We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kristy Joy Weidner. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kristy Joy below.
Kristy Joy, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
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Let’s face it—the world can feel pretty overwhelming. The headlines are often filled with chaos and uncertainty, and it’s easy to get swept up in all of it. But for entrepreneurs and creatives, staying optimistic isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential. It’s that quiet, unshakable belief that beneath all the noise, there’s still a beat of goodness and possibility, just waiting for us to tune in.
At the core of optimism is trust. Trust in ourselves, trust in the process, and, maybe most importantly, trust in the world and the people around us. It’s this kind of trust that fuels heart-centered work—the kind of work that’s led by purpose and guided by integrity. When we bring our whole hearts into what we do, we naturally create opportunities to connect, contribute, and make a real impact—not just in our own lives but in the lives of others too.
A lot of this trust comes from Buddhist philosophy, which I love. It teaches us to look beyond the surface and hold space for the goodness in ourselves and in others. I’ve been so lucky to cross paths with genuinely kind and generous people—the kind of folks whose actions quietly remind me that the world is full of people trying to do good. These moments aren’t just nice memories; they’re real proof that optimism isn’t about being naive. It’s a choice to focus on the light, even when things feel heavy.
My own journey with optimism really took root during my time in community mental health. I had the privilege of witnessing resilience up close and personal. Working with people from all walks of life who were facing incredibly tough situations showed me that our mindset can truly make or break our ability to bounce back. Honestly, my clients have been some of my greatest teachers—their strength, determination, and their fierce belief in their right to dignity and good healthcare inspired me more than I can say.
From my college days with the ‘Philadelphia Urban Project’ to working with kids at Pressley Ridge School for the Deaf, I’ve always carried this mix of optimism and a healthy dose of realism. I learned that community isn’t just a support system—it’s a lifeline. Learning to share, lean on others, and guide my clients to do the same became the bedrock of my work.
Now, as the co-owner and clinical director of The Village Center for Holistic Therapy P.C. and the founder of inJOY Meditation LLC, I’m all about creating spaces where healing, growth, and real connection can happen. My meditation practice keeps me grounded and connected to something bigger than myself. When I met Barry Rabkin through Pittsburgh Magazine’s 40 Under 40 awards, I just knew our friendship was meant to be. His parents, Dr. Michael and Beth Rabkin, welcomed me into their gorgeous Rabkin Japanese Gardens in Tarentum, PA, to host wellness retreats. It was such a gift—another chance to share the magic of community and self-care with others. I like to keep things simple: ‘no news and no shoes.’ It’s my way of inviting people to step away from the outside noise and reconnect with nature, themselves, and each other.
When optimism is rooted in trust and driven by heart-centered work, it really does become a superpower. It helps us pivot when things don’t go as planned, stay creative when resources are tight, and keep showing up with honesty and hope. It’s how we turn challenges into lessons and setbacks into new beginnings.
For entrepreneurs and creatives, every project is a bit of a leap of faith. Sharing our vision with the world—putting our art, ideas, and passions out there—takes real courage. And it’s in those vulnerable moments that optimism shines the brightest. It’s when we trust not only in our own ability to create but also in the world’s openness to receive our work with love and curiosity.
In a way, choosing optimism feels a bit like a quiet rebellion. It’s deciding to see possibility where others see problems. It’s believing that the work we do—with love, integrity, and a little bit of grit—sends ripples out into the world, touching lives in ways we might never fully understand. It’s a reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness and goodness contribute to a collective wellspring of light.
At the end of the day, optimism is really about trust. Trusting that every step we take, even the uncertain ones, is moving us toward something meaningful. Trusting that the good-hearted people we meet aren’t just rare finds but a sign that the world is filled with folks who want to do good and help others.
So, as we keep moving forward in our creative and entrepreneurial journeys, let’s hold on tight to our optimism. Let’s keep trusting the process, leading with our hearts, and celebrating the goodness that’s all around us. Because our optimism—our belief in what’s possible—isn’t just a gift to ourselves; it’s a gift to everyone around us.
And if I’m being honest, a lot of my optimism comes from my dad. He’s hands-down the most hardworking, honest, and optimistic person I know. I’ve been so lucky to have amazing influences throughout my life—family, friends, mentors—and for that, I’m deeply grateful.
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?
At inJOY Meditation, we create healing and inspiring experiences through meditation, mindfulness, yoga, sound baths, and grounding practices. Our work is centered at the beautiful Rabkin Japanese Gardens in Tarentum, PA, where our ‘no news and no shoes’ retreats offer a chance to disconnect from daily stress and reconnect with nature, self, and community.
We offer both Zoom and in-person community meditation sessions, making our practices accessible to all. Our services also extend to corporate and nonprofit settings, where we provide on-site wellness programs to enhance employee well-being and productivity through mindful care for both physical and mental health.
Together with our Joy Ambassadors, we curate one-of-a-kind wellness retreats—either onsite or at the Rabkin Japanese Gardens—providing a day to rest, rejuvenate, and reconnect.
We’re excited about our upcoming community offerings, including seasonal retreats, a special Mother’s Day formal tea and brunch, and our immersive Seed to Table experiences. We’re also launching a business branding community for entrepreneurs and creatives, providing a space to connect, learn, and grow. At its core, our work is about holding space for rest, rejuvenation, and connection—whether through nature, community gatherings, or professional development—and it’s an honor to do so.
As for my story, I’m Kristy, the founder of inJOY Meditation and co-owner of The Village Center for Holistic Therapy P.C. My journey into this work began with my own need for healing and reconnection. With over 22 years as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, I’ve walked alongside many on their healing journeys, incorporating meditation, mindfulness, yoga, and somatic practices into traditional therapeutic frameworks. My passion is creating safe and sacred spaces where people can explore their inner worlds, find joy, and build meaningful connections with themselves and others.
Through inJOY Meditation, my focus is on blending therapeutic expertise with holistic practices to support mental and physical well-being. I believe that joy is a practice—a choice we make to engage with life fully—and my hope is to share this with as many people as possible. Whether in the quiet beauty of the Rabkin Gardens, through a virtual meditation session, or in the dynamic energy of a corporate wellness workshop, my goal is always to cultivate environments where rest, growth, and connection can flourish.
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?
Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities on my journey have been resilience, curiosity, and compassion.
Resilience has been huge—not just in getting through the tough stuff but in learning to lean into it. Life isn’t always easy, and being able to sit with discomfort, feel the feels, and still find a way forward has been a game-changer. For anyone early in their journey, I’d say resilience isn’t about being tough—it’s about being gentle with yourself as you navigate whatever comes your way. Practices like meditation, breathwork, or simply taking a mindful pause can help build that inner strength while keeping a soft heart.
Curiosity has been a true guide. I’ve always had this pull to learn, whether through formal training or just observing life with fresh eyes. Staying curious lets you see challenges as opportunities and keeps life feeling full of possibility. My advice? Stay open. Explore new ideas, ask the deeper questions, and never stop learning. Wisdom is everywhere—in teachers, books, nature, and even the little everyday moments.
Compassion, both for myself and for others, has completely shifted how I show up in the world. The more I practice kindness toward myself, the more I can hold space for others. It’s so easy to be hard on yourself, especially when you’re starting something new, but self-compassion is what keeps you grounded. I’d suggest simple practices, like loving-kindness meditation or journaling, to help nurture that compassion. The truth is, growth isn’t a straight line, and showing yourself grace along the way is everything.
For those at the start of their journey, I’d say: You don’t need to have it all figured out. Just start where you are. Build a foundation of resilience, curiosity, and compassion. Surround yourself with good people, seek out experiences that light you up, and remember to be gentle with yourself. The journey itself is the good stuff—that’s where all the magic happens.
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?
Barry Rabkin has been a true guiding force in my journey, both personally and professionally. He brings this rare blend of strategic thinking and genuine heart—seeing potential in people and ideas while knowing exactly how to bring them to life.
Barry’s success in AI, robotics, and tech startups is inspiring, but what truly sets him apart is his ability to see the unique gifts we both bring to our partnership. He understands how technology and mindfulness can beautifully complement one another—how technology provides the structure, efficiency, and reach to amplify our work, while mindfulness keeps us grounded, present, and intentional about how we show up in the world.
I’ll admit, I had a real aversion to technology before becoming friends with Barry. I used to think tech and wellness were at odds, but he showed me how technology could enhance the work we do at inJOY Meditation and the Rabkin Japanese Gardens. Whether through virtual community meditations, digital platforms, or creating seamless experiences for our retreats, technology has become an ally rather than an obstacle—all thanks to Barry’s influence.
He has this incredible ability to offer the hard truths and growth opportunities you might not want to hear but absolutely need to implement to find success. His steadfast energy and diplomatic advice have shaped not only our wellness retreats but also my approach to business and life.
I’m so grateful for Barry’s support and friendship. His example reminds me daily of what’s possible when you combine business savvy with a genuine desire to uplift others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.injoymeditation.org
- Instagram: KristyJoy412
Image Credits
photography credit — Adam Michaels Photography
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