Daily Inspiration: Meet Joy Hankins

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joy Hankins

Joy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up fascinated with hair. I remember my Aunt Linda would braid my hair and put colorful beads on the ends and as the sole little Black girl in kindergarten it was the only time the other girls wanted to play with me. I felt my hair made me beautiful and it started a fascination with hair products and going to the salon at a young age. At 9 I got my first relaxer and for years had no clue what my natural texture was like. It wasn’t until my freshman year of college that I grew out the relaxer to reveal a head full of tight curls I had no clue what to do with. Falling in love with learning my natural hair led me to tell everyone in my circle to do the same thing. I was still experimenting with hair when I became a foster parent and learned kids in care were in dire need of cultural connections. So I had this epiphany to teach foster parents how to style textured hair and from there my entire life began to change.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
…Teaching the foster care community about hair was slow and steady. It wasn’t until I realized I wanted to start a hair care brand that the journey became a little rocky. From researching the ingredients I wanted to finding a chemist and learning how to tell the world about The Joy of Curls (among the sea of beauty brands) every lesson I had to learn was expensive! Being a Solopreneur without a business background I had to get involved in business incubators and workshops to learn what to do. It wasn’t until I started connecting with people, seeking other Beauty founders, mentors and community that the journey became fun for me.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
….I make plant-powered textured hair care to show people how to love their hair the way God made it. Beyond sharing hair (and skin) goodies with the world, I really love being an educator in the foster care community. I am known for teaching foster parents, adoptive parents, caregivers and caseworkers how to care for curls and celebrate culture. I work with foster care agencies, group homes, adoption workers and healthcare professionals to ensure children grow up feeling beautiful and that is what makes me most proud.
The outpouring of love for the shampoo, conditioner, whipped shea butters and oils I make have given me the means to discount and donate products to resource families and this fulfills me in a way I can’t explain. This is what I was put on the planet to do!

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
…When you hear the word, “no” when you feel confused about what you’re doing, keep going! You will hear “no” more than yes in business, keep pressing. Starting out you’ll get advice that will send you in all different directions. Be still.
Learn to trust yourself and believe in what you were called to do. Let the conviction in your heart be louder than any negativity or discouragement you face. And never believe there is no room for you. You are the only one who can bring your vision to fruition you are the only one to offer your unique gifts to the world.

Pricing:

• Curly Hair Agency Class $2000
• 2 hr Curls, Care, Culture Workshop $5000
• The Joy of Curls Products $10-$30
• Customized Trainings *Contact for quote

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thejoyofcurls.shop
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoyofcurlsbeauty/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejoyofcurls
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joy-hankins-35ba8b13b/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejoyofcurlsbeauty
• Other: https://www.weareiowa.com/video/life/the-joy-of-curls-hair-care-product-brand/524-3e2f3d0a-7fd8-42fe-aa83-e66d9bf9d5b5

Image Credits
Lee Chinyama