Today we’d like to introduce you to Joy Jackson.
Hi Joy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Although I’ve been expressing myself through movement all my life – 36 years – In 2005, I began my professional dancing career in the Entertainment Industry in Atlantic City Casinos and NYC theaters dancing for Artists and entertainers like Rhianna, Beyonce’, Lady Gaga, Tyrese, Stevie Wonder, Steve Aoki, Vissi Contemporary Dance Theater, Evans Entertainment Company, and the Almost Angels cover band, just to name a few. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Montclair State University in 2007, I decided to obtain my teaching certificate and become a NJ certified Performing Arts teacher. I was a full-time teacher (always in underserved, poverty-stricken communities) while still performing on the weekends – #hustle.
In 2013 things took a turn. My mother, my everything, my best friend, my person, passed away from a condition she lived with for my entire life – sarcoidosis. None of us were prepared and my world hasn’t been the same. By 2015 I decided to leave the entertainment industry. I dedicated my heart and energy to my family and my students.
I stepped in to make sure both of my younger sisters graduated college by 2016, and transitioned into adulthood with as much personal power, strengthened faith, and sisterly love as possible. The three of us lifted, and continue to lift, my father, a widow, as best as we can with an abundance of love and fellowship. I must say, our family does so well and shines so bright! So, when 2019 rolled in and I started to think about my own life and how I could start to pour back into myself, it was such a hard decision to break away from my family and move to Atlanta where I had a small tribe of “framily”, originally from NJ, that would receive me with open arms. I visited Atlanta often and knew that if I was going to move anywhere, ATL first. I shopped around for apartments during spring break and was approved before I got on the plane to go back to NJ. I returned with a letter of resignation (not yet having a job in Atlanta), regretfully leaving my students who I always grow to love as my own family. However, it was time for a change! I was looking forward to co-creating my life with my angels, in a new place, with new experiences, and of course, new challenges.
During my days of performing, I would often think “what if I were the one on the other side of the music?” – offering beautiful and pure energy straight from the vibrations of the sound blasting through the speakers. I wanted to become a DJ – an energy transformer. As a dancer, I’m not only rhythmically inclined, but I know what moves the people – and I decided to move the people, as DJ FLowJo. I’ve since then blossomed my DJ career in Atlanta, doing weddings, birthday and brunch parties, exclusively playing at restaurants, lounges, and working with local bands at live music venues.
After I was hired to work at private school, Covid happened, and due to a lapse in finances, the school shut down permanently. I decided to become a Nanny. I worked with a family that had twin four years old and two years old. After several months, the two years old was diagnosed with an aggressive and rare cancer and passed away soon after.
I was accepted into Georgia Tech where I successfully became a Software Engineer and graduated the program with an A average. I thought that the Tech Industry would be the best option after all that had happened. However, as a black woman, it is not the easiest industry to break into.
I’ve recently gone back to the classroom as Performing Arts Teacher at a Charter School in the heart of Old Fourth Ward, where I now have a new school family and passionate and beautiful students. I also serve as the Wellness Ambassador, providing social and emotional support to staff and students.
My transition to Atlanta wasn’t easy, but I knew my mother had a divine hand in it the whole way through. I’m overjoyed to look back at my life, at all of my experiences that my mother pushed me to do, and all of the times I had to show up and stand up for myself. I couldn’t be more proud!
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?
Some struggles along the way include my mother’s death in 2013, of which I’m unsure of whether or not I’ve grieved. Finding the beauty in all things, including death, is my way of continuously living a grateful life no matter what.
When I moved to Atlanta, I had no job, and when I finally got hired as a teacher at a private school, Covid happened, and the school was shut down. I decided to become a Nanny, the 2 yr old sibling of the family I worked for died suddenly of a rare and aggressive Cancer. It was devastating and honestly, hard to navigate. I’d leave work and cry my eyes out as soon as I got to my car. But, on the outside, I pressed through and stayed strong for the family, as I normally do.
After graduating from Georgia Tech as Software Engineer, I applied to 100+ jobs (which is normal in the Tech industry) but couldn’t get hired. I believe it was because I’m supposed to be in Education. It’s where my passion blossoms.
I’ve had my share of dates and I’ve attempted a relationship or two – I’m happily single.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I believe what sets me apart from others is my spirit. I’ve recently taken full responsibility for the beautiful energy I create when I walk into a room. I’m proud to be a light, a ball of positive energy. Although quiet and observant, my energy is felt, and I make sure I do the personal work to give love so love is returned. I used to dim my light so others could shine, but these days, I’m unapologetic, and it feels amazing.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Authenticity is a characteristic that has been the most important in my success. I don’t define my success by my resume but by the way people remember how I make them feel. As a child, I was an easy target because I was “nice”. As an adult, I had to work hard to erase the “easy target” stigma and stand firm in knowing that it’s always ok to have a heart of gold and to believe in the goodness of people. However, I’ve also learned the importance of boundaries and knowing my worth. As long as I am authentic and never betray my own heart, I’m winning – even if, in the moment, it feels like I’m not. My authenticity surfaces through my energy. People are drawn to me, and I’ve been able to cultivate lasting connections with people who look out for me and want to see me thrive.
Contact Info:
- Email: iamflowjo@gmail.com
- Instagram: @fl0wj0
- Facebook: Joy S. Jackson
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/fl0wj0
