about you.
- Favorite Movie: The Bodyguard
- Favorite Book: The Let Them Theory
- Favorite TV Show: Reasonable Doubt
- Favorite Band or Artist: Cleo Sol
- Sweet or Savory: Sweet
- Mountains or Beach: Mountains
- Favorite Sport (to watch): Football
- Favorite Sport (to play): Basketball
- Did you play sports growing up (if so which ones): Yes, Basketball and ran Track
- As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up: News Reporter
- French Fries or Onion Rings: French Fries
- Chuck Rhodes or Bobby Axelrod: Bobby Axelrod
- Favorite Cartoon growing up: Doug
- Favorite Childhood movie: Little Rascals
- Favorite Breakfast Food: Potatoes/hashbrowns
What do you want people to remember about you and your brand? What are some of things that you feel are most important, unique, special, etc?
I want people to remember that kindness is not just a quality—it’s a way of moving through the world with intention and love. That protecting your peace is necessary, but so is knowing when to step up and take action.
I want people to know that my love for kids is at the heart of everything I do. The world can feel chaotic and divided, but I believe that light is always there, and it starts with how we nurture and uplift our children. When kids are affirmed and inspired from a young age, they grow up knowing that joy is their birthright.
I want to be remembered as someone who made a real difference—not just in my community, but on a global scale. My hope is for a world where joy is not just a fleeting moment but a way of life, where kids everywhere have spaces to thrive, dream, and be reminded of their greatness.
And above all, I want people to know that I am my name. I am Joy—but I am also human. I feel it all. But it’s my resilience, my faith, and the tools I’ve learned along the way that keep me moving forward. And that’s what makes this journey so purposeful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.joyis-everywhere.org
- Instagram: @joy.mcelveen ; @joyiseverywhereinc ; @ourfriendjoy
- LinkedIn:
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OurFriendJoy
Image Credits
Bahareh.co photography
Prime Choice Photography
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