Today we’d like to introduce you to Joa Harkless.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Joa. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
As a little girl, I dreamed of moving to the big city of Atlanta from my small country town, Tuskegee, AL. I figured I could move here and make a huge difference in the world. My initial plan was to graduate from Georgia State University and help make impressive changes in the Alzheimer’s Cure Research in tribute to my Granny. Life didn’t quite go as planned. Before I knew it, I spiraled down a dark path of regret, pain and poor decisions—most things stemming from rough experiences growing up. I had so much pain and anger built up inside I started losing myself. There I was, such a hopeful young lady ready to take on a new world but I fell victim to a hurt inner self in need of healing.
After years of trying to “Get it Together,” I finally found peace when I came across the journey of self-love. The Self Love journey taught me that everything would be okay if I loved myself enough to choose Joy. Along this journey I have learned so much about myself and I have healed so many traumas I carried like dead weight. I was able to save myself from such a dark place and feel free again. I never dreamed the power to feel so Happy, Positive and Free despite the fact that everything going on in the world would come from myself, just from changing my mindset.
My new purpose in life is helping others understand the power of love and choosing Joy Over Anything. I believe happiness is a choice and it can make or break you. I started by posting weekly videos on Instagram, just sharing a thought or a positive message to my followers. I got to the point of posting pretty consistently and had so many people reaching out to me sharing positive words, feedback and asking for advice. I was shocked and my heart has been so full. I love helping others and helping create positive changes in their lives. I want people to understand they are not alone.
At this time I am working on projects that will expand my platform and help me spread the message of love and joy to many more, The world can be so much better if we were just a little kinder to each other and it all starts with self. Happiness doesn’t just happen. It’s a lifestyle. In the words of Micheal Jackson, “If we want to make the world a better place, take a look in the mirror and make a change.”
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road was not smooth at all. To make a long story, short childhood traumas can haunt your adult life for years until you heal and release them. Some of my biggest obstacles along the way have been fear and guilt. Not believing in myself or my accomplishments. Letting the past haunt me and fear of what “could be” keep me from taking a chance. Letting the opinion and judgments of those around me control how I felt and responded to things.
Please tell us about your business.
Joy Over Anything (J.O.A) is entitlement. is a right. is a statement. is a Lifestyle—the J.O.A platform stands for the unity and peace that we all deserve. This world is so chaotic, J.O.A specializes in giving people peace of mind. Joy and love to spread to others, I am most proud of the impact I have already made in just sharing a positive space with so many people. I am pleased that the message is contagious. So many friends and colleagues believe in the power of positivity with my constant reminder that we are capable of being that positive change for each other and especially ourselves. We are not alone and we are all experiencing life together.
I will stand apart from others because there aren’t many businesses that open a platform for people to empower themselves. With the Branding of Joy Over Anything, individuals will feel encouraged, enlightened and empowered along their life journeys. They will know when they support J.O.A they are supporting themselves more and helping be a light and positive change in this world.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I have projects underway dealing with Branding and creating a bigger platform. I will be releasing material soon under the expressions of Joy Over Anything. I look forward to creating a happy shift in the world.
Contact Info:
- Email: joaharkless2@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j.o.a8/?hl=en
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