Joy- a very honest look at growing a business (and the strong woman behind it)

Earlier today I got to watch  Joy on a flight home from Switzerland at the end of a nine-day trip where I met with retailers in three countries. The timing could not have been any better.

Joy is the story of a woman’s journey into building a successful product business. It shows her highs, her lows, her frustrations, her courage and strength.

I honestly laughed out loud several times throughout the movie, and I also fought back tears. My business is very different from hers, but so many of the experiences are very similar. Wow.
The entrepreneurial journey is most definitely not for the weak.

I remember back when I thought it would be as simple as having an idea, and then just making it happen.
That just ‘making it happen’ part is a whole lot harder than I ever expected it to be, with more twists and turns than I ever expected. And my business hasn’t even earned one dollar in revenue yet. But it will. And it will change retail for the better, putting the shopper back in charge of her purchases. But this stuff is not easy.
I remember seeing the previews for Joy a few months ago. Jennifer Lawrence stars and is joined by Robert Di Nero, Bradley Cooper and even Isabella Rossellini. I couldn’t tell then what the movie was about back when watching the preview, but I knew it looked intriguing. Then today, on the plane, it didn’t have a trailer so I couldn’t refresh. The description was rather vague, too, but I felt it needed a chance.
I am afraid to tell you too much as, so often, I hear all about a movie and then the actual movie doesn’t stand up to the hype. Sometimes only knowing a little makes the movie a better experience.
I will say this:
Joy was a fantastic, honest look into the grit and gut needed to chase an entrepreneurial dream. I am pretty sure it a true story. If it is not the true story of one actual businesswoman and her business, then it is certainly the true story of what it takes, how hard the journey can be, and what can happen with hard work, perseverance beyond measure, and a great idea.
I’m adding Joy to my favorites list, that is for sure.
If you are chasing an entrepreneurial dream, or someone you love is chasing one, Joy is a must watch.