Featured Member: Joy Harris

Joy Harris

When did you start your business and how has it evolved since then?
I have actually been a motivational/inspirational speaker for over 8 years. However, I started Inspiring You To Be…Ministries in May of 2009 after the death of my father. Since starting Inspiring You To Be…Ministries I have starting speaking full time at various Christian and social events encouraging others to be all that God has called them to be. Also, I wrote my first book Authentic Joy: Finding True Joy In A Compromising World. It is available at my website www.joyaharris.com and once the publishing process is complete, Authentic Joy will be available at target.com, barnesandnoble.com, amazon.com and any bookstore in the United State and internationally.

What do you love about being a female entrepreneur?
I love being a female entrepreneur because it enables me to do what I love to do and in the process help others make the necessary steps to do what they love to do. It’s also a great feeling to have flexibility in my schedule and not being tied to a 9-5 or having to answer to a boss. Bottom line, being a female entrepreneur affords me the opportunity to pursue my passions and help others in the process without limitations.

How does your faith play out in your business?
Inspiring You To Be…Ministries is a faith based organization. Literally my faith is the substance behind the ministry. In starting the ministry and writing Authentic Joy I had to take a huge leap of faith. It required me giving up a place of comfort and move into the deep waters of uncertainties that only God could lead me through. Now that I am in the water with God, through faith, I seek His presence, guidance and approval for all decisions involving the ministry. God has been faithful and has navigated me through the adventure of starting a ministry.

What is your BIG DREAM for your business?
The ultimate BIG DREAM of Inspiring You To Be…Ministries (and Authentic Joy) is that every person who comes in contact with the ministry will embrace the greatness inside that has been gifted to each of us, no longer accept the lies of the enemy, loose the chains of the past, diligently press toward the providence of God by humbly submitting their will, plans and desires at his feet so they are filled with love that comes from a pure heart, avoids every kind of evil, has a clear conscience and sincere faith as they walk in the peace of God and in turn my hope is for them to share their [Christ] experience with others so that others can receive the same freeing power of Christ. Then ultimately others will be saved and God’s kingdom advances

What 3 tips would you share with a friend who is launching her own entrepreneurial adventure?
Three (3) tips I would share with a friend who is launching her own entrepreneurial adventure would be to; (1) follow Jesus. Whatever the Holy Spirit is prompting you to do, do it without delay, have an immediate obedient response to the instructions of God…casting aside fear, the negative opinions of others and your own negative self talk, (2) Pray without ceasing. Make ever decision based on the peace of God through fervent prayer and supplication before God. Don’t make haste decision if there is no peace. Be confident in the decisions that you make. Even if you make a “wrong” decision if your heart is pure and pursuing God He will redeem your error, (3) Ask a lot of questions. Probe the minds of godly and business savvay people who have succeeded in the past. Glean as much insight as possible them present that insight to God for confirmation and direction.

Website:
www.joyaharris.com
info@joyaharris.com
OR
www.inspiringyoutobe.com
inspiringyou2be@aol.com
859-846-9875