Meet Joy Roberts

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

Joy, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?

Honestly, my optimism comes from life showing me time and time again that even in the darkest moments, there’s always a glimmer of hope. I’ve faced some tough challenges growing up—when I was just a toddler, I drowned in a pool, and doctors didn’t think I’d make it. They told my family I would be in a vegetative state and suggested institutionalizing me. But instead of focusing on what I can’t do because of my disability, I’ve learned to embrace what I can do. Now, I’m here—living, loving, and making candles that bring joy to others. Through it all, I’ve discovered that no matter how hard life gets, there’s always a reason to be thankful, share a little positivity, and enjoy the simple things—like a cozy moment with a handmade candle and a spark of hope.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I started Sheer Joy Scents as a fun hobby while fundraising for a mission trip, and it quickly grew into something so much more. Being able to stay at home with my children while building a business that spreads joy through home fragrance has been an absolute blessing. What excites me most about what I do is the personal connection I get to have with each of my customers. Every time someone buys one of our scented candles, I feel like I’m sending a little piece of warmth and love to their home.

On top of that, I’m passionate about using my story—surviving a near-drowning as a toddler and overcoming the challenges that followed—to inspire others. I want to change the way people see the disabled community and show that there’s so much strength, creativity, and potential beyond the obstacles.

I’ve been crafting candles for over 10 years now, and I’m always working on something new. We’ve just restocked our Fall Scented Candle Collection, which has been a big hit, and right now, we’re hard at work preparing for our Christmas Collection Launching in October. I’m so excited to share it with everyone soon—it’s going to bring all the cozy holiday vibes!

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?

Looking back, I think three key things helped shape my journey: the drive to always keep learning, building confidence, and staying true to myself.
Never stop learning and growing: In 2018, I took several online courses on marketing, website building, SEO, and social media. Learning these skills helped me grow Sheer Joy Scents from a hobby into a business. I also spent a year mastering product photography and video creation for social media—trust me, that was a game changer! My advice to anyone starting out is to stay curious and keep learning. There are always new skills to pick up, especially in a world where things change so fast. Don’t be afraid to invest in yourself through courses or even trial and error.
Confidence is key: It’s easy to let self-doubt creep in, but I’ve learned that believing in yourself is half the battle. Don’t listen to those negative voices in your head that say you can’t do it. Push forward and enjoy your journey. My advice? Practice confidence daily. Whether it’s posting your work online or sharing your brand with someone new, put yourself out there. It’ll get easier with time!
Never be afraid to be yourself: Authenticity is everything. People are drawn to you because of who you are, not who you think you should be. Let your personality and passion shine through your work, and don’t be afraid to share your story—it’s what makes your brand unique. My advice is to embrace what makes you different and let that be your superpower. Whether you’re crafting candles or something else entirely, being true to yourself will always connect with others on a deeper level.
Starting a journey can feel overwhelming, but with the right mindset and commitment to growing, you’ll get there.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

That’s an easy one—the most impactful thing my mom did for me was never giving up on me. When doctors gave her a bleak prognosis after my drowning, she refused to accept it. Instead of listening to what they said, she relied on her faith, believing that there was more in store for me than the doctors could see. That unwavering faith, determination, and perseverance are qualities she passed down to me. I carry them with me every day, and they’ve become the foundation of who I am—both in life and in my business.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

All photos are taken by myself

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