Meet Joni Wilde | Creative

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

Hi Joni, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
I grew up in a Mennonite community, got married at 17, and had babies at 19 and 20. My marriage was abusive and the church had always felt restrictive to me so at 27 I made the most difficult decision to leave it all behind. It wasn’t a fast or easy decision. It took me a few years to gather enough courage to walk away. The toll of being told you have no value and could not survive without a partner, mentally gripped me in a way that made anything outside of the church and that relationship feel impossible

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a creative first but have had several jobs over the last 7 years. I started my own cleaning business in 2018 and over the years have grown that into a profitable full time business. Shawn has taken over the technicalities of it and has also helped to grow the business from just residential cleaning to deep cleans, real estate and commercial, car detailing, handyman services, and yard work or outdoor maintenance.

In 2019 I took professional makeup classes and started as a makeup artist. This is work that brings me so much joy and I love the creative process of helping women feel beautiful. I have worked with several different photographers which is my favorite and also some weddings. I love teaching makeup lessons as well.

My latest accomplishment has been getting my credentials as a travel agent. This has been challenging in some ways but if I have learned anything from the last few years it’s that almost everything that’s new feels hard. Keep doing it and eventually it’ll become habit or at the very least, easier

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Interestingly my best friend is visiting next week. My plans are to take her to the new Toasty restaurant for brunch, Wilde Merrion and Mauve for some shopping at my favorite local shops. We will definitely be visiting Ouray for some time in the hot springs, Shelter distillery for dinner and the river views. And I also want to take her to Plelanies my favorite speakeasy for drinks

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The first few months on my own were the loneliest months of my life. I knew almost no one outside of the community and they shut me out. I did make friends quickly though who were supportive and helped me with finding my footing in this new world. My brother Dallas Kropf stepped up and gave me and my 2 kids a place to live for the first few months (he had a studio apartment) and I will never forget that kindness. My best friend April Kropf was always my rock even though she lived a thousand miles away. Those phone calls kept me alive at times! A group of work friends brought joy, silliness, and acceptance that I hadn’t experienced before. Sara, Courtney, Shelby, and Sarah. A few years later I met some local women who have influenced my life and businesses as well. Gabrielle from Studio 14 photography was so supportive and the SHE group, A group of local entrepreneurial women. Lastly my boyfriend Shawn. I met him barely a year after leaving my former live and he was someone unlike anyone I’d ever met before. He has challenged every belief I’d had, pushed me to make decisions for myself, love myself, and see myself in a more positive way. He has provided safety and security in a way I haven’t seen or felt before. His support has propelled me to try many things in the past 6 years. I am forever grateful to these people

Instagram: Joniwilde_

Image Credits
Lupe Herrera Photography
Studio 14 Photography