Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Joy Harris-Bird. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Joy, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I firmly believe that resilience is ingrained in my DNA, a trait passed down from witnessing my mother’s unwavering ability to rise after every setback, remaining a constant force in my life. Throughout my personal journey, I’ve faced a myriad of challenges and encountered skepticism about my capabilities. Whether it was overcoming the label of being too quiet or defying those who believed I could never amount to anything, I’ve cultivated the skill to turn setbacks into stepping stones.
Rather than letting obstacles discourage me, they have become the fuel for my determination to continuously propel my brand forward and share my unique story. A pivotal mindset that has guided me is encapsulated in my favorite quote: ‘Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.’ This philosophy serves as a guiding force in my life, propelling me forward even when circumstances deviate from the planned path. It reinforces my unwavering commitment to ongoing personal growth and resilience, inspired by the resilience demonstrated by my mother.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As an author, I’ve had the privilege of successfully publishing six children’s books, with my latest creation being “Marvelous Max’s Magical Kicks.” Notably, my fifth book, “Dream Big Dreams,” has taken on a new dimension as it evolved into the animated series “Kalifornia Dream.” This unique show seamlessly blends the power of music with the art of learning, now accessible on Amazon Prime, YouTube, and Black Education Station. To complement our creative endeavors, we’ve recently launched our first single, “I Can Do Anything,” under Joy Park Studios, available on all major streaming platforms.
Beyond my artistic pursuits, I’m deeply engaged in philanthropy through my non-profit organization, Read to Lead. Established in memory of my brother, who passed away in 2020, Read to Lead began as a book drive that resulted in over 500 books donated to the Boys and Girls Club and a children’s hospital in his honor. Witnessing the growing need for books and reading intervention in the community, Read to Lead has expanded its services to provide reading intervention for underserved children.
Last year, we hosted our inaugural festival, “Read Rock and Roll,” a community-driven event where we distributed books, provided free pizza, collaborated with Milky Way Galaxy Kids Lounge for complimentary lounge access, featured a massive bounce house, and showcased local authors and businesses as vendors. During the holidays, we organized “Reading Reindeers,” gifting five families boxes filled with books and toys.
Read To Lead holds a special place in my heart. Last year, I also lost my oldest sister, amplifying the personal meaning behind my work. Everything I do now is a tribute to them. This personal tragedy has only strengthened my determination to sustain the movement, honoring those I’ve lost while actively contributing to bridging the literacy gap in the community.
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?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities have significantly shaped my path: resilience, adaptability, and networking. Resilience has been a guiding force, enabling me to rebound from setbacks and view challenges as stepping stones rather than roadblocks. To those in the early stages of their journey, I recommend cultivating resilience as a companion. Adaptability has also been crucial in navigating the different dynamics of business. Remaining open to new ideas and embracing change has allowed me to evolve over time. For those beginning their journey, I stress the importance of being a lifelong learner, as adaptability ensures both relevance and growth. Networking and relationship building have played a pivotal role. Meaningful connections with mentors, peers, and collaborators have opened doors to opportunities and collaboration. My advice to those starting out is to prioritize building genuine relationships within and outside their industry. Continuous learning, a strong support system, and the ability to learn from failure are key components for success on any journey.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I am actively seeking collaborations with schools and learning centers, driven by a belief in the transformative power of education and a deep passion for enhancing the learning experience. Currently, I am looking for partners for my second annual Read, Rock, and Roll Festival, as well as collaborations with writers or animators interested in contributing to the show ‘Kalifornia Dream.’
Educators, schools, or learning centers interested in exploring potential partnerships or collaborations are warmly invited to reach out to me. They can connect with me through my business email for Read to Lead at info@readtoleadtx.com or for Kalifornia Dream at kaliforniadreamtv@gmail.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.readtoleadtx.com
www.kaliforniadreamtv.com - Instagram: www.instagram.com/readtoleadlearning
www.instagram.com/kaliforniadreamtv - Youtube: www.youtube.com/kaliforniadream
- Other: www.joyharrisbird.com
