MIRIAM JOY THOMPSON

We got the pleasure to do an interview with Miriam Joy Thompson who is a participant in our Dig Deep Program. We explored why she wanted to take part in the Dig Deep Program, what is her new business and how she has found building her business.

Can you introduce yourself - your name and what you do?

Hiya, I’m Miriam Joy Thompson and I create hand-lettered calligraphy art.

 Why did you want to take part in the Dig Deep Programme?

I wanted to challenge myself to make my dream of running a creative business into reality. My brain is often so focused on creating that I didn’t think I could handle selling and the business side of things without help. I loved that the Dig Deep Programme offers support both from experts and women going through the same process of taking their business to the next stage. Everyone is so supportive and meets you where you are in your business journey.

 What is the new business that you have been developing?

My business is called The Joy Parade and is in the very early start upstage. I will be creating hand-lettered calligraphy cards and prints. So far I have worked on custom pieces, which I love, and I will also be developing a line of prints that are more readily available to buy quickly.

 What has been your biggest hurdle since you started your business?

It is strange to say but probably the hurdle that has held me back most has been myself. I am definitely a perfectionist and need to have everything done to a level of excellence has limited my progress at times. I think a lot of people can be like this, celebrating the achievements of others and not recognising your own. It has taken me a while to finally see my work as art and that I will continue to create and improve on it as my business develops.

 How do you see your business developing in the future?

My goal is to give people an outlet to share words of joy to celebrate their loved ones. I would love to work with local businesses for printing and packaging my art. This year I will be opening an Etsy shop to sell bespoke hand-lettered pieces as well as calligraphy prints and cards.

 What misconceptions did you have about starting your own business?

Before starting the course, I thought that I needed to have a lot already figured out. I had imagined a sea of numbers, jargon and desperately pushing products to make people buy them. This could not be further from what I have found in terms of support to understand topics that seem daunting, really digging into the purpose of my business and taking it one step at a time.

 What have you learnt about yourself since starting the programme?

I have started to say “yes” to a lot more opportunities than I would have. I used to think my family and friends were supporting my art just because they love me, but stepping outside of my comfort zone has shown me to be more confident in my skills. When you are in the process, it can be hard to step back and be less critical of your journey. Even when things haven’t happened as I had planned, through the support of these lovely ladies I have worked out another way to move forward.

 What/who influences/motivates you?

I am blessed with such a loving family and supportive friends who have told me to start this business around 3 years ago! The moment that motivated me to finally start my business was in 2020 during the first lockdown when I sent encouraging cards to some family and friends. I thought of all the connections each person has with their loved ones, how they know the things that make them special and know exactly how to cheer them up.

I had so many messages thanking me when all I did was write a card. That’s where the idea of joy came into it. Everyone loves to celebrate people’s circumstances when they get married, have a baby or start a new job. Yet we can miss the joy that can be shared when situations are tough and things are not going well. In my own life, I can see how the words of support from family and friends have brought me to a place of strength, even if my situation was far from joyful. My motivation is celebrating people in good times and bad, whether they can join in rejoicing or they need the strength of your joy.

 What has been your biggest accomplishment so far since starting your business?

I think the biggest leap so far has been that I have actually begun to take my art seriously and give it the value it deserves. It surprised me how easily I was able to start saying “I’m going to set up my own business” and this has been due to the support of the lovely ladies on the course. I think it is a major jump from dreaming about an idea, which I do a lot, to actually making it a reality. Even at the very start of my journey, I am proud of how I have taken the advice and support I have been given to begin this process.

 What have you learnt about your business in the last 3 months?

I have learnt to be a lot more resilient and flexible with my plans, as I’m sure a lot of people have with ever-changing circumstances we have just now.

 What things are you going to implement in your business in 2021?

I am going to set more achievable goals for myself and not put too much pressure on myself to make everything perfect the first time. I am going to value the process a lot more and not measure my progress so harshly. I am really excited about launching my Etsy shop and having a rebrand of my visuals to go along with the more professional set up. Watch this space for a before and after transformation!

 What advice would you give your younger self?

I would say your love of words will always be a source of joy for you. Through so many different situations, words of support and love have challenged me and encouraged me. This is the next step in reaching my dreams of reminding people how loved and valued they really are.

 Where can people find you online? ( Social media, website etc)

You are so welcome to follow along my journey of starting my business at @thejoyparade_ on Instagram. If you have any questions or want to chat DM my page or email hello@thejoyparade.co.uk