At just 24 years old, Joi is already securing her place in the world of custom cake designs. In February 2021, she will be recognized by the National Black Chefs Association and has been featured on both Cooking Channel (October 2019) and Food Network (October 2020). Outside of building her “cake-pire”, Joi can also share her life experiences as it relates to how her Faith continues to lead her in life, being a virtuous woman in an environment where reality TV and influencers are often the standard and balancing entrepreneurship with mental health.
Patrice: What is your Swagher? What makes Joi, Joi?
Joi: A lot of my friends and family would describe me as creative and full of joy, no pun intended. I love making people laugh. I love all things art and things that push my creativity.
Patrice: You have been baking for some time now and have turned it into a full-time business. How did the inspiration come about for your love and passion of baking?
Joi: I remember when I was super young, I would go through all my grandmother’s baking supplies and ask her endless questions about the craft. My love continued to grow after she passed three years ago. I would make cakes every year for my parents, siblings, and family occasions. When I was a teenager, I saw Cake Boss for the first time. I was so in awe at the things that could be made of cake. I haven’t looked back since then. I combined my love for baking, and my passion for art. I spent countless dollars, hours, sweat, and tears perfecting my craft. There is nothing else I’d rather do.
Patrice: Do you remember the very first thing you baked? How did it make you feel?
Joi: Â I remember baking my first cake from scratch. I was extremely proud of myself. I was very young at the time; probably around 8 or 9 years old. I took some to my grandmother and she was proud of me. That really filled my heart with joy and fueled my passion.
Patrice: How was it attending the International Culinary School of the Arts? What was your experience like studying there?
Joi: I absolutely loved learning about international cuisines. I was only able to take one baking class while I was there. But I was still able to learn some valuable information about food, baking, and the culinary industry.
Patrice: Now that you are 24 and a full-time entrepreneur working in your passion, what advice do you have for people who want to become full-time entrepreneurs within their business or brand?
Joi: Don’t be afraid to fail. Behind every failure is a lesson. And truth be told, every single business owner has failed to some capacity. I’ve had several failed ideas, cakes and business ventures. Each of those things shaped me into the woman I am today and enhanced my business.
Patrice: In your bio you mentioned that weekly trips would be for fulfilling orders and attending vendor events while you attended college. Most college students would relax and go shopping, but for you, it was all about your business and it shows that you were passionate about it. What type of vendor events did you attend?
Joi:  Yes! I was definitely not your typical college kid [haha]. I was so passionate about baking. I’d have classes during the week and have cake orders on the weekends. I would travel from Charlotte NC, back home to Columbia, SC to work. I’ve been a vendor at different pop- up shops in the Columbia area and supported a few as a sponsor.
Patrice: You are also the sole owner of Joi-Filled Delights. How does it feel that you play a different role in your own business without actually having a team?
Joi: It’s bittersweet. Of course, it’s amazing not having anyone to answer to. At the same time, it can get pretty overwhelming. A team may be coming in the near future. I also must give credit to “mom-ager†for being available to help me, when she can, with events and deliveries.
Patrice: What does being an entrepreneur mean to you?
Joi: It is my life. I never expected to have my own business as a young girl. I just had a passion, and I literally couldn’t imagine doing anything else. Being an entrepreneur means freedom to me. Freedom to create, connect, grow and so much more.
Patrice: Why do you feel that Black-owned businesses are important in America?
Joi: It is so important because, not too long ago, being a black owned business owner was unheard of. Successful black business owners have been killed, and have had their businesses destroyed, simply because of their skin color. It feels so amazing to have the freedom to run a business, be successful, and overcome every obstacle that comes my way.
Patrice: There are a lot of cooking shows out here. Have you ever been a part of one? If so, what was your experience like?
Joi: Yes! I’ve been on a baking competition show called, Freak Show Cakes, which originally aired on Cooking Channel and replayed this year on Food Network. It was seriously the best experience of my life. I feel like a big part of my purpose is to compete on national television. I had so many takeaways from the experience from the preparation to the actual filming. I can’t say it enough – It was the best experience of my life and I can’t wait to do another one!
Patrice: Are there any projects you are working on for the remainder of the year?
Joi: 2020 is pretty booked up for me; but I do plan on having some Christmas goodies available for purchase starting on December 1st.
Connect with Joi Filled and all her sweet treats!
Instagram: @JoiFilledDelights
Facebook: JoiFilledDelights
TikTok: @JoiKay
Email: JoiFilledDelights@gmail.com
Website: www.joifilleddelights.com
Patrice Rivers is a media mogul with the mind-set to tell “inspiring” stories in the world of journalism. She has also published nine books and is the owner of her brand ‘That Riverz Gurl Brand’ that consists of her freelance writing, journalism skills, writing services, media platform and health platform. Learn more about this boss in the making by visiting her website at www.thatriverzgurlbrandllc.com Follow her on IG at www.instagram.com/thatriverzgurlbrandllc
