Conversations with Joy Jones

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joy Jones.

Hi Joy, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
One summer, 10 years ago, I bought a one way ticket from California to Atlanta and told myself – figure it out! I had lost my job at Bank of America, my car was repossessed & I was back living at home with my parents. I really needed a change and decided to check out the A. During my wanderlust days, it was mentioned to me that I should go to bartending school. I never would have thought of myself as a bartender, but I had time on my hands and decided to just do it! Fast forward 5 years later I worked my first bartending job at a bowling alley. I really wasn’t happy there and it almost made me hang up my bartending certification. Maybe it just wasn’t for me. One day, my bestie (who is an amazing event planner) needed a bartender for her clients’ birthday party. “Figure it out Joy!” To the sharks I went and the rest is a ride that I would have never imagined for myself. I’ve had the pleasure of celebrating so many amazing occasions from birthdays, baby’s showers, weddings, graduations & retirements! I was able to pivot into the corporate realm where I now am provided a space to serve mocktails & cocktails at Macys Lennox, Dillards Atlantic Station and Papa John’s headquarters in the Battery! This is my 5th year in business and I am so proud of the doors Joy Bar continues to walk through.

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?
Smooth? HA! Absolutely not! Being the sole owner & operator of a small business (well, big business as my friends & family remind me of) I’m the one and the two! I’m thankful for a community that I can reach out to when it comes to additional pouring hands, but when the events are that big in capacity, I’m the one to do all the things. Loading & unloading is my biggest struggle. I’m strong but it is exhausting. I do my best to stay active for this reason because sometimes I don’t know exactly what to expect when it comes to where my set up will be and how to access this space. Hidden stairs? Maybe! Long driveway uphill? Probably! Less room than anticipated? You bet! I’ve seen and done it all, but thankfully the show goes on and the party is still pleased regardless of what I had to do in order to arrive.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am the owner and operator of a mobile bartending business: Joy Bar! Based in Georgia, I specialize in ensuring a safe, fun & professional enhancement at any engagement. I am so proud of the momentum and the quality of my work! I like to say that I’m the 2nd most important person at the party so my role is nonstop! Every mocktail or cocktail is served with a smile! Signature drink menus are always a hit! My work ethic, passion & Cali swag set me apart which makes me so thankful for my loyal clients as well as those who mention me in a room of opportunities!

What makes you happy?
I’ve learned that I find happiness in a few things. I love to cook. I place myself in the Chopped kitchen most days and I love how I can turn nothing into something. I also love playing softball. Although I didn’t make it to the collegiate level, recreational softball has kept such a competitive spark in my life and I look forward to playing each week. I’m also a mother and watching my daughter encourage me with my health journey as well as Joy Bar ignites a fire in me each time she cheers for mommy!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.joybarllc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joy___bar
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1C8Zug6cv1/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@joybarllc01