Kathleen Hearod shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Kathleen, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
As some of my followers know I have been managing a TBI (traumatic brain injury) since 2021. I completely relied on the assistance of others. I am super proud to say I am in business again, driving, practicing yoga and self-care as often as possible. It feels good to have some normal activity in my life again!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
M. JOY is a premium mushroom coffee blend of 6 functional mushrooms and 100% Arabica coffee. We entered the market to provide a brand that was nut-free. A brand that tastes and smells goods. By taking those steps we satisfied three of the top complaints of mushroom coffee consumer. As a person with severe allergies the founder was disheartened to find there were no nut-free options. What is attractive about mushroom coffee is the energy, improved cognitive function and immune boosting effects it provides. As more health conscious drinkers are searching for options we want to meet them where they are.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
I would say observing my mom and granny’s mother -daughter relationship. The sewing, the small business ventures, the coffee and conversations. I watched their bond and enjoyed every moment. Their tradition was passed on to my mother and I. When I would visit her we would have breakfast, then follow it with coffee and conversation. Usually we added some pastry or donuts, lots of laughter, stories, smlies, hugs and cheek kisses. The memories of those moments will never die. In fact, they will continue to live through the M. JOY brand. My mother’s name is Mauzie “Joy” Jones.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Going back, the day of my dad’s funeral has to be the most life changing event in my life. That is the day of my accident. I slipped on the ice at the hotel I was staying in. The bump on the side of my head left me with a painful headache. Literally, my head on the right side was severely bruised and swollen. What they said was a mild concussion turned into my worse nightmare. Days of not being able to walk turned into years of needing a walker. It only grew worse. I developed a sensitivity to light & sound. I could no longer make my own food, I could not stand, sit, lay down or ride in a car. Every position hurt, every day. There was no solution to my pain. I begged for sleep; permanent sleep, but it never came. The daylight kept appearing. Things got so out of control I ended up in the mental care hospital. They released me in hours, but it taught me a valuable lesson. No one is above the struggles of life. From their I took the reigns of my life back. All I knew was God had my back. That my faith in Christ would sustain me in hard times. Dark times. One day I realized this is the battle selected for me and since I was not going anywhere I may as well work on my future self. I had no clue what the future held for me. No idea that fast forward five years later I would be driving, able to prepare some foods, attending events and able to see daylight and embrace it again.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest lie is fear. I am black, disabled and a woman. The first thought that comes to mind is the “world against me” mentality which honestly leads to procrastination. The coffee industry is multi-billion dollar industry; of course I belong there. The world says you will never make it, when in reality making it involves a series of steps and proper business documentation. The truth is I cannot do this alone and I won’t try. I am exhausted just thinking about it, therefore I have learned early to value other people. Value your personal and professional relationship. Figure out what works and what does not in order to forge ahead because the truth is work is required by all of us who desire to start and run a business.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
She never quit. I have faced unprecedented challenges during my lifetime. From physical health to all of the reasons DEI programs were created. It’s challenging to start, build and grow a business. However, you cannot let that stop you. Once you’re in it you have to accept those challenges as gifts because what you learn can be passed down from generation to generation. Therefore I believe they will be proud to say she never quit. She kept fighting with a true entrepreneurial. That I was passionate about the purpose I had in life to be a business owner and leave a brand mark.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://therealdivawings.com/collections/m-joy-pure-mushroom-coffee
- Instagram: @mjoymushroomcoffee
- Facebook: @mjoymushroomcoffee
