Meet Joy Villa

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Joy Villa a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Joy, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

Interviewer: Joy, you’re known for your incredible confidence and vibrant energy. Can you share how you developed your self-esteem over the years? Was it always natural for you, or was it a journey?

Joy Villa: That’s such a great question! Self-esteem has definitely been a journey for me—it wasn’t always natural. Growing up as a mixed-race minister’s daughter, I often felt like I didn’t quite belong, especially since I was balancing so many different parts of my identity. I had to learn that my uniqueness was my strength.

Faith was my foundation. Believing that I’m a Daughter of the Most High God, created with purpose and intention, helped me see myself as valuable no matter what. But it didn’t stop there. My journey of self-esteem was also shaped by discovering my voice—literally and figuratively—through my music career. Music has always been my outlet to express my true self. Writing, performing, and creating music allowed me to embrace vulnerability and connect with others, which built a deeper confidence in who I am.

Interviewer: Music seems to be such a big part of your story. How did your music career influence your confidence?

Joy Villa: Oh, music was everything in shaping my confidence. I’ve been performing since I was a teenager, and every stage I stepped on, every song I wrote, pushed me to confront my fears and step into my power. Music taught me resilience. You have to be willing to be seen, to risk rejection, and to keep going even when the applause dies down.

When I hit milestones like reaching #1 on Billboard, iTunes, and Amazon, I realized that these achievements were just reflections of something deeper: my willingness to bet on myself. But even when I had setbacks or criticism, my love for music reminded me that my value isn’t tied to external success—it’s about how I show up authentically and inspire others.

Interviewer: You’ve mentioned that you love coaching clients now. How does that fit into your journey of self-esteem?

Joy Villa: Coaching clients has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my journey. When I started Joy Villa Fitness, I realized how much joy (no pun intended!) I get from helping people achieve their goals. Seeing my clients transform—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally—fuels my confidence too. It’s like a ripple effect.

When I work with someone who comes in doubting themselves and then watches them hit milestones they never thought possible, it reminds me of my own journey. Coaching is a reminder that we’re all capable of so much more than we think. It’s a partnership—I get to pour into their lives, and they inspire me in return. There’s something incredibly powerful about lifting others up and watching them shine.

Interviewer: What advice would you give to someone struggling with their self-esteem right now?

Joy Villa: First, know that you are not alone. Everyone struggles with self-esteem at some point, and it’s okay to feel like you’re starting from scratch. Start with small, intentional steps. Celebrate every win, even if it feels tiny. Speak kindly to yourself—words have power, and the way you talk to yourself matters.

Also, find something you’re passionate about and dive into it. For me, it was music and later coaching. Passion connects you to your purpose and helps you see your own value. Surround yourself with people who uplift you, and most importantly, anchor your confidence in something unshakable—whether it’s your faith, your purpose, or your belief that you’re here to make a difference. Because you are.

And remember, self-esteem isn’t a destination—it’s a lifelong journey. It’s about showing up for yourself, even on the hard days, and knowing that you’re enough exactly as you are.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m Joy Villa—a Billboard-charting singer-songwriter, actress, speaker, and certified personal trainer and holistic nutritionist. My journey has been a dynamic blend of music, creativity, and a deep passion for empowering others through health and fitness.

What’s most exciting about what I do is how my platforms allow me to help others transform their lives—whether that’s through the power of a song or guiding clients toward their fitness and confidence goals. My business, Joy Villa Fitness, is built on the belief that fitness is not just about physical strength, but mental and spiritual transformation as well. I help men and women break through their barriers, embrace their bodies as gifts from God, and live with purpose, confidence, and joy.

Currently, I’m thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of my Total Body Transformation Program for January 2025. This program is designed to help clients kickstart their year with a comprehensive, high-touch coaching experience focused on achieving real, lasting results. It’s all about transforming not just the body, but the mind and spirit, and empowering individuals to step into their full potential.

I’ve also just launched my Glowed Up Glutes eBook, packed with tips, exercises, and strategies to help anyone sculpt and strengthen their glutes. As a special thank-you to readers, I’m giving it away for free to anyone who contacts me with the keyword “CHEEKY.” I love connecting with people and helping them take the first step toward their fitness goals.

On the music front, I’m continuing to write, perform, and inspire. I believe my career as an artist and performer adds a unique, creative flair to everything I do, blending artistry with empowerment.

For me, every venture—whether in music, fitness, or coaching—comes back to one mission: to inspire people to live boldly, confidently, and joyfully while achieving the best versions of themselves. Thank you for the opportunity to share my story!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Here’s a response to the prompt:

Looking back, three of the most important qualities and skills that have been impactful in my journey are resilience, communication, and adaptability.
1. Resilience: Life and success are full of challenges, and resilience has been my anchor through it all. Whether I was breaking into the music industry, building my fitness business, or facing personal trials, the ability to get back up after setbacks has been critical. My advice? Build resilience by embracing failure as a stepping stone, not a stopping point. Surround yourself with supportive people, keep your faith strong, and remind yourself that every setback is a setup for a comeback.
2. Communication: As a performer, coach, and entrepreneur, connecting with people has been the foundation of my career. Learning how to effectively express my vision, tell my story, and listen to others has opened so many doors. For those early in their journey, focus on building this skill by practicing public speaking, developing emotional intelligence, and being authentic in your interactions. The better you connect, the bigger your impact.
3. Adaptability: Change is inevitable, and the ability to pivot has kept me ahead of the curve. From navigating the evolving music industry to expanding into fitness and coaching, staying open to new opportunities and being willing to learn have been key. My advice? Embrace a growth mindset and see change as an opportunity rather than a threat. Invest in yourself by continually learning, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.

These three qualities—resilience, communication, and adaptability—have shaped my path and continue to be at the heart of my success. For anyone starting their journey, focus on developing these skills, and you’ll be amazed at how far they’ll take you.

Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?

My ideal client is someone who is highly motivated, values personal growth, and is ready to transform not just their body, but their entire life. They’re the kind of person who knows they want more for themselves and are willing to invest in their health, confidence, and overall well-being.

I work with both women and men, typically between the ages of 25 and 45, who are looking for a results-driven, high-touch coaching experience. Many of my clients are busy professionals, parents, or high-achievers who are frustrated with their current fitness routines or lack of progress. They’re seeking a coach who not only delivers results but also empowers them to feel confident, joyful, and unstoppable.

What sets them apart is their openness—they’re coachable, willing to trust the process, and they resonate with my faith-meets-fitness approach. They understand that fitness is about more than just physical strength; it’s about connecting the body, mind, and spirit to unlock their full potential.

Emotionally, my clients are ready for a change. They may feel stuck, frustrated, or lacking in confidence, but they’re committed to breaking through those barriers. They value authenticity, passion, and positivity, which is why they’re drawn to my energy and approach.

Ultimately, my clients want more than just a workout plan—they want a transformation. They’re ready to reclaim their power, embrace their unique gifts, and create a life filled with confidence, purpose, and joy. That’s who I’m here for, and seeing them succeed is what fuels me every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Joyvilla.com
• Instagram: @joyvilla
• Facebook: Joyvillamusic
• Twitter: Realjoyvilla
• Youtube: MissJoyVilla