Meet Joy Brooker | Digital Creator & Musician

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

Hi Joy, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Oddly enough, the thing that frustrated me the most about myself was feeling like I’d never find a “normal” career like everyone else. I resented myself for a long time because peers with my skillset were settling on careers while I changed my major three times and dropped out of college to pursue entertainment. I felt like a loser. I didn’t realize until my thirties that my indecisiveness wasn’t a flaw; it was an invitation to create my own calling. I knew I would never be satisfied if I chipped away at myself to squeeze into a career I hated. It turns out that stubbornness paid off, because I finally found something that feels right and makes me more money than a 9-5 ever did.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a musician by night and, during the day, I dress in an anatomically correct heart costume and sing to strangers. A lot of people ask if me choosing to do singing telegrams was intentional, and the truth is it wasn’t. I got the idea one Valentine’s Day to do them for extra income, and people enjoyed them so much I continued the tradition every year. I eventually started posting them on tiktok, and they went viral! I went from having no followers to almost a million across all platforms. After 4 years, I was able to quit my marketing job and support myself completely. It feels wonderful to know I’m making an honest living doing something that fulfills me and brings other people joy. I’ve overcome a lot of insecurity, self-doubt, and frustration along the way. I also learned the importance of being consistent, patient, and trusting my gut. I want people my age who feel unsatisfied and lonely in their careers to know that they don’t have to conform to what everyone else is doing. If you can’t find a career that “fits” you, maybe that’s because you have to create it! Embrace uncertainty and dare to look dumb. I promise it’s way more fun than feeling like a prisoner in a stuffy office.

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?
What I love about Cape Girardeau is the rich downtown culture. First, I’d take them to a little spot by the river called Port Cape Girardeau. It’s a mom & pop restaurant/watering hole in a historic building with the best NOLA-inspired food I’ve ever eaten. They’ve got live music on Sunday nights and regulars who have been sitting at the same barstools since the 70’s. Then, we’d take a walk by the river before heading over to Annie Laurie’s for some unique vintage finds. After that, we’d make a stop at spectrum record lounge for their craft cocktails and stellar vinyl collection. I’m really proud of how far Cape has come and very much invested in helping it grow into a thriving artistic community!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout to my sister, Joanna, for always believing in me.

Website: Tiktok.com/thejoybrookershow

Instagram: Joy.brooker

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joy.brooker90

Youtube: YouTube.com/JoyBrooker

Image Credits
Michael Toeniskoetter, Jordi Newman, Derek White.