Meet Joy Tsao

We recently connected with Joy Tsao and have shared our conversation below.

Joy, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I discovered my purpose later in life. Storytelling has always been my passion—listening to stories, telling them, and writing them. I’ve always enjoyed adding visuals to my stories, whether through photographs or blending illustrations with photography. Although I chose not to pursue an art degree in college, I opted for a degree in Information Systems with a focus on System Analysis and Design because it felt like the safer path. Sadly, there’s a lot of societal pressure to avoid art-related fields, whether visual or literary.

For about 20 years, I worked in advertising, merging my technical degree with my artistic background.

Eventually, I started a weekly storytelling Substack publication The Joy of Ptap (https://thejoyofptap.substack.com/), with most of my stories centered on Patapsco State Park, a Maryland State Park. But my journey to finding this purpose came through tragedy.

During the height of the pandemic, my father passed away. He had suffered a stroke and was in a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center when COVID hit. I visited him regularly until visitation was stopped for the safety of the residents. Suddenly, I couldn’t see him anymore. Around the same time, so many others I knew passed away, and then I lost my father. The lack of closure made it harder to process.

It was an unbearable loss in a year of relentless grief. So many lives were taken that even getting the headstone engraved took over one year because the engravers couldn’t keep up with demand. The weight of losing him—and so many others—shaped me in ways I’m still discovering.

In nature, I found solace. Birdwatching became a source of comfort, helping me stay grounded. When you’re birdwatching, you can’t dwell on anything else; you’re forced to be present in the moment. At the same time, I was clearing out my father’s home, sorting through decades of memories.

One day, I stumbled upon a story I’d written in elementary school about a white domesticated rabbit that escaped and was living outside. My father had kept it, along with so much else from my childhood. He wasn’t one to throw away kids’ artwork or schoolwork. Attached to the story was a small note from my elementary school teacher—a kind, encouraging message urging me to keep writing.

I’d completely forgotten about the story and the note until I stumbled upon them again. It felt like a gentle nudge from the past, reminding me of what I was meant to do.

I started writing nature stories, exploring the intricate world around me with fresh curiosity. At first, I shared them on Facebook, where friends encouraged me to create a dedicated space on Substack. Doubts held me back—I didn’t think I was good enough. It took over a year to build the confidence to take that step and create a substack publication.

I expanded to include historical tales and community stories, posting every Friday morning without fail.

I was still full of self-doubt, but I kept going. Eventually, my stats revealed that people were returning every Friday. Strangers sent encouraging words, telling me how much they looked forward to my stories. I couldn’t believe it.

One of my stories was about the Brown’s Motel, a 1940s motel marked for demolition. Brown’s had an interesting history tied to Patapsco. I had received an email from a county council member who found my story moving. Like me, she felt the history and significance had been absent from public conversations. She had shared it on social media.

I also realized that news reporters don’t always cover the issues my local community cares about. So, I wanted to create a space where we could discuss those topics.

Through writing, you can help others—whether by offering a much-needed nature distraction or sharing a historical or community story that resonates with people.

I believe this is my purpose.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m currently focused on storytelling through The Joy of Ptap, where I explore themes often centered on Patapsco State Park and its surroundings. What excites me most is how stories seem to find me in the most unexpected moments—a fleeting encounter with wildlife, an observation on the trail, or a loose paper falling from a book in the history room of my local library. That paper led me to yet another story.

I’m expanding my work to include more long-form articles, giving space for deeper exploration of ideas and research. It’s coming from my perspective. Someone discovering it all firsthand. I’m not a naturalist, ornithologist or historian—just someone endlessly curious about everything.

Whether it’s uncovering the story behind a mysterious stone structure I stumbled upon in the woods or highlighting local efforts to restore the eastern hemlocks, my goal is to craft stories that resonate with readers and foster a deeper connection to nature and my local community.

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?

1. Trust your instinct

Every year, I watch ospreys raising their young along the Chesapeake Bay. Known for their fish-hunting skills, I’ve often wondered, is that innate or learned?Watching the young, they practiced with some fumbling attempts, but it didn’t take them long to fish like pros. They didn’t abide by the ‘10,000 hours to mastery’ rule. Instinct seemed to drive them—just the raw knowledge of what they’re meant to do. They were born for it. That’s not to say they learned nothing from their parents; they certainly did. But like ospreys, we all possess innate abilities. Trusting your instincts can often guide you toward the path you’re meant to follow.

2. Cut to the Chase

I tend to ramble, but learning to edit yourself is crucial. Tighten your thinking and cut out what doesn’t belong, it’s something I’m still working on. Recently, I wrote about a horse rescue center. The founder introduced me to every horse, sharing tales of neglect, heartbreaking circumstances, and survival. Each story deserved to be told, but I had to choose which to include. Editing is challenging for me, but it’s the key to crafting a story that captures and holds the reader’s attention.

3. Know what to ignore

It’s strange how much weight we give to criticism. But ask yourself: are you really going to let a few naysayers hold the reins of your life? The answer should be a resounding no. Filter out the noise and take in only the honest critiques that help you grow.

I don’t have much advice for those just starting out. Life has a way of guiding you in the right direction.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

The biggest challenge I face is making it accessible to all readers. While Substack offers paid subscriptions, I’ve always envisioned my work as freely available, not locked behind a paywall. To address this, I’ve been fortunate to receive reader pledges, which have been invaluable in supporting the research, interviews, and writing behind each story. As my readership grows, I’m preparing to transition into sponsorships to ensure the publication’s sustainability and expand its reach. However, the sponsorships must align with my mission and the values of my work. Having launched just last year, I’m still in the early stages, but I’m focused on building a strong foundation for long-term success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thejoyofptap.substack.com/