We had the good fortune of connecting with Joy Wolfe and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joy, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
If your mental health and finances are in a truly dire place like mine were, it might be time to reflect and possibly pivot. I love Los Angeles and the city herself is the star and obsession of most of my early work. However, by my last days in LA, I had about $11 to my name, a cockroach infested studio apartment (for the low price of $1,450 per month), and friends I mostly saw on Instagram. A lot of people will never leave LA because it’s seen as a “failure” but I had to ask myself does this actually feel good anymore?

Following your dreams is such a wonderful and noble idea yet in our capitalistic dystopia, this pursuit can quickly become a nightmare for those without rich or famous parents. If I had stayed in my old life, I might not even be here writing this. I honestly don’t know how I was able to create so much when I was actually starving most of the time and struggling to pay rent even with dozens of gigs and day jobs.

If your successes only look good but leave your heart (and body too in my case) hungry… What’s the point?

It was my estranged, dysfunctional father’s dream to make it in Hollywood. It took me until my Saturn Return to even examine if I was just going through the motions of a hurt little girl trying to make sense of this harsh world. Most of the mainstream media our industries are producing is such garbage… So why are we all breaking ourselves to fit into this uninspired mold that doesn’t even represent most of us?

There’s a phrase in the spiritual community that goes “when you let go of something, you make room for something new”. This last winter, I crushed my ego and did the one thing that would kill teenage Joy… I returned to my mom’s house in New Mexico. And thankfully the Universe is smarter than I will ever be. Since being here I’ve fallen in love with someone truly kind, I’m helping heal shit within my family I thought I’d get to put off this lifetime, and I actually have a creative day job that nourishes me and pays the bills.

Taking a break to regroup does not make you any less of an artist. So, if your dreams have become more like a nightmare, it might be time to wake up and get some real rest. Like eight to ten hours a night, it’s good for the skin.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My 29° Gemini midheaven has guided my multi-passionate career everywhere, all at once, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m a stand up comedian, filmmaker, writer, actor, podcast host, model, event and film producer. I never expected to try so many different things but I would have so many regrets if I didn’t just “do it scared” (the best creative advice I ever heard).

I always wanted to be a filmmaker, and I’ve found that it’s the ultimate team sport. I’ve learned so much, made countless cringy mistakes, and grown so much by doing my best and learning how to move forward at my worst. Being a decent leader means being able to play the fool with grace. You have to trust yourself and the talented crew you’ve assembled to let the best, juiciest idea win. If I didn’t listen to all the smarter people around me, my projects wouldn’t be as rich.

What I’m most proud of is how far I’ve come. One thing I’m guilty of is taking my work too seriously, and I wish I would let myself enjoy the process more. My anxiety and worthiness issues often cloud the fun of creating, it’s definitely something I’m still working on. However, producing and performing in two comedy shows at Hollywood Forever was beyond my wildest dreams. I’ll remember those nights for the rest of my life. The other pride of my zesty career is completing my first featurette “The East Hollywood Project”.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Obviously, I have to recommend catching a yoga class or film screening at Hollywood Forever Cemetery!!

Beaches
-Zuma or Le Chuza in Malibu (Followed by seafood at The Reel Inn)
-Venice Beach/Canals (such a tourist trap but worth it for a first timer)

Best Places to Work on Your Screenplay:
-Stories (after a walk around Echo Park)
-Bolt East Hollywood (after exploring Thai Town)
-Beachwood Cafe (after walking the secret steps in hills)

Shopping
-Santee Alley is like LA’s Diagon Alley + a must see when you visit DTLA
-260LA has epic designer sample sales in Beverly Hills
-Cruise Fairfax/Melrose Trading Post (def hyped but a vibe for LA newbies)

These are more recommendations for the Eco-Friendly Travelers + Locals:
– Atwater Farmer’s Market on Sundays is so chill and friendly
(LA Compost has a booth that makes it so easy to bring in your compost!)
– Sustain LA for refillable beauty and houseware products
– Re Grocery for refillable and ethically sourced groceries

LA is so much more diverse and multifaceted beyond the classic tourist spots. There are countless, amazing local gems in so many different neighborhoods like K-Town, Little Tokyo, Inglewood, Thai Town, Little Ethiopia, and so many more… Make sure you get to explore all this incredible city has to offer!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would not be where I am today without so many wonderful people (including my wild and iconic mom) but the yoga community at Hollywood Forever Cemetery changed my life. Tyler Cassity, Victoria Goodhart, Jay Moton, and Mary De Caro are the most incredible, kind, and generous teachers. The combination of their different styles is alchemical.

The space itself at HF is also such a gorgeous, strange, and authentic place to make so many exquisite friends and acquaintances. People stay and get to know one another after class. It truly is a community!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoywolfe/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@joywolfe?si=FHpRQRCsaJOF5Lqd

Other: The East Hollywood Project

Just Happy To Be Here Podcast

IMDb
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9190418/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

Image Credits
Debi Del Grande
Elise Lewis
Luis Ochoa
Terra Ace
Jim Sundance
Vincent Villella
Jason Watson
Joe Welkie
@thelostfelizshow

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.