We were lucky to catch up with Joane Torres recently and have shared our conversation below.
Joane , 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 found my purpose a few years ago (2010) to be exact….After an unforeseen medical diagnosis of a life changing illness called Multiple Sclerosis.
This diagnosis left me with no other choice but to find strength within. At the time of this discovery, I had just delivered my first and only child. Unbeknownst to me what the wrath of this horrific, debilitating and incurable illness would bring, it left me no choice but to dig deep within myself and find strength, resilience and most importantly, a positive attitude.
We are never prepared to hear the words “you have an incurable illness”, however, for me, it was those exact words that led me to my resilience and mindset. You see, while in the midst of this incredible diagnosis, I had a much bigger purpose, the purpose of becoming a mother and the best role model that I could be for my newborn son….Hence, my relentless pursuit of happiness and positivity.
After a bad relapse in 2016, that left me unable to walk for weeks, I realized that I needed to take this misfortune and turn it into something positive. After working in corporate America for years and not having the support that I needed, I decided to leave the corporate realm and open up my small business, hence, the birth of CRAFT WITH A PURPOSE!
This insane idea of leaving a “comfort zone” sales position for a designing and creative entrepreneurial position was absolutely out of mind and risky but definitely worth it.
Fast forward to 2023 when this incredible idea flourished, and through hard work, perseverance and determination, I am now thriving in something that I absolutely love to do, without the “naysayers” trying to derail me from my PURPOSE!
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As a small business focused on creativity, crafting and home decor, our goal is ultimately to own a public space to welcome those living with disabilities like myself, a SAFE space to be creative and a space where everyone can enjoy time with likeminded individuals who’s daily life challenges are understood, unjudged, and simply accepted without judgement.
This journey began years ago after a unforeseen diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis, a neurological, debilitating and unfortunately, incurable illness. MS made it more and more challenging to work for others, including Corporate America. I knew then that I needed a change, a change where I can be ME, unapologetic ME…..the motivated, positive attitude, work hard mentality ME, the creative and unconditionally passionate about helping others ME, so after much pondering and research, Craft With A Purpose was born…..
This new Journey has lead me to creative and innovative ideas, we focus on creating custom holiday home decor, sports wreaths, holiday wreaths and custom decorative party decor. We love to think outside the box when creating our unique designs.
About a year ago, we decided to create a YouTube channel, however, the thought of the overwhelming amount of time that it would require to grow the channel was enough for us to pause the process. Fast forward to October 2024, we began to focus our time and energy on our YouTube channel “Craft With A Purpose”, learning how the analytics work, researching the niche that would best suit our small business and such. Today, we are thriving towards our goal of growing our channel, it takes hard work, dedication, editing knowledge and many skills to create content and be creative… We are very excited about the trajectory of our channel and where it is heading thus far. The good LORD has AMAZING plans for us so I encourage the readers to STAY TUNED to Craft With A Purpose!
FYI: (I refer to “we” because my life partner Michael is the driving force behind my YouTube channel! I would not be able to do this without his daily help! Thanks love!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The most important knowledge and skill I feel that lead me to this incredible journey was the ability to CONNECT with people, the GOD given ability to build solid relationships both business and personal alike. I personally feel that when you connect with people in a genuine way, people know, therefore leading them to TRUST you and remember you!
My advice to others would be to stay true to themselves and not allow society to derail them from the purpose they were created for……
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
I was introduced to a book many years ago during my journey as a life insurance sales agent in the insurance industry. I had great mentors who encouraged me to read personal growth books and while I did read them and continue to do so today, one particular book stood out for me and while many books have made an impact in my life, I must give credit to this book called, “How to Win Friends and Influence People”……by Dale Carnegie, it served as the stepping stone for who I am today and how I chose to treat others….
This particular book has taught me simple life lessons about how to treat others, actively listen to others, letting folks share their ideas and understanding their perspectives. Essentially, building positive relationships by being a better listener, focusing on other’s needs and desires rather than focusing on my own. Praising others is a communication method that in my humble opinion, is a win win…..
It took years of reading, training, focusing and practicing the skills taught by some great leaders, mentors and motivational role models. However, in order for me to instill that discipline, I needed to GROW and become the best version of myself…..I believe we never stop growing as a person.
Today, I continue to practice what I have learned through the years. It is now impacting my small business, my creativity and my journey as a growing YouTube channel. The simple techniques learnt from reading these books, including implementing how to be empathetic with others, leading with integrity, and committing myself to living a life honoring GOD, has been one of the most influential ways for me to now share these best practices with society!
I WILL make a difference in this world one day at a time!
Life teaches us that no matter how difficult it gets, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and just KEEP ON, KEEPING ON!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.craftwithapurpose.com
- Instagram: @craftwithapurpose
- Facebook: Craft With A Purpose
- Youtube: @craftwithapurpose
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
