We’re looking forward to introducing you to Joelle Garfinkel. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Joelle, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I’m a true believer in the power of a morning routine, and setting the tone for the day. I try to wake up a full hour before my son so I can have some time for myself, as well. That first hour is filled with self-care: lemon water with herbs, journaling, meditating, stretching, doing a morning card pull, and reading some non-fiction (if there’s time). Once my son wakes up, I make us both breakfast, feed our dog, make his lunch for school, check in with any pressing work matters, get dressed, and drop him off at school. It’s jam packed, but starts us off on the right foot!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’ve worked on 25 shows during her 18-year career as a post PA, Writers’ Assistant, Showrunners’ Assistant, Script Coordinator, Staff Writer, and freelance television writer. During that time, I created the webseries “Cam Girls”, penned episodes for Tig ‘n Seek, Foundation, Fire Country and was staffed on NBC’s Ordinary Joe. My play “Residual Fear” based on my personal experience with pregnancy loss was a Eugene O’Neill semi-finalist. I was also a WB writers workshop finalist and a participant in the Jewish Federation’s Master Class program.
I’m also known as the founder of Green Envelope Grocery Aid, a mutual aid fund started during the WGA and SAG strikes that raised over 264k for all industry professionals in need. As a result, I’ve advised and consulted for several mutual aid organizations, nonprofits, and local candidates.
I’m also invested in our children’s education and future and work part-time as a tutor for children with special needs and volunteer at my son’s elementary school and am on the PTA executive-board.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
When I was a kid, I was told my sensitivity was a weakness and now I know it’s a superpower. That same sensitivity has connected me as an artist and educator, and has allowed empathy in social situations. Change doesn’t always come from the loudest person in the room. Quiet actions are often the most effective.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Worrying too much what other people think has always been a struggle and something that has held me back in life. Being an artist, we rely so much on subjective approval to determine our worth. However, when we’re constantly seeking others’ approval, we lose sight of what matters most. There are times I’ve compromised my vision, or even my morals because I was worried about offending someone else. That does not end up serving me and just leads to resentment. Being able to let go of those fears and worries has led to some of the most successful and wonderful experiences in my life.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
I think nowadays everyone is more concerned with being heard, than being right. We used to hold each other accountable, and admit when we were wrong, and that lack of accountability and transparency has trickled down to everyone.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
With all industries rapidly changing, I feel our definition of success has changed alongside it. I remember when I was younger and starting out, getting that coveted “written by” credit before my name felt like the ultimate marker of success. And yet, when that moment finally happened for me, it felt more like the tip of the iceberg than scaling the entire mountain.
I think in order to feel successful, we have to constantly re-evaluate what that means to us in that moment. To me, that’s very exciting– constantly having a moving target to hit.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://joellegarfinkel.substack.com
- Instagram: joelle_garfinkel
Image Credits
J.W. Hendricks
Mark Seliger, Vanity Fair
