Today we’d like to introduce you to Joy Taitt.
Hi Joy, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born and raised in southeast LA Christmas Day 1977. Fashion has always been a love of mine. I never really followed trends, I always did my own thing… I went to private school most of my life, so I wore uniforms, but you better believe my shoes were gonna be fire! My first piece of jewelry was a custom-made 14k gold ‘Mother and Child’ ring. That was my first taste of having a piece of fine jewelry and I absolutely love it. I still have it til this day… Fast forward to 2020, I didn’t feel like I was fulfilling my purpose, so one day I just said, ‘I want to open my own business. I want to bring joy to the world, no pun intended. I decided that I could do that one gem at a time. So I said why not?. I’ve been at my full-time job for 20 years, but I wanted a change and also have something for myself and something that could be passed down to my sons and so forth… Joyful Gemz was conceived out of My name of course. I hope to spread joy by way of gems. I am currently in the process of designing my own exclusive pieces, so be on the lookout of those and more.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not smooth at all. Patience is a virtue that I am working on. When I started, I just wanted to hit the ground running. I wanted everything set up fast and I wanted certain packaging, products, equipment, etc. I had to be patient and learn to work with what I had until I could get what I wanted. That is a struggle for me in everyday life. I want the best of everything for my family, but I have to remind myself its levels to this. Be patient and consistent and it will be greater later, as my husband always says. I’ve ordered samples and I get it and am like ‘NO! absolutely not’. Money wasted is never a good thing.
My time management can be improved. It is hard juggling everything. When you’re doing everything yourself, it can definitely be overwhelming. You’re the inventory person, data entry clerk, social media specialist, marketer, promoter, photographer, and researcher. I could go on and on. The best advice I have heard was that no matter where you are in your journey, stay as organized as possible. It is so easy for things to get out of control. You definitely have to stay on top of your business, meaning paperwork, tax filings, and things of that nature. Also, don’t rush yourself, you may have to start small. I didn’t have a lot of money to start my business… I love it though and it sounds cliche’, but when you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work. I really see what people mean by that now.
I also had to learn that not everyone will be happy for you or support you and that is ok.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We are a Luxury Jewelry and accessory brand. Currently, we source our pieces from all over the world. We carry 10k and 14k gold, sterling silver jewelry and fashion accessories… We also carry custom pieces. Those are really special because there is usually some type of sentiment behind it. We are known for our high-quality and unique jewelry and statement pieces. All pieces are hand-picked by me with input from our Gemz. I am a personal shopper of sorts. We are able to provide Gemz for stylist’s pulls, events, fashion shows, photo shoots, etc. When you need to accessorize an outfit or need a jewelry plug, I want Joyful Gemz to come to mind.
What sets us apart is the unique styles we offer. We don’t follow trends, and we set them. We research what everyone else is doing and do something else. When they go left, we go up.
I am most proud of the fact that I am still here. Giving up is not an option for me. I started during the pandemic when a lot of businesses were started. I have seen a lot of them come and go. Not only am I still here and but I am also elevating my brand. I can’t lie, I have hit some roadblocks that made me question if I should keep going. Quitting is not something I do easily. I am also blessed to have a supportive husband and a motivating circle of friends. The fact that I love what I do helps. I really am passionate about this journey and will continue to grow.
Joyful Gemz is now getting into jewelry design. This is something I been wanting to do since I started. So look out for exclusive designs coming soon. In the meantime, everyone can enjoy the current collections on the site.
How do you define success?
I define success as being able to enjoy the fruits of your labor without worry. Success is not necessarily monetary. I am very successful! I started a business on my own. I am a wife, mother, employee, hustler, entrepreneur, business owner and super Capricorn. When you can keep going and continue to elevate and flourish and fulfill your purpose without regrets and do it respectfully, you my friend, are successful.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @joyful_gemz
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShopJoyfulGemz
