Today we’d like to introduce you to JoAnn Johnson.
JoAnn, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Being on television is something that I always wanted to do. From the time I was little, I would produce and act in my own productions and invite all of the neighbors. In addition to that, I began cooking when I was very young. It is funny now as I look back but the first dish that I ‘created” (in my own mind) was Peanut butter and Bologna.
I remember standing in the kitchen proudly concocting this magnificent dish that in hindsight had to taste terrible. I presented it to my mother for a tasting and bless her heart, she said that she loved it. Her support and belief in me have gotten me through a lot in my life.
Being an actress and television show host has always been on my mind and I feel incredibly blessed to do those things. However, I was called into ministry roughly twenty (20) years ago as well and have managed to incorporate ministry with a catering company, a few cooking shows, an interview-style show, and a smattering of books.
In addition, am blessed to run a 501c(3) organization that helps others to overcome adversity in their lives. The way that I got here has been extremely bumpy. I have often asked myself what the reason for this is and what I believe, is that I needed to walk this path and experience much of what those that I am trying to help have been through.
There is so much that goes into building a brand and little of it is visible to others. I heard it said once that success is much like an iceberg. Most of the hard work takes place beneath the surface.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This has been a most challenging journey and though painful, I wouldn’t change it. I have faced an enormous amount of rejection and aloneness which I am sure that many entrepreneurs, pastors et al. can relate to. Coming from an abusive childhood and abusive marriage made things slightly more difficult for me. I suppose this is because my foundation was not solid and my confidence going into a field that is heavy with rejection was traumatizing at first.
It took me a long time to be OK with the fact that most of the time, the answer is “NO”. That is just part of it. I had actually taken a detour in my career and became a psychotherapist. I really loved it and as I look back, I can see how that part of my life not only helped to heal myself but to prepare me for what I am doing now.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I love this question and the answer is multifold. What do I do? I am a wife, mother, television show host/producer, author, podcaster, blogger, chef, motivator, and the president of a 501c(3) organization. I am known as “The Motivational Chef” and have fed hundreds of thousands of people including A-list celebrities and politicians. I am an overcomer and a child of God.
What I am most proud of (aside from being married to the most wonderful man on the planet and having four fabulous daughters) is continuing on when everything and everyone around me told me to give up. I am an overcomer who has walked through fire, turned around, and reached in to pull others out. I believe that our experiences shape us and that we need to use our stories to help others.
I also believe that we cannot do it alone and that those who are forced to heal alone have a far more difficult time than those who are surrounded by a solid support system. This is why I built the JoAnn Johnson Media Foundation, to ensure that the hurting do not have to walk the journey alone.
I specialize in healing with humor and empathy via television, books, podcasts, and social media.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
Another great question. I have followed TD Jakes for 25 years. His preaching is barr none. You can really feel the power of God on him. I also sometimes listen to Toby Robbins though if I am being honest, it has become slightly more difficult to do these things since I work so much.
Thank you for this opportunity to share a part of story. To your readers: Keep going, keep pressing and above all else, keep praying. It will happen!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.JoAnnJohnsonMedia.com
- Instagram: @JoAnn Johnson Media
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoAnnJohnsonmedia
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN0TytB-uYhLtjYJ1Fh1OgA
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Ba018Uhn3sgvWtqM0fTiW
