Meet Joy Harris-Bird | Author & Filmmaker

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

Hi Joy, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind my success has been staying rooted in purpose. I create with intention, from my books to my films to the stories I bring to life through JoyPark Studios. I believe that when you lead with purpose and a heart to serve others, the right opportunities, people, and moments will align. My brand is built on faith, authenticity, and the power of storytelling to heal, inspire, and shift culture. I don’t chase trends, I follow the assignment God gave me. And every time I honor that, doors open.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is rooted in storytelling with purpose. Whether I’m writing a children’s book, producing a short film, or creating animated content through JoyPark Studios, my mission is the same: to amplify underrepresented voices, speak truth with love, and create content that heals, inspires, and empowers.

What sets me apart is that I don’t just create to entertain. I create to shift hearts. My stories speak to the little Black girl who needs to see herself as worthy, to the woman navigating grief and identity, to the child who feels different and needs to know that different is beautiful. I bring faith, culture, and authenticity into everything I do.

One of the things I’m most proud of is that I never stopped. There were times when I questioned if the work mattered. Times when doors were closed or resources were scarce. But I kept showing up. I kept creating. And over time, the work began to speak for itself.

This journey has not been easy. I had to learn how to build from scratch without a blueprint, often figuring things out in real time. I’ve learned how to be resourceful, how to wait well, how to trust God deeply, and how to keep going even when no one is clapping yet.

What I want the world to know is that my work comes from a real place. It’s not just business for me. It’s personal. Every book, every show, every film is a reflection of what I believe at my core: that stories can change lives. And that when we tell the truth beautifully, we help others see themselves more clearly.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to visit for the week, I’d want them to experience the heart of Houston the way I feel it. We’d start with breakfast at The Breakfast Klub because it’s a classic, then spend time walking through Hermann Park or checking out the Museum of Fine Arts to ease into the city’s creative side.

One evening, we’d head to IPIC Theaters. I love movies, and there’s nothing like curling up in those cozy pods with a great story on screen. Another night, dinner at Willie G’s would give us a little elegance and space to just catch up and reflect.

We’d stop by Kindred Stories, one of my favorite bookstores in the city. It’s more than a shop—it’s a space that honors Black literature and feels like a community. I’d also take them to Project Row Houses to experience the depth and beauty of Black art and history in the Third Ward.

We’d build in some time for rest, too. Whether that’s journaling on the lawn at the Menil Collection or treating ourselves to a quiet afternoon at Milk and Honey Spa, I’d want the week to feel intentional and unhurried. For something sweet, we’d swing by Tutti Frutti for froyo and a moment to just laugh and be.

On Sunday, we’d go to Greater Grace Houston for church. That’s my home church and where I get poured into, and I’d want them to experience that same spirit.

The goal wouldn’t just be to see Houston—it would be to feel it. From the culture to the creativity to the quiet moments, I’d want them to leave feeling full in every way that matters.

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?
I’ve to give a huge shoutout to two people who have been pillars in my journey: my husband, Kyle, and my sister, Cathleen.

Kyle is my rock. He believes in my calling even when I start to question it. He prays over me, challenges me to dream bigger, and supports me in every season. His love has carried me through moments I didn’t think I’d survive.

Cathleen is my hype woman and my mirror. She reminds me of my strength, speaks life into my ideas, and shows up with honesty and encouragement every single time.

I also want to honor the women who’ve poured into me from afar through their work. Maya Angelou, Ava DuVernay, and Sarah Jakes Roberts have all shown me what it means to lead with purpose, create with conviction, and live out loud.

And finally, I thank every child who’s ever read one of my books or watched one of my shows. Their joy and curiosity remind me why I do what I do. Storytelling is how I plant seeds and speak life.

This journey has stretched me, grown me, and refined me. But more than anything, it’s shown me the beauty of community and the power of faith. I’m grateful for every hand that’s helped me along the way.

Website: https://www.joyharrisbird.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joyharrisbird/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joyharrisbird/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AllThingsJoy

Image Credits
ArtistKRebel – credit for the main/header photo only. All other photos are mine.