Lady Joy, also known as Joyce Harriet, wears many hats, such as playwright, poet, life coach, producer, director, and author. But above all, she is a woman of faith, purpose, and resilience. Since 2002, Joy has been writing and producing stage plays that reflect both her personal journey and her deep commitment to uplifting others. Her storytelling is more than entertainment; it is ministry—crafted with honesty, courage, and a “leave the drama for the stage” attitude that connects with audiences in profound ways.
With over two decades of experience and a testimony rooted in overcoming trauma, self-discovery, and faith, Joy has transformed her gift of writing into a powerful tool for healing and inspiration. Her works often carry pieces of her own story, interwoven with messages of hope, empowerment, and God’s love.
Now, as she prepares to premiere two new stage plays—MS. AFRO and SHE SAID YES—in October 2025, Joy continues to use her craft to spark conversations, create community, and encourage transformation. In this interview, we dive into her evolution as a playwright, the influence of her faith, the inspirations behind her latest productions, and what she hopes audiences will take away from her work.
Fancy: You’ve been writing and producing stage plays since 2002. How has your journey as a playwright evolved over the years?
Lady Joy: Great question! Actually, it was my personal on-the-job training. I had to play with it for a while, and I did until five years ago. And through navigating all of the pieces, I had to learn and grow in the process. Likewise, my life had unfolded in the same way since birth. I had to go through many challenges and my own personal well-being to grow and understand more of my purpose. I understood that it was and remains a gift from God, not just for me to do as I please. Instead, learn and understand the purpose behind the gift given to me, and that is for the “soul” purpose of Winning Souls through limitless ways. Thus, I’ve grown since that time physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Fancy: Your faith is central to who you are. How does being a follower of Christ shape the kinds of stories you bring to the stage?
Lady Joy: I had often wondered over the years, once I said yes to Christ, if I was able to understand God’s words through the Holy Bible, attending Bible study, and studying, why was there still confusion and so much hate in the world? That’s what I thought to myself. Then it hit me how we all have different ways of learning and receiving, and how some remain with hardened hearts. I learned that it wasn’t about me judging anyone. Instead, be faithful in the gift that was given to me, understanding that not everyone did or could survive what I survived. Nor had they come out of what I’ve come out of. I also learned to use my gift as a way to also teach and enhance God’s Word in real time. Therefore, since He gave me the gift of playwriting, I need to find ways to Win souls for Christ. I realized this through my struggles and challenges. So that’s what I do. Every play has a piece or pieces of me in some form. Because I AM U R ME. Which happens to be my business name, I AM U R ME LLC.
Fancy: You’ve been very open about your personal journey—surviving trauma, overcoming low self-esteem, and finding healing through writing. How do those experiences show up in your plays?
Lady Joy: Well, being an overcomer of my past wasn’t easy. Ironically, while writing my autobiography titled HANDLE IT, God had become my therapist, psychologist, and healer all at the same time. It was such an amazing experience because it was during that time, only 10 years ago, I was able to learn and love on Joy. In addition to being more understanding of who God is and what is required of me. For these reasons, it has become clear that my experiences must be reflected not only in my plays but also in my book and certified life coaching, helping others in as many ways as possible. I call it being God’s hands extended—this way, many can find healing through my gifts.
Fancy: Congratulations on your two new plays premiering in October 2025! Can you share what inspired each one and what audiences can expect from them?
Lady Joy: Thank you!
MS. AFRO, which shows on Thursday, October 23rd at 3 pm and 7 pm, and also on Friday, October 24th, 3 pm & 7 pm, was inspired by my dear friend Nontrell Taylor. I asked her to come with me and assist at a casting call I was hosting, and we were sitting there waiting for people to arrive for an audition. Well, two hours into waiting, Nontrell, who is also a Reverend, said, ‘We are the cast.” She went on to explain that she had a vision about three women meeting at a point in their lives to share pieces of their journey. She went on to explain how our lives can positively impact the lives of others in a way that brings healing. We sat there and talked about it in a way that it felt like God was literally right there with us, orchestrating it all. MS. AFRO came about through divine intervention, which has been performed three times since then and has been a hit ever since. So, the audience expected MS. AFRO to be every woman and every girl who is of the age that can listen to real talk, which may prevent their next unthought-of move in life. Also, Nontrell and I are always looking for the next MS. AFRO. All you have to do is be healed from your traumas and be willing to share your story while giving God the glory.
SHE SAID YES will be showing on Saturday, October 25th, at 7 pm. Additionally, on Sunday, October 26th, at 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm. The inspiration came from recent moments in my life since relocating to Atlanta over three years ago, when I realized I had to laugh at the process of online dating. I didn’t want to be single, so I laughed in and at the many situations that arose, and I still found myself hanging around my ex-girlfriend all the time. Not to mention paying attention to our sisters on how we have decided to love on ourselves while having real friends and or family members to keep it real with you.
Fancy: What message or emotional impact do you hope people walk away with after seeing these productions?
Lady Joy: After watching MS. AFRO, I want them to know that they are needed to be the next MS. AFRO because our lives are purposed for such a time as this.
After seeing SHE SAID YES, I want them to know that anyone is welcome to be in my next stage play and or the ones to follow. Know who or what you are following. And most importantly, SAY YES!
Fancy: You’ve said you approach life with a “leave the drama for the stage” attitude. How do you use conflict in your plays to connect with audiences while still staying true to that philosophy?
Lady Joy: It’s expressed in a way towards the individual actor and not others. I engage with the audience and avoid being judgmental. However, getting my point across essentially and crucially is unapologetic.
Fancy: You’ve written your autobiography, Handle It (Revised), which was deeply personal. Do you see your stage plays as a continuation of your healing journey?
Joy: I’m healed, and I mean all the way healed. However, I also want others to be healed through my writings. That brings me joy!
Fancy: As someone who mentors young people and supports the elderly, how do those passions influence your work as a playwright and storyteller?
Lady Joy: For some reason, each person that I connect with has a purpose in my life. It’s either for me to grow with or grow from, but learn in the process. And I understand that everyone has material for me to use because we are all living, and stories need to be told in ways that others can benefit from them.
Fancy: How would you describe your swagher? What makes Joy unique?
Where can our readers connect with you?
Lady Joy: What makes Joy unique is that God says in Psalm 139:14 “ Each person is a unique and intentional creation of God, not an accident, and was crafted with great skill and purpose in the mother’s womb. Therefore, we are fearfully and wonderfully made in His image. That puts the stamp on my uniqueness for His purpose! And I love Joy!
I can be reached by email at Iamurme7x@gmail.com.
IG ms.lady_joy
Ensemble Theater
6285-R Roswell Rd, Sandy Springs
GA 30328
PLENTY OF FREE PARKING
Thursday, October 23rd
Friday, October 24th 3pm & 7pm
Saturday, October 25th, 7pm
Sunday, October 26th, 3pm & 7pm
