This week, I had the pleasure of interviewing Joy Navon, Beauty Blogger and Natural Hair Guru. Between amazing pro-tip videos on protective styles and incredible makeup tutorials, it’s no wonder her Youtube channel is creating a growing following. One look at her Instagram selfies and you’ll just have to get her looks. She took the time to offer us her expert advice and to completely live up to her name—she was a pure joy to talk to! Read on to see what she had to say on all things love, breakups, and dating.
What do you do and why do you do it?
I am a Natural Hair, Beauty and Lifestyle Blogger. My YouTube channel is my baby and my blog is my safe-haven. Personally, I believe everyone has a purpose, and at a very young age I felt like mine was helping people. I didn’t know how I was going to do that exactly, but I just knew within myself that that’s what I was meant to do. I never thought I’d help and inspire my peers, and even my elders, through words and videos. Ever since I realized that I had an audience that looked to me for encouragement as well as ways to help them boost their confidence, I couldn’t turn back.
What’s the best gift you’ve ever got?
The best gift I ever received was my first professional camera. At the time, I’d fallen in love with photography and was dying to start my YouTube channel! A camera was all I ever talked to anyone about at that point. And as we all know, cameras can be really expensive, so I was pretty discouraged in knowing that I wasn’t going to be able to get one anytime soon. Then Christmas rolled around and my mom and (now) fiancé surprised me with my dream camera! They partnered up behind my back for months and pulled off the surprise.
What’s the worst gift you’ve ever got?
I can’t say I’ve ever gotten a “bad” or “worst” gift. I appreciate and cherish anything anyone has ever given me. And that’s just because I know they didn’t have to give me anything. That will always flatter me, regardless of who or where the gift came from.
What’s your advice for all things love, sex and dating?
Take. Your. Time. That is the best advice I can give anyone on those topics because they’re so sacred and so precious. Oftentimes as women, as humans, we develop a strong desire for attention, love and company. And while there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, that is the time we should be taking advantage of. Hold on to your queendom and live! People come and go, life is forever changing. And secondly, keep an open mind. So many of us have either one, already met our match and have blinders on; or two, holding onto that “same ol’ mistake” that’s blocking our blessings! Everything happens in due time when it’s supposed to and how it’s supposed to. Always!!!
What’s your go to pick me up?
Definitely music. Music is my heart and soul; I couldn’t live without it. There’s something so special to me about instrumentation and poetry mixed together. It channels the right amount of energy at the right time, all the time. It’s so amazing.
Tell us about your first heartbreak…
My first heartbreak was right before I started college. I had my eyes set on someone that was really special to me. We were close friends, but our chemistry was undeniable. I’ve always been somewhat shy, which made me a loner and an introvert, so I never dated much. But there was just something about this guy that made me want to break out of my shell. Now the kicker is, even though we had a lot in common mentally, he was nothing like me on the outside. He had a lot of friends and was a little bit of a heartthrob, which intimidated me for sure! I always felt like he was out of my league, but he never treated me any different. He made me feel “seen,” like he saw me… you know? But long story short, I built up the confidence one day to let him know how I felt. I poured my heart out to him and he shot me down–and I mean shot me down HARD! He even hit me with the BS “I really like you too, but I’m just not ready for anything serious right now” excuse towards the end. It was the worst.
Tell us about a time you Bounced Back better than ever
I’ve had to bounce back plenty of times in my life already, but thus far, I’d have to say right now is my biggest bounce back ever! I’ve finally reached a place in my life where I’m just… happy. Like genuinely happy with everything that I have, and with all that I’ve had to go through in my life. I, just like everyone else, have had some really trying times and downfalls, especially within the last few years. Yet and still I appreciate it all. Through earning my degree this year, spending each day with the love of my life, and pursuing my dreams, I couldn’t be in a better place right now. I wake up every morning feeling like I can take over world, and it’s only the beginning.
If I could add anything, I just want to say this, never ever let anyone discourage you from doing what you know in your heart is right. Forget the opinions of others and let go of your fears. The only thing standing in between you and your goals is doubt. Don’t let it consume you. You have the ability to own and conquer the life you want to live, and be the person that you want to be. So be that and live unapologetically in your skin.
