We had the good fortune of connecting with Joanne Homestead and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joanne, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Such a juicy question! For me, the question of risk-taking and how that fits with being “responsible” came up recently when I was on a call with my sales coach. She went back to the original meaning of ‘responsible’ which is ‘to respond.’ And she spoke about how society’s traditional view of responsibility holds us back from taking risks. Then she asked me, “Was there a time you’ve made an ‘irresponsible’ choice, in the eyes of your family, friends, or society, and it worked out?”

My initial reaction was to say, “Of course not! I’m a responsible person. I don’t make irresponsible choices.” But then I remembered ALL the choices I’ve made in the past that could be considered ‘irresponsible.’

For instance, quitting my full-time teaching job as the breadwinner of our family, and starting my own business as an entrepreneur. If it wasn’t for taking that risk, I wouldn’t have learned so much about myself and my relationship with burnout and money. I wouldn’t have claimed my identity as a writer. I wouldn’t have the flexibility and control to create a schedule that prioritizes precious time with my kids (they’re 2.5 and 6 years old and they grow so fast!).

There’s also the time I rejected a job offer right out of college in nyc and went to Shanghai, China where I had no family, limited connections, and took a teaching job that paid $20k USD for the whole year. Because of the risk I took to leave behind everything and everyone I knew, I got to experience new people and cultures traveling all over Asia and South-East Asia, I paid off my student debt, and I met my husband in Shanghai (we’ve been married for 16 years now).

For me, taking risks can be seen as the ‘irresponsible’ thing to do, but I haven’t regretted them one bit. In fact, I’m so grateful for the risks I’ve taken in my life and career because they have brought me into new spaces, new adventures, and new learning.

What should our readers know about your business?
I’m a storyteller at heart, as I like to say, in the fantastic world of emails marketing. I love seeing my soulful clients get their messages out there with audacious authenticity in email-fashion, and getting their soulmate clients to say ‘yes’ to their offers with integrity. Through the art of storytelling and the heart-led persuasive power of copywriting, my clients’ emails stand out from the crowd, cutting through all the online noise. It’s amazing to see the feedback they get from their email newsletters and email sequences: personal responses, significantly more engagement and clicks, and turning lurkers into their #1 fans snapping up whatever they’re putting down. To say it simply, I’m here to empower my clients to connect, compel, and soulfully sell with audacious authenticity, email-style.

In terms of running a business, it’s been a wild ride, for sure! There are 3 particular lessons I’ve learned along the way that I’m passionate to share with other business owners and entrepreneurs.

Money management, money mindset, and money energetics is definitely at the top of my list of skills and knowledge that has most impacted my entrepreneurial journey. As creatives, we tend to ignore our numbers or outsource the financial side of our business. I’ve been learning to take back control and dig into my numbers in an aligned way that helps me make better business decisions, promote with purpose and confidence, and create a money management system that works for me.

Besides the whole money side, I’ve found generosity has had a huge impact on my business journey. It’s amazing to see the ripple effects of the pay-it-forward mentality, community over competition, and other women entrepreneurs who are willing to give of their time, energy, and expertise in a way that’s generous and yet protects their boundaries. So, be generous in a way that’s energetically aligned with you.

This last lesson has to do with BEING ORGANIZED. When you have systems in place, it not only frees up your time and provide a stellar experience for your clients, but things aren’t falling through the cracks. When you’re organized, you’re better able to help your collaborators, power partners, and clients because everything has a place. Personally, I start with taking action and then create systems that fit the exact needs of my business.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have to laugh about this because I’ve brought my best friend (from nyc) around Boulder and into the local mountains, and she said that every time I said we were going for a short walk or a “light hike,” she learned to wear hiking shoes, bring a ton of water, and prepare herself mentally for a serious hiking / bouldering / climbing adventure.

In Boulder, specifically, we would definitely hike Chautauqua and Sanitas. We’d check out downtown Pearl St and get a Goji Berry Rice Cake and Braised Beef Noodle Soup (or Roast Duck Wonton Noodle Soup!) from Zoe Mama’s. I’d see if there were any special events happening at The New Local where they showcase 65 local, women & non-binary artists.

We’d check out the stunning view from Avanti’s rooftop. If we’re up for it, we can bike the Boulder creek path and bike up the canyon a bit to see the rock climbers and hear the rush of water coming down the creek.

For sweets, I’d recommend my favorite ice cream flavors at Sweet Cow, sit outside on the sidewalk, and wave hi to any neighbors stopping by for a fun ice cream stop.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have so many mentors, coaches, friends, family, colleagues, and resources to thank along my entrepreneurial journey! I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my husband, Eric, who has supported me since the beginning of the business. I also want to shoutout my cousin, Lily Liang, and fellow entrepreneur who mentored me for several months as I launched my business. To all my friends and family who listened to my journey. And my intuitive coach and mentor, Rina Lang, who was instrumental in helping me overcome challenges, release emotional and mental blocks, and build routines for my wellness and well-being that has allowed my business to thrive. To the Book of Joy and The Surrender Experiment for inspiring me. To all my entrepreneur colleagues who make the journey less lonely.

Website: https://www.deskplantcreatives.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desk.plant.creatives/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deskplantcreatives

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFUrIBT0zKKUr4Hq4g5-XfQ

Other: https://linktr.ee/deskplantcreatives

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.