I have spent my entire life believing in the power of love, and I have been on a journey ever since. It has taken a tremendous amount of both good and bad experiences – and some mildly insignificant ones – that have brought me to a place where I realized love is what I GET to give! Our experiences do not define us; our choices do! Finding yourself is never easy; however, it will always be worth it!
Please tell us more about your story and how you got where you are today!
“Hi, my name is Joni Woods, and I am a survivor.” Saying that sentence has always been so hard for me. I have never wanted to be seen as different; however, in sharing my experiences through life, it has become clear that I am. Yet, out of that understanding, I realized I didn’t want anyone else to feel alone in the situations they are trying to survive in!
I am a single mother of two trying to show my children just what it looks like to have a dream, set a goal, and work like hell to see it through. It’s a journey that has me questioning why on earth I started this to begin with, but for every small win, I take a moment to think – this is the why!
I wouldn’t be here today if I hadn’t spent so much time writing, writing, and writing. For me, writing clears the noise. The noise from others’ expectations and requirements of me. It helps me reconnect with the person I want to be and reminds me that I will get there!
That’s inspiring. We’d love to hear more about your journey.
To ask me about today, I must say that I feel as though I am trying to connect my past to my future goals. It feels much like riding two horses with one butt.
I have only ever wanted to see people have healthy relationships through effective non-violent communication.
All that means is I want people to truly talk to each other. Put aside the defenses, the tactics, the tips and tricks to “win”, but show up in our truest and most authentic selves.
However, we often show up in our hurt selves, expecting someone else to heal the open and bleeding wounds. Wounds that require our own gentle tending to – first!
Once we can do that, once we recognize our tender, healing wounds, we are more inclined, open, and want to give grace and hope to others who are doing the same work.
This work is in tandem with our everyday lives. Lives that require us to show up for our families, our work, and our friendships/relationships.
It’s an incredible journey of emotional intelligence that can change your life!
What made you decide to go into business for yourself?
Relationships are everywhere! Whether it’s your neighbors, your co-workers, family, best friend, or your most intimate partner – relationships are everywhere, and we need to proactively work on making them healthy.
For me, the most obvious way to positively influence relationships was in the workplace! How I interact in my relationships with my peers, staff, and executives is just as important as how I interact with my family, my friends, and my children – I wanted to encourage others to recognize that as well!
How did you market your business when it was brand new?
Through so many conversations, but most importantly, I couldn’t allow myself to be put into a different kind of box. I am not here for leadership training; I am here for personal/personnel training.
What is a typical day like for you?
I keep two Safari windows open on my computer at all times; one for my personal brand and business, and one for the job I do within my workplace. My journey to healthy relationships have only grown as I continue to marry the two passions of mine!
I get to do it on a daily basis – within my own workplace culture but also through sharing the lessons learned almost 10 years ago!
If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out, what would it be?
There is a difference between getting advice and living someone else’s experience.
Knowing that my goals for healthy relationships didn’t check any sort of box in terms of a business plan box, I had to recognize that advice is meant to be hints, tips, pointers, ideas, and views, all came from someone else’s experience. My business goal means that while I am honored to take in all of the amazing hints, tips, pointers, and ideas, I am accountable for how I use them. I don’t want to live someone else’s journey – I want to forge my own path and be proud of the work I have done!
Every entrepreneur has a goal and a problem they’re trying to solve. What was the inspiration that started your journey?
After my ex-husband died in August of 2020, I realized there was a huge gap in developing healthy communication with him during our co-parenting relationship – and as a result, my children paid the price in their greatest moment of need.
We have to end this “cancel-culture” mentality and fix relationships through intentional non-violent effective communication – which includes so much emotional intelligence!
How do you prioritize self-care and well-being while managing the demands of your business?
Find the women who understand what you are going through, who believe in you, and just be honest about where you are at. Not all women are in competition with each other. Most really want to help each other succeed, and that kind of support will get you through the ups and downs!
What would you consider your biggest accomplishment and why?
Finally publishing my book! When I wrote it, I was so proud of it. I was proud of the first review I had received from my college lit professor, Rachel. What started out as just “correcting the grammar” turned into a real-life connection and transformative experience! It was then that I wanted to see this book really impact lives! It took 9 years and overcoming a lot of self-doubt, but it’s here. The book is in the world, and I pray it provides those connections and transformative experiences I have dreamed about!
What challenges have you faced in the workplace, especially your experience in male-dominated environments?
Being a single woman, I was not only considered just a pretty face, but I was often hit on, propositioned, and belittled in my efforts. I made changes to not only my outfits but also to my hair and my interactions with both men and the women who wanted to be with them. In many ways, I felt diminished by the men and harassed by the women who saw me as a threat.
Can you share some of the most important lessons you’ve learned from your successes and failures in business?
I have learned that my gut is what I should trust above anything else. Only I know what works in alignment with what I want to see happen, what I can do personally, and how I can show up for the people I want to help!
What advice would you give to your younger self?
We already know that life is hard – that there are things, people, unforeseen events that will try to derail us, but also know that we are the inspiration that your children need to see to keep going in their own pursuits and passions!
How do you set your business apart from others in your industry?
I want to be feet on the ground. I want to be more than just a consultant; I want to learn through continued lived experience!
What social media platform is the best for business growth, and why?
I lost my social media over the summer. It felt like the biggest hit to my business thus far. While I had to pivot, I leaned into videos/reels on TikTok and YouTube, and embraced articles on LinkedIn
Which female leader do you admire, and why?
Kate Middleton. She exudes grace, strength, confidence, and resilience in the midst of so much scrutiny. She would have made her mother-in-law very proud!
Do you have a favorite quote or motto that inspires you?
“These are not tests necessarily, but affirmations of who I want to be” I said this in the middle of a podcast, and I truly surprised myself with the realization. And in that, I have faith that my success will not lie in wealth but in spirit!
Want more inspiring interviews?
We love spotlighting amazing women! Check out these interviews (plus so many more) on She Owns It.
Meet 8-figure business owner Shoshanna Raven or Samara Tricarico, co-founder of The Endurant Movement, and Woofie’s VP of Operations, Lydia Best. Get to know entrepreneur Cara du Plessis, pop-alt artist Lauren Presley, and Singer-Songwriter Stefanie Michaela.
All of these and more are part of our interview series spotlighting successful women in business.
The views and opinions expressed reflect those of our guest contributor, interviewee, or sponsor. We have evaluated the links and content to the best of our ability at this time to make sure they meet our guidelines. As links and information evolve and change, we ask that readers do their due diligence, research, and consult with professionals as needed.
The publication of Content on the site does not constitute an endorsement by She Owns It.
If you have questions or concerns about any content published on our site, please let us know. We strive only to publish ethical content that supports our community. Thank you for supporting the brands that support this blog.
Melissa Stewart is the founder of SheOwnsIt.com. She is a Purveyor of Possibility, Entrepreneur Advocate and Coffee Addict. She believes that behind every successful woman is her story. What’s your story?
