We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Joy Kendrick a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Joy, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
Every day I open my eyes I remember it doesn’t matter what happened yesterday, today I can try something new. Life will continue and as I heard another woman say “if I have breath I have options”.
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?
I modeled for a long time and people were curious of what vegans (when I was vegan) & vegetarians could eat when they go out, so the The Food of Joy became a visual for their curiosity. I like very nice things so I’d go to fine dining restaurants and often recreate the dish I enjoyed. Despite all of that, one day while modeling I passed out at a fashion event, I intentionally went without eating for 3 days. Secretly I had been dealing with eating disorders throughout my career and in my life for a long time; embarrassed & humiliated I stopped modeling and coped by creating in the kitchen. Even though I knew how to cook I would always make a mess on my clothes so aprons became an idea and I thought how cool it would be to share my story and encourage others just by wearing their apron.
Each apron has a body positive phrase followed by “& hungry” for example my personal favorite and one of our best-sellers “Juicy & Hungry”. After much consideration and support I will now be launching shirts and hoodies with various phrases on them as well in the upcoming weeks.
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?
The three important qualities I live by is my desire to give back, be resilient and creative. Those three have truly helped me adjust when things don’t go as planned and if you don’t have all three that’s okay, honor & nurture the ones you do have.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
I have experienced a number of different life experiences and each time God has been the one to lift, care and console me. Doesn’t mean I haven’t had family or friends to call yet in the lowest and highest moments its been just me and God.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alwayshungryapparel.com
- Instagram: @thefoodofjoy & @alwayshungryapparel
- Youtube: The Food of Joy
Image Credits
Photographer: Martez Cornelius & Joy Kendrick
Models: Lauren White, Joy Kendrick, Bocar Gueye, Maulik Roots
Makeup: Danielle Gary, Chanel Monet
Nails: Burgandi Wolff
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
