Meet Joy Chikwekwe | Video Editor and Creative

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joy Chikwekwe and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joy, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have been editing videos and creating content for over 8 years, but I always considered it to be more of a hobby than an area of expertise. It wasn’t until a few years ago when I realized that people were reaching out to me for advice, services and to collaborate on projects all because of this so-called hobby. This really inspired me to dig deeper, think about my experiences and find a way to fill a hole in the industry. Having high quality video content is now one of the most important things that a creative or a business owner can do. But it’s not always easy to do that without this skills and time to make it happen. That’s where I come in. My goal is to help content creators and business owners show up online consistently with engaging, quality video content without having to learn a whole new set of skills. I am so grateful that I started to take this hobby more seriously! It’s given me the opportunity to meet some really interesting people working on a variety of interesting projects. At the end of the day, I’m consistently inspired to see so many people just doing what I’m doing–chasing their dreams.

What should our readers know about your business?
I started The Joy of Media in October of 2021. I had no idea where that journey would take me, but I knew that I had a unique perspective to share with my future clients. In addition to being a video editor, I am also a content creator with a background in marketing. I believe that makes a difference, especially in today’s world where most content has a purpose behind it. Creating something that is visually pleasing is not enough in this day and age. Engaging content should be compelling and convincing, in addition to eye catching and engaging. You have to be able to tell a story that lets the viewer know that what you’re promoting or selling can genuinely cause a transformation in their lives in some way, whether big or small. And that all needs to be achieved without it feeling like an overtly pushy money-grab. That’s something that takes intentionality, skill and creativity. I’m proud to say that those skills–plus a whole lot of passion and willingness to take risks–are what are at the backbone pf my business.

As I’m coming up on my first year anniversary in business, I can look back and acknowledge that it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. It’s still not always smooth sailing. I am a black woman who started a business is a saturated market. I don’t expect it to be easy. But I also know that I am built for challenges. Resilience and willingness to try again are my greatest superpowers. I am proud of the work that I’ve produced for my clients in the past year, as well as the ways that I have grown as a business woman. My greatest lesson thus far has been this:

‘It doesn’t matter how many other people are already doing it. Those people are not you. You bring something unique and valuable to the table. Lean into that!’

As long as I am willing to believe that it’s possible, put the work in. and learn from my mistakes, I know that good things are up ahead for The Joy of Media.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I recently had the opportunity to do something like this with a friend, so this is a fun one!

Day 1: I honestly believe Atlanta has some of the best food in the country, so I’d start by taking them to brunch at Atlanta Breakfast Club! The food is delicious, and it’s also right around the corner from the Georgia Aquarium, the Coca-Cola Factory and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, which would all make sure excellent afternoon activities. Later on that evening, we could cap it off with a laid back night out at Pasha, at 21+ restaurant and bar with delicious food, hookah, great food, and good drinks.

Day 2: I love to get active, and Stone Mountain Park is one of the best ways to do that in the Atlanta area. It’s about 25 minutes outside of the city, but the views at the top of the mountain are totally worth the trek! Atlanta is also home to lots of history, including being the birthplace of civil rights giant Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Martin Luther King National site is a great museum for people new to the city to visit, located right at his former home church, the Ebenezer Baptist Church.

Day 3: This one is for all those who love to know this history behind the new cities they are visiting! There are plenty of guided tours around the city via trolley, segway, and bikes, as well as several self-guided walking tours.

Day 4: There are lots of great places to shop in Atlanta, so today’s the day for that! Starting with Phipps Plaza and Lenox Mall in Buckhead. Between these locations, you can find everything you’re looking for from designer stores to your favorite national chains. If you are looking for more boutiques and local places, Avalon in Alpharetta and Ponce City Market in Atlanta are great options. Ponce City Market also has several great restaurants, including my personal favorites 9 Mile Station, Atrium and Bar Vegan.

Day 5: One of the best kept secretes of Atlanta is it’s many museums. There is a little something for everyone, including the High Museum of Art, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the Hammonds House Museum, the Atlanta History Center, the Jimmy Carter Presidential Museum, the College Football Hall of Fame, the Trap Music Museum, the Delta Flight Museum, the Waffle House Museum and more!

After all that, there’s no better way to end the trip than a visit to Skyview Atlanta, a ferris wheel right in downtown Atlanta with magnificent views of the city.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mother is a huge reason why I have the courage to take risks and try new things. She came to this country as an immigrant to give my siblings and I a better life. She has encouraged all of us to live our lives to the fullest, be happy and know that the sky is the limit. I have tried a lot of things that haven’t worked out in the end, but my mother is always in my corner rooting for me to try the next thing. There’s a stereotype in African culture that you’re only worthy to your parents if you are not a doctor, lawyer or an engineer. I’m so grateful that despite me not being any of those things, my mom is my biggest cheerleader. Shoutout to her!

Website: https://www.thejoyofmedia.com/

Instagram: @thejoyofmediaco