We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alexis Joy a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Alexis, so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?
There’s no doubt about it, self-care is the greatest gift you can give yourself. I’m going to be honest, I used to think that self-care is a luxury, but I’ve come to learn that it’s actually a necessity. It’s something that shouldn’t be done when you have time, it’s something that should be considered a priority, something that is a non-negotiable that you make time for.
I’m happy to say that over the years, I’ve developed new forms of self-care. I’ve found a new love for snowboarding, a sport that I’ve always wanted to try and one that I feel so invigorated each time I’m on my board doing a run. I started taking boxing workout classes and it’s something I fell in love with. With every jab and every hook, I feel stronger, both physically and mentally. Doing these things brings me genuine happiness and that leads to more productivity and effectiveness for myself and my business. When I make time for self-care, it helps bring about more creativity and I’m able to feel even more inspired and ready to take on the day / week ahead. I feel that right after I take a Rumble boxing class or after a weekend of snowboarding, my creative juices are flowing and I’m ready to take on new projects, write compelling articles and create content that my audience can enjoy.
Whether it’s picking up a new hobby, going for a walk or doing something (no matter how small or large) to #TreatYourself, it’s important to take care of yourself because that is the key to growth–both within yourself and with any endeavors you take on.
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 the founder and entertainment news host for my site, AlexisJoyVIPAccess.com, which focuses on the latest news in entertainment, fashion and beauty. What started off as a hobby when I was 14 years old turned into something that I live and breathe, and is now, my business. I launched my site on 11/11/11 and have since been taking on many hats as the sole member of my team. I love being able to share interviews and give my audience the opportunity to learn about some of their favorite celebrities, athletes or influencers in a fun and positive way.
I’ve been working on my site for 12 years now, but within that time, I’ve actually balanced a lot of other things as well. I’ve balanced being a high-school student while working on my site, then being a full-time college student while traveling back and forth covering events in both New York and Los Angeles, graduating summa cum laude and continuing to share content on my site and platforms.
It’s been such a blessed and surreal experience being able to cover events like the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, New York Fashion Week, the Latin American Music Awards and many others. Every moment I have to pinch myself as I feel like I’m living a dream. I’m so incredibly thankful!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I think the top three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are dedication, resilience and tenacity. I think these three qualities all work hand in hand with each other. When I started my site, I was 14 years old and the sole member of my team. 12 years later, I continue to be a one woman show–I conduct all of the interviews, edit all of my content, write all of the articles on my site and serve as my site’s social media manager, amongst many other roles I take on in my business. (Shoutout to my mom and grandma who take on the role of being my videographer when I conduct interviews at events.)
It hasn’t been the easiest journey and I’ve gotten plenty of “no’s” throughout my career, but because I am so dedicated to my work, and my passion for it runs through my veins, it has allowed me to stay resilient no matter what obstacle has come my way. I know that hard work really does pay off and that’s why throughout my career, I’ve remained tenacious to continue to work on my dreams.
My advice for those who are just starting their journey is to never, ever give up. It may sound cliché, but every success story is filled with hundreds of “no’s” and many challenges you may have to overcome. Think of every setback as something that will actually help propel and catapult you forward. It’s a learning experience and something that will build you up for greatness. So, instead of feeling discouraged about any challenges, remember that you yourself have some of the best tools in your toolbox that will be the fuel that will help you get through anything…and they are dedication, resilience and tenacity.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
Without a doubt, I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for my family. Each and every day, I am always so grateful for my mom, my grandma, my great-grandma and my uncle for the constant support and motivation they give me.
Each of them has taught me invaluable lessons when it comes to overcoming challenges and it’s helped me immensely in my career, and in life in general.
My great-grandma has always lived by her motto of “never say die.” As an accomplished artist and writer herself, my great-grandma would let nothing stop her. Her drive and her love for what she does superseded any challenges. Even when she had breast cancer, my great-grandma continued to paint because that’s what gave her strength. I always keep her tenacious spirit in my mind to give me that push to never give up.
My grandma is one of the most innovative people I’ve ever met. She leaves a creative mark everywhere she goes and that has helped me so much in my career. Because of her and her impact on me, I know that I can get through any creative block or writer’s block because inspiration can strike at any moment. She inspires me to overcome any obstacles with strength.
My mom is someone who I’ve always looked up to since the very beginning. She is a big reason I am who I am today and there are too many phenomenal lessons she has and continues to teach me to write here. But, one of the many things I always keep in mind from her is to just go for things. The worst thing I can get is a “no,” and that isn’t actually a setback, it’s just motivation to try even harder.
My uncle has always taught me to keep a positive outlook on life–to enjoy and be present in every moment. Because of him, I know even more so the importance of making an effort to be a beacon of light and hope to others.
And lastly, I strongly believe my faith in my angels, saints and God helps me overcome any challenges that come my way. It’s amazing to see all the things you can learn from those around you–whether it’s family, friends, colleagues, mentors or even strangers you meet. Those are the things to hold closely and what will help guide you in your journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://alexisjoyvipaccess.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thealexisjoy/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/alexisjoyvipacc
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/alexisjoyvipaccess
