Joanie French On Her Business That Creates Unforgettable Experiences Through Nature

[Template] Website Member Feature Banner (1)

Hi, Joanie! Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business:

Hey there! I’m Joanie, the creative mind behind Harmony Escape Experiences. Based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, I’m passionate about crafting unforgettable moments through personalized events. As an Office Administrator by day and an aspiring entrepreneur always, I’m on a mission to create harmonious and joyous experiences. My heart beats for event planning, and I could talk about it for hours. I’m not just about business; I love singing, cherishing nature, and spending time with animals. Oh, and did I mention my fondness for gaming and enjoying the calming vibes of nature with a touch of the green herb? Dreaming of a future that involves a cozy house, a loving family, and a thriving business, I’m determined to elevate my income game. Join me on this exciting journey, and let’s create magic together!

What excites you about being an Entreprenista League member?

Being a part of the Entreprenista League brings a thrilling sense of community and empowerment. I’m excited to connect with like-minded women who share a passion for entrepreneurship. The opportunity to exchange ideas, experiences, and learn from each other is invaluable. It’s a supportive space that fuels my drive, and I’m eager to contribute, grow, and celebrate successes together!

That’s amazing to hear and we’re so happy to be with you along your business journey! What made you take the leap to start your own business?

Taking the leap into entrepreneurship was born out of a desire for autonomy and the pursuit of a passionate vision. The spark ignited when I realized the potential to create something meaningful, aligned with my values and aspirations. The thrill of building my own path and making a positive impact drove me to embark on this exciting journey. It’s about turning dreams into reality and shaping a future that resonates with my essence.

We love to see that sense of independence and empowerment! What was your background prior to starting your own business?

Before venturing into entrepreneurship, I laid the foundation early on by starting my first business at the age of 13. This early experience kindled a flame within me, constantly fueling the belief that I could do more with my life. With a background shaped by a myriad of experiences, both professional and personal, I harnessed the lessons learned to propel me forward into the realm of business ownership. Every step has been a building block, preparing me for the challenges and triumphs of running my own enterprise.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

While my journey into entrepreneurship began at a young age, the realization that I wanted to be an entrepreneur wasn’t always crystal clear. It evolved over time, shaped by my early ventures and the deep-rooted desire to create, innovate, and lead. The initial spark ignited during my first business endeavor at 13, and with each subsequent experience, the path became clearer. The call to be an entrepreneur gradually transformed from a youthful exploration to a passionate commitment, and I’ve embraced it wholeheartedly ever since.

It all starts somewhere! Take us back to when you first launched your business, what was your marketing strategy to get the word out and did it go as planned?

Launching my business was an exhilarating journey filled with anticipation and strategic planning. My marketing strategy blended both online and offline approaches to create a comprehensive brand presence. Leveraging social media platforms, I engaged with the community, shared captivating content, and utilized targeted ads to reach a broader audience. Simultaneously, I embraced local events, networking, and collaborations to establish a physical presence. While the initial plan laid a strong foundation, the real-world dynamics brought valuable lessons. The online engagement surpassed expectations, creating a robust digital footprint. However, the local events proved even more impactful than anticipated, fostering authentic connections and word-of-mouth referrals. Flexibility became a key element, allowing me to adapt and refine strategies based on real-time feedback. The blend of online prowess and local community involvement ultimately formed a dynamic marketing mix that propelled the business forward.

What is the biggest challenge you have encountered along the way and what did you learn from it?

While I’m still in the early stages of my entrepreneurial journey, one notable challenge has been navigating the balance between creative vision and practical execution. It’s exciting to conceptualize innovative ideas for my business, but translating them into tangible results within the constraints of time and resources requires thoughtful prioritization. This challenge has been a valuable learning experience, teaching me the importance of setting realistic goals, breaking down larger tasks into manageable steps, and being adaptable. Embracing a structured approach while preserving the creative essence has proven instrumental in overcoming this hurdle. It’s a continuous learning curve, and I’m eagerly embracing each lesson to refine my approach and ensure sustained growth.

What is the accomplishment you are the most proud of to date?

One of my proudest accomplishments to date has been building a strong network of like-minded individuals and professionals. Networking has not only opened doors to valuable collaborations but also provided a supportive community that understands the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship. Taking the plunge into my business is another source of immense pride. From envisioning Harmony Escape Experiences to witnessing its initial stages of realization, each step has been a testament to my determination and passion. It’s a journey filled with learning, growth, and the joy of creating something meaningful.

Networking is such a powerful tool! Do you believe in work/life balance? What are some of your best tips?

I believe in the importance of work-life balance. Setting a schedule is key to maintaining that balance. I make sure to allocate specific time for work and leisure, allowing myself dedicated moments for relaxation and personal activities. Making the schedule enjoyable is crucial. Incorporating activities I love, such as singing, spending time in nature, and gaming, into my routine brings joy and helps strike the right balance. It’s all about creating a harmonious blend that nurtures both professional and personal aspects of life.

What have you achieved recently that you’d like to celebrate with our community?

Thrilled to share a recent achievement – I’ve secured a spot at the Wonderful Wedding Show! Excited to connect with over 15,000 people seeking unique experiences. Looking forward to creating unforgettable moments for countless couples!

Congratulations, Joanie! That’s incredible news. What’s next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?

Looking ahead, my vision is to foster global connections and establish a fully sustainable business. Stay tuned for exciting developments and a continued commitment to creating memorable and eco-friendly experiences!

Learn more about the Entreprenista League and join today!

Share it!

Posted in
Tags

Leave a Comment





Katia Conte Honors Daughter’s Legacy with Childhood Cancer Nonprofit

Hi, Katia! Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business: My name is Katia Conte, and I am the President/Co-Founder of the Daniela Conte Foundation. Our nonprofit organization is a beacon of hope for families battling pediatric cancer. Founded in 2020, our mission is deeply rooted in the memory of my daughter, Daniela,…

Kristen Chimack Provides Real-World Coaching for Success

Hi, Kristen! Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business: Hi, I’m Kristen. After a 30-year stint in corporate America, culminating in a whirlwind four years leading the public relations department at a Fortune 40 organization, I decided it was time to hang up my corporate hat and chase my true passions. In…

How Dr. Sophia Yen is Transforming and Investing in Women’s Health with Pandia Health

“One in five women with menopause have considered dropping out of work, have foregone promotion. And we are just at the top of our game and to take us out at 50 is not okay. It’s about empowering women to be the best that we can possibly be.” When Dr. Sophia Yen co-founded Pandia Health,…

Amy Rees Celebrates Solidarity With Personality Plates

Hi, Amy! Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business: Hi, I’m Amy. Women are at the heart of Personality Plates because I could not have gotten through my difficult divorces and heartbreak without my friends and chosen sisters. I couldn’t have raised my daughters as the strong, independent young ladies they are…

How Julia Haart Reinvented Her Life at 42 from Restrictive Upbringing to Fashion Leader

“Ignorance, people, is good! Jump in. Enjoy it. Ask the questions. Study. Learn. Be an eternal student. That’s how you succeed.” In this episode of Entreprenista, we sat down with Julia Haart, the founder of +Body by Julia Haart, a body-positive, technologically advanced shapewear brand that aims to empower women to unapologetically express themselves and…

The Most Common Mistakes When Starting a Business—and How to Avoid Them

When you’re first starting a business, there’s so much you don’t know you don’t know—like how to price your offerings, market your business, or hire people to support you. Every entrepreneur learns along the way, so why not save yourself some time and money (and potentially even business heartbreak) by learning from the candid stories…

Logan Rae on Her Journey to Founding a Digital Marketing Agency

Hi, Logan. Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business: I’m Logan Rae, I’m 29 years old and Founder & CEO of Argon Agency. Who are your customers? Mid-size businesses mostly in the behavioral healthcare field. What made you take the leap to start your own business? I had done entrepreneurship once before…

Jennifer Jank on Helping Entrepreneurs Reclaim Their Time and Energy

Hi, Jennifer! Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business: Jennifer Jank (JJ) is a productivity consultant helping business owners make more profit in less time and with better systems. Her goal is to help entrepreneurs, especially women, reclaim their time, energy, and attention away from busyness and towards joy… without sacrificing profits.…

How to Make an Impact as a Podcast Guest with Patrice Poltzer

“We’re being bombarded all day with so much content and noise. “Please, please. I need your attention here, here, here.” You really have to learn to think about who’s listening. Really ask yourself, what is the takeaway for the person listening? Why does that matter? And if you can’t think of that, then you don’t…

Andrea TheoJohn Helps Clients Grow and Market Their Brands

Hi, Andrea! Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business: Andrea TheoJohn, MBA is a marketing and branding professional with over 15 years of global and corporate experience. She’s managed over 70 brand professionals in 17 different countries, handled the branding and communications efforts for 160M Euro M&A ventures and now brings that…

How Laurel Mintz Is Empowering Diverse Leaders in Venture Capital

“We transitioned almost everyone out of the company and really flipped the entire company around. It was one of the most painful few months of my entire career, but also one of the most impactful. And if we had not done that, we probably wouldn’t still be standing today.” In this episode of Entreprenista, we…

Valeria Lasak’s Marketing Agency Focuses on Fashion, Beauty, and Personal Brands

Hi, Valeria! Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business: Hi, I’m Valeria. Cofounder of MKT Besties and Nomad, a marketing agency focused on fashion, beauty, and personal brands, I’m also a community leader with the New Miami Girls community and host the street podcast ‘Who Is She Miami.’ This project is especially…

Leigh Burgess on Her Passion for Consulting, Coaching, and Curated Events

Hi, Leigh! Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business: Leigh is a CEO & Founder and driven entrepreneur who is passionate about helping organizations and individuals achieve their fullest potential faster. By continuously stepping out of her comfort zone and pushing boundaries, Leigh has not only grown her own company into a…

How to Avoid Legal Challenges with Lauren Bercuson from Storylock Legal

“In the beginning, if you don’t have a team or a system or community around you, it’s very easy to feel lost. There are these amazing communities out there for amazing female founders that will really help guide and support you. So, the greatest lesson I learned pretty quickly was that you’re never alone. Or,…

The Secrets to Building a Community Led Business with Ingrid Read

“You really have to understand that, in order for you to scale, you have to learn how to do certain things and master them before you move on. If you don’t do that, then your audience is going to feel just as lost as you feel.” In this episode of Entreprenista, we sat down with…