We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jolanta Young a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jolanta , so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
Like many creators, Jolanta has faced the challenge of staying inspired, especially during difficult times such as the global pandemic. Yet, her ability to adapt and find new sources of creativity is a testament to her resilience. One of the ways she stayed inspired was through social audio platforms, which allowed her to engage in real-time conversations with people from diverse backgrounds. These platforms became a lifeline, offering her new opportunities for learning, collaboration, and connection.
“Social audio gave me a chance to connect with people I wouldn’t have met otherwise. It opened doors to collaborations, learning, and growth during a time when everything else felt uncertain,” Jolanta reflect
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?
As a Distinguished Toastmaster, Lifestyle Content Creator, Social Gastro, and passionate foodie, my platform is all about stepping out of your comfort zone and crafting unique experiences through content creation. I’ve gone from being that awkward girl on stage, unsure of myself, to breaking out and shining with confidence. The transformation I’ve experienced is something I’m passionate about sharing with others, especially those who are on their own journey of self-discovery and growth.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that growth doesn’t happen in your comfort zone. I used to feel incredibly awkward on stage, unsure of how to present myself or communicate effectively. But I knew that if I wanted to grow, I had to push past that discomfort. Toastmasters played a huge role in helping me develop the confidence I needed. Through practice, feedback, and a lot of trial and error, I was able to transform my stage presence and communication skills.
This journey wasn’t easy. There were moments of self-doubt and fear, but I realized that every time I stepped out of my comfort zone, I grew a little more. It’s this growth that has allowed me to build my brand, connect with others, and create content that resonates with people. My platform is all about encouraging others to take that leap, to embrace the awkwardness, and to trust that confidence will come with time and experience.
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?
Onvesting in yourself is a crucial part of stepping out of your comfort zone. Whether you’re a creative, a business owner, or someone looking to grow personally, you have to be willing to put in the work. For me, that meant exploring new platforms like social audio, where I could learn from others and build new skills. During the pandemic, I discovered Clubhouse, an invite-only social audio app that became a pivotal tool for my growth. It’s a platform where you can learn business tips, network with like-minded individuals, and collaborate on projects.
What fascinated me most about Clubhouse was the instant connections you could build with people who were genuinely interested in working together. Through Clubhouse, I was able to build my podcast and create a community around it. My club, The Podcast Powerhouse, hosted weekly meetings and panels, all online, where we discussed podcasting, branding, and content creation. People were looking for ways to connect during that time, and I believe fostering community and relationships is essential for any creative or business owner.
One of the things I’m most passionate about is crafting experiences around content creation, particularly when it comes to food. As a foodie, I’ve always been drawn to the way food brings people together, whether it’s through a shared meal or a beautifully curated online experience. My love for food has become a central part of my content creation, and I enjoy finding creative ways to tell stories through culinary experiences.
Whether I’m working with a restaurant to capture the essence of their dishes or creating a reel that highlights the ambiance of a dining experience, I focus on crafting content that not only showcases the food but also the emotions and connections that come with it. I believe that food is more than just sustenance—it’s an experience, and I aim to bring that to life through my content.
Being a Distinguished Toastmaster and participating in social audio spaces like Clubhouse helped me build essential skills that I now use in my everyday work. From public speaking to networking to consulting, these platforms allowed me to practice and refine my abilities in real-time. I participated in virtual conferences, speaking engagements, and even began consulting with other creators. These experiences taught me that building community is not just about networking—it’s about positioning yourself in a way that attracts people to you. If you can do that, the opportunities are endless.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
During the pandemic, I discovered Clubhouse, an invite-only social audio app that became a game-changer for me. It’s a platform where you can learn business tips, network with like-minded individuals, and collaborate on projects. What fascinated me most was the instant connections you could build with people who were genuinely interested in working together. Through Clubhouse, I was able to build my podcast and create a community around it. My club, The Podcast Powerhouse, hosted weekly meetings and panels, all online, where we discussed podcasting, branding, and content creation.
People were craving connection during that time, and I believe fostering community and relationships is essential for any creative or business owner. I joined various communities on Clubhouse, and the opportunities that came from those interactions were unlike anything I had experienced on other social media platforms. Whether it was branding tips, social media strategies, or simply having a chat with someone who shared my interests, the app offered a wealth of knowledge and collaboration.
As I continue to evolve in my career, I’m excited to announce the launch of my new podcast platform, Spice Up Your Startup. This podcast is a passion project that combines my love for food and my expertise in branding and digital marketing. I’ll be talking to food creators, chefs, and small business owners who are looking to grow their online presence and digital footprint.
As a foodie, I’ve always been passionate about great culinary experiences, whether online or in person. Spice Up Your Startup will focus on helping food entrepreneurs and small businesses navigate the digital world, offering them practical tips and strategies to enhance their online presence. We’ll dive into topics like social media marketing, branding, and how to create engaging content that resonates with their audience. My goal is to provide value to these creators and business owners while also celebrating the incredible work they do in the food industry.
As I look to the future, I’m excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. I’m committed to continuing to invest in myself and my brand, while also helping others do the same. Whether through my podcast, consulting, or content creation, my focus remains on building meaningful connections and creating work that inspires others. My journey from feeling awkward on stage to developing confidence has been transformative, and I’m passionate about helping others experience that same growth
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jolantadoesbiz.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jolantadoesbiz
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jolantadoesbiz/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jolantadoesbiz
Image Credits
Raven Vang Meng Photos
Heather Elaine Photography Minneapolis Fotographer
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
