Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Frierson.
Hi joshua, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Kingstree, South Carolina, where music became one of the first places I discovered purpose. That passion led me to South Carolina State University, where I earned my degree in Music Industry and served as Drum Major of the world-renowned Marching 101. Those experiences taught me leadership, discipline, teamwork, and how to perform under pressure.
After college, I pursued opportunities in live entertainment and event production, working behind the scenes at venues such as The Fillmore Charlotte, the Miller Theater, Colonial Life Arena, and other live events. Those experiences strengthened my passion for production, leadership, and creating memorable experiences for audiences.
At the same time, I’ve also built a career in education. Today, I serve as an elementary music teacher, where I have the privilege of helping hundreds of students discover confidence, creativity, and a love for music. Teaching has challenged me to become a better communicator, mentor, and leader.
Like many people, my journey hasn’t been without adversity. I’ve experienced personal loss, financial challenges, and seasons where I had to rebuild my life from the ground up. Those experiences changed my perspective and taught me resilience, gratitude, and the importance of living with purpose. Rather than allowing difficult seasons to define me, I’ve used them as motivation to grow stronger and become someone who can encourage and serve others.
Outside of my professional career, I’m also an entrepreneur. I founded Mena’s Luvel, a catering company named in honor of my grandmother, where I combine my love for hospitality, creativity, and bringing people together through food. I’m also developing Grill & Chill, a hands-on grilling experience designed to teach people while creating memorable moments around the grill.
Today, I’m focused on continuing to grow as a leader in education, live production, and entrepreneurship. I believe the best opportunities come from serving people well, continuously learning, and remaining faithful through every season. My goal is to leave every place, team, and person better than I found them.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many people, I’ve faced seasons of grief, financial hardship, career uncertainty, and personal struggles that tested my faith and resilience. I’ve lost loved ones who meant the world to me, experienced moments where I questioned my direction, and had to rebuild more than once. There was even a season where I struggled deeply with my mental health, and that experience changed how I view life, purpose, and the importance of asking for help.
Professionally, I’ve had to navigate setbacks while trying to build a career in education, live production, and entrepreneurship at the same time. There have been times when resources were limited, opportunities didn’t work out as planned, and I had to keep moving forward despite disappointment.
What I’ve learned is that obstacles don’t have to define your future—they can develop your character. Every challenge has strengthened my faith, taught me perseverance, and reminded me that growth often happens during the hardest seasons. Today, I approach challenges with a different perspective. Instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?” I ask, “What is this teaching me, and how can I use it to help someone else?”
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about creating experiences that inspire, educate, and bring people together. Professionally, I’ve worked across music education, live event production, performance, and entrepreneurship. As an elementary music teacher, I have the opportunity to introduce hundreds of students to music each year while helping them build confidence, creativity, and teamwork. Outside of the classroom, I’ve worked behind the scenes in live entertainment, supporting concerts and productions in stage operations and lighting, experiences that continue to fuel my passion for the live event industry.
I’m also the founder of Mena’s Luvel, a catering company named in honor of my grandmother. Through food, I strive to create memorable experiences that make people feel welcomed, celebrated, and cared for. I’m currently expanding that vision by developing Grill & Chill, an interactive experience that combines teaching, hospitality, and community around live-fire cooking.
What sets me apart is that I don’t see my work as separate careers—I see it as one purpose expressed in different ways. Whether I’m teaching a child, producing a live event, cooking for a family, or mentoring someone, my goal is always the same: to serve people with excellence, create meaningful experiences, and leave them better than I found them.
The accomplishment I’m most proud of isn’t a title or an award. It’s knowing that I’ve been able to positively impact people’s lives through education, creativity, leadership, and service. My greatest fulfillment comes from seeing others grow because of something I helped create or inspire.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
If I could give one piece of advice to someone just starting out, it would be this: build systems before you build success.
For a long time, I believed that working harder was the answer. While hard work is important, I’ve learned that consistent systems create sustainable success. Whether you’re teaching children, running a business, producing a live event, or simply managing your daily life, having a clear system helps you stay focused, organized, and prepared when challenges come.
I would also tell people not to wait until they feel completely ready. Some of the greatest opportunities in my life came because I stepped into situations where I didn’t have all the answers. Growth happens when you’re willing to be uncomfortable, ask questions, make mistakes, and keep learning.
Most importantly, don’t let fear stop you from starting. You’ll learn more by taking action than by waiting for the perfect moment. Stay humble, stay teachable, ask questions, and keep showing up. Progress isn’t about getting everything right the first time—it’s about becoming a little better every day.
Pricing:
- Mena’s Luvel Catering – Custom event quotes available.
- Grill & Chill Experiences – Contact for current class pricing.
- Speaking, Workshops & Creative Collaborations – Available upon request.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Josh_musiq or Menasluvelbbq
- Facebook: Joshua Frierson
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-frierson-8a824bb4
