Today we’d like to introduce you to TERESA BROWN
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’d say being – overworked, overstressed, and undervalued – ultimately got me where I am today.
A few years back, I was working long hours, overextending myself with what seemed a never-ending workload. I worked extremely hard with nothing to show for it. I was not taking the best care of myself, and was waiting on empty promises of advancement to come to fruition.
It wasn’t all bad, of course, the restaurant/hospitality industry is fun so there were some really great moments along the way.
Ultimately, that experience, was really a test of my personal and professional resilience; where I discovered – I can ALWAYS figure “it” out. I LIVED and BREATHED on – “I’ll figure it out”. I still do in some ways…
Deciding to end that career was the catalyst for realizing I needed beauty, time affluence, and EASE in my life. Time to stop and smell the roses, as it were.
Perhaps I could create something that fused enjoyment and my intuitive, creative side with my logical, detail-oriented ability.
After the pandemic foiled some of my original plans (as it did for so many), it did allow me to pivot and adapt this concept of LEISURE & JOIE.
I was called to create this niche, online space where you can be moved to cultivate self-care and prioritize making time to slow down in life.
LEISURE & JOIE showcases gift-worthy, practical, self-care centric, high-quality products, along with intentional, original content.
By the time this article is out… we’ll have celebrated our 2 year Anniversary! Yay!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My path of entrepreneurship hasn’t been smooth but I’m blessed this adventure hasn’t been as bad as it could be.
Imposter syndrome and overthinking is something I definitely struggle with.
I take comfort in knowing I am absolutely not the only one that feels that way, but feeling that way, is difficult, nonetheless.
There are “I’ve got this” days and then not so good ones. Trusting my instincts has helped me build my confidence as an entrepreneur and that has really helped me get through.
Operating as a 100% self-funded business small business can be financially limiting. However, I like to reframe that limitation into a gift – one that challenges me to be creative with resources and welcome truly discerning intentionality and energy.
We are so grateful to all the vendors that have partnered with us trusted us to represent their products well. As we are able, we continuously add more, aligned brands.
We do what we can with what we have and believe me, EVERY SINGLE ORDER we receive makes a BIG difference!
The overwhelming gratitude for everyone who has and does support LEISURE & JOIE is what keeps us from packing it in.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I still have a hybrid employee/SBO existence.
I divide my time between working in my current small business, doing operations for another small business, and building yet another, (unrelated) small business for myself.
I am definitely grateful for my 9-5 and also thoroughly looking forward for the day when I can leave it. Lol – two things can be true at the same time, after all.
In every disparate career and life experience I’ve had up to this point, the common thread at its core principle is service to others. I have always prided myself on my ability to make people feel seen and heard in a genuine, sincere way.
If I had to choose something to “known” for – it would be being “self-directed” partnered with my ability to compartmentalize and prioritize.
I am most proud of my ability to combine all the good parts of my background in psychology, hospitality, operations, planning, etc. and my empathy.
My unique experience is what sets me apart from others and has made it so I can reflect back on those experiences and allow them to fuel me in my own business.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I was little and there was a commercial for 76 gas station. Every time the jingle (“The spirit of 76” IYKYK) came on, I’d rush to the TV and then my family would just laugh because I was so excited about it.
Fun fact – at one point in my professional career, I worked at a commercial talent agency – so that ended up being a full circle moment. I have always loved commercials!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://leisureandjoie.com/shop
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SHOP.LEISUREANDJOIE/
Image Credits
RE KOKILI IMAGE – CREDIT KARL TSUI
RE LEHMANN DESIGN HAUS CANDLE – CREDIT ANDREW “ANDY” LEHMANN
RE REJINS – CREDIT TIFF TIFF STUDIO
