Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Michelle Myles, Founder of Joy and Jams, located in San Jose, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Joy and Jams is a contemporary bamboo sleepwear and loungewear brand that provides sensible, eco-friendly products that lead to healthier living and the benefits of a joyful life. Our customers are individuals who are striving to live their best life, feel comfortable, and experience relaxation, all while looking stylish. Joy and Jam's mission is to spread joy, one pajama at a time.
Tell us about yourself
The inspiration for Joy and Jams began with my mom and her bamboo beanie. My mom, Shirley, was diagnosed with lung cancer several years ago and underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments. She experienced complete hair loss and decided to buy both a wig and a bamboo beanie. Because it was more comfortable and did a better job regulating her body temperature than her wig, the bamboo beanie became her go-to option for comfort.
And so, my quest began. I started researching the benefits of bamboo fabrics, and after having worked in the fashion industry, on and off, for almost 30 years, I wanted to find a way to thoughtfully design joy in the form of a stylish, luxuriously soft, and comfortable sleepwear that showcases healthier lifestyle benefits. My daily inspiration, drive, grind, and motivation have been the challenging encounters we all go through and the resiliency we muster to go beyond our hardships to find joy. I believe everyone deserves to feel their best, and I am dedicated to making that happen through my business.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I love how my business has grown from just a dream to something people can enjoy. It's so rewarding when my customers tell me that Joy and Jams bamboo pajamas helped them sleep better through the night when they were having hot flashes and night sweats or how I've developed numerous friendships through social media. From sourcing eco-friendly fabrics to talking about life, goals, and entrepreneurial hardships with other business owners - this is all part of what makes it worthwhile to get up every morning excited about going to work.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner is that it's unpredictable. You can never be prepared enough for what challenges or obstacles will come your way, but there are ways of tackling those issues with a routine in place. A few examples would involve getting into an early morning routine of a daily walk or breath exercise, listening to a motivational podcast, or writing down what your intentions are and sticking to those that foster a healthy mindset.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Have a clear vision and purpose for your business. This will allow you to stay focused on achieving your goals and navigating any challenges that may arise along the way.
- Have a strong support network of mentors, advisors, and colleagues who you can turn to for advice and guidance.
- Be patient, persistent, and allow yourself to pivot – building and sustaining a successful business takes time and effort, so don't get discouraged if things don't happen exactly as you imagined.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.joyandjams.co/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoyandJams
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joy.and.jams/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoyandJams
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-myles21/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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