Category: Stratejoy the Biz

Big Dreams Coming True and Stratejoy Road Trip!!

posted 30th July 2010    Written by: Molly Hoyne    CATEGORY: Events, Inspiration, Job/Career/Work, Molly, Stratejoy the Biz, Travel/Adventure

In my own Joy Map (the cumulative page in the Joy Equation Course), circa 2008,  I wrote,  “Big Picture 10 Year Goals:  2 trips a year, get hitched and have babies, own a green home in Seattle with a garden, piano, and studio, have a vacation cabin in the middle of nowhere, be a Seattle 40 under 40 winner, fluent in Spanish, and roadtrip through the US writing a book about extraordinary women and get it published”.

Pretty large living for a girl who was broke, had a tiny business idea that she was scared to share, and didn’t know a damn thing about actually “making it happen”. I’m a dreamer….  What can I say?

Reality check midway through 2010.

THIS IS MY BIG NEWS!

More details will be coming soon, but I couldn’t keep it under wraps any longer.  The Big Man and I are hitting the road in September in our Honda CRV with a Autohome topper to spread our various messages/passions/livelihoods.   His latest venture’s not completely ready to roll, but here’s the sneak peek!

I’ll be continuing to spread the Stratejoy message by teaching workshops like this and this all over, leading coaching groups over the phone (as well as continuing to work with private clients), working on new product launches, and yes, interviewing inspirational women in their 20′s & 30′s for some sort of book/video project.

Stratejoy hits the road! Woo’ freakin’ Hoo!

Home base will be Stella (the CRV),  various couches, national parks, a hotel room here or there, and perhaps, your guest room?  We’ll be on the road for as long as it’s still fun.  Could be 3 months, could be a year… I won’t be gone, though I may shorten my working week to 3 days, so I can play and explore (offline).  So don’t worry, love.  I’m still just a phone call, email, tweet away.

I cannot wait to meet the Tribe.  I can’t wait to eat local delights, take a million photos, and share the passion I have for living life on OUR OWN TERMS, measured by our own definition of success.  I can’t wait to meet you! And hear your story face-to-face.  And share a coffee, or a glass of wine, or an adventure.

I can’t breathe sometimes.  That’s how excited I am.

So, the question is–   How can you get involved?  Well, I’m going to need an rockstar Street Team to help plan the local events. If you’re interested in bringing a Stratejoy Workshop to your town, EMAIL ME  (molly @ stratejoy [.] com) immediately.  I’ll put you on the “inner circle” list.   In fact- title your email “Inner Circle”!!  Details will be going out soon. And of course, nothing is set in stone yet.  You’re not committing yourself by emailing, just declaring your interest in finding out more!

What are you getting yourself into? Here’s a couple of pics from the event I did in DC !

[[  above  ]]  Kimberly Wilson sharing her awesomeness with the group! She is the creative director and founder of tranquil space – named among the top 25 yoga studios in the world by Travel + Leisure, author of hip tranquil chick and tranquilista, and holds a Master’s in Women’s Studies.  She rocked our socks for 60 minutes.

[[  below  ]]  They look all sweet and innocent, but these ladies just spent the day plotting world domination and major happiness.  The battle cry, “Joy for all” rang out, loud and clear.

Other ways to get involved? If you know (or are) a Quarterlifer with an amazing, inspirational story, email me so I can make sure I plan my route to include an interview with you!   Or if you want to take me out for a cocktail at your favorite bar, email me!  Or if you want to hook me up with your uncle who has the killer beach house and loves house guests, email me! Or, or , or!!!   JxesSDFfdseHEeserRs!!!   Can’t talk.   Too excited.  Channeling @nicoleisbetter.

One of the only sad bits about making this dream come true?  Leaving Seattle for an extended amount of time.  I’m teaching my last local workshop on the 15th and have already said goodbye to my amazing, awesome Club ReFresh girls.  Sniff…

[[  below  ]]   Andria fulfilling one of her big dreams: becoming a pro belly dancer and instructor!  You can take a class with her in Seattle.  I’m SOO in when I get back.   Check it out.

Moral of this rather long post?  Dreams come true. We make our own luck, so get clear about what you want, keep your positive intentions handy, and have faith.  Take a step forward, even when you’re scared.  Don’t be afraid of being brilliant, of your amazing juicy life, or working hard to make it all happen.

And if you need some encouragement, I’m here.  In spirit, on the intraweb, and soon enough, in the flesh.

To the Road Trip!

photo credit : daredarlington

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Season 3 Bloggers + Nikki’s 21st Birthday Craze

posted 9th July 2010    Written by: Molly Hoyne    CATEGORY: Inspiration, Stratejoy the Biz

I am absolutely thrilled to introduce our upcoming Season 3 SixPack!  These 6 rockstars are going through all different sorts of the Quarterlife Crisis + they are all incredibly talented writers.

Score for us!  And score for you!

We’re going live with Season 3 in August, so this intro is just a quick sneak peak of our newest contributors…  Follow them on Twitter and make sure you give them a warm Stratejoy welcome!

Drum Roll Please…

SEASON THREE

Nikki  @gratefulsparrow
Alisha  @storiesofsommer
Doniree  @doniree
Lindsey @lknee
Marian  @marianschembari
Renee @bellerenee

Seems rather mysterious, doesn’t it?!  Bios, stories, and pictures soon.  I promise!

In other news, one of the perks of being the head honcho over is the opportunity to connect with cool chicks all over the world.  Nikki Yeager is one such woman.  She’s been keeping tabs on what’s going on over here and always reaches out to share what she’s doing…  I love it.  And right now- she’s got an inspiring personal challenge going on.  Thought you might dig, so we whipped up a quick interview!

Molly:  What 5 words describe the authentic YOU?

Nikki:  Quirky, adventurous, happy-go-lucky, nerdy and empathetic (to a fault at times).

M: What’s the big excitement going on in your world?

N:21 Days of my 21st Birthday! Before my 21st birthday I’m setting out to do 21 things I’ve never done before but have always wanted to try (skydiving, learning to skateboard, skinny dipping, etc). I’m a big believer in the saying ‘there’s no time like the present’ so this is my chance to take on some of the major items from my bucket list, while I still have the 20-year-old energy to do it and can enjoy every second of it.

M:  Life lessons. What’s been the biggest one you’ve learned so far?

N:  Knowing yourself trumps all. There have been times in my life where I had to go against the advice of everyone in my life – parents, friends, grandparents, whoever – in order to do something I knew would make me happy. And those are the decisions are the ones I could never regret. The decisions I made because I knew myself inside out and backwards. No one else can ever know you that way.

M: What can’t you live without? What do you wish there was less of in the world?

N: What I can’t live without- My computer. I do everything on it! Blogging, posting videos, Social Media Marketing for my job, Tweeting, writing a book… there’s no end to it all!

What do I wish there was less of in the world? Straight faces. I love laughter no matter what the occasion. So when I see people keep their ‘serious face’ on for too long it makes me a little sad and a little uncomfortable. I think everyone should take a moment out of their day and giggle like a little girl! Often!

M:  Your Story in 150 words or less. Go!

N: When I was 18 years old I signed my first lease on a NYC apartment and took off with nothing but a screwdriver and some disassembled furniture. I spent the entire year working grueling hours for City Year New York and learning more about myself than I ever could have imagined. From there it’s been all craziness and little monotony. I shortly went to Syracuse University and learned right away that school wasn’t the best route for me, took off to Cambodia where I worked in P.R. for an education focused NGO, headed down to the Bahamas to manage another organization and then flew back to NYC. Now I’m following my love (writing) and happily spending my days doing the marketing for a jeans company.

M: Inspiration List. Person? Song? Book? Website? Place?

N: Person- My grandpa is top on my inspiration list. He’s a quirky guy who has a thousand traits that could be deemed ‘undesirable’. However, the man is incapable of giving up on life. He keeps going no matter.I’ll never forget calling him just a few weeks after a quadruple bypass surgery and my grandma answered the phone. Turns out he was already out mowing his 10 acres of land. He’s a seventy-something little energizer bunny.

Place- NYC. The first time I stepped foot in NYC I knew I was home. For the first time in my life I’d found a city that could keep up with me, and even outlast me and my crazy ambition. I love that about Manhattan: there are a thousand activities to do at any given moment and another hundred opportunities to be had on any given day.

If you could share one message with the Stratejoy Tribe, what would it be?

Find your happiness and never let it go. Ever.

Thanks Nikki for sharing.  I wish you nothing but the best with all your adventures ahead! (And that artwork illustration?  The very talented Miss Nikki Yeager!)

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Link Love from Cool Chicks

posted 11th June 2010    Written by: Molly Hoyne    CATEGORY: Inspiration, Molly, Stratejoy the Biz

Happy Friday you beautiful strong luscious woman you.

I’m rushing out the door for my 7 Day Silent Vipassana Meditation Retreat (don’t worry, I have a 3 hour drive to zen out before I get there!) but I wanted to do a quick share.

There are some amazing women around the web who have been helping me promote, show off, hot shot around town with the Joy Equation Course.   I want to give a big lovin’ shout out to Michelle Ward, Nailah Blades, Jennifer Gleeson Blue, Jenny Blake and Kate Hoffman.

If you’re looking for some new inspirational blog reads, stop searching.   It’s all here. I’m going to link to the article/interview/lovebomb where they talk about Stratejoy, but hang out a while and see what else these power women have to offer!

Michelle Ward. When I Grow Up Coach. Michelle helps creative people devise the career they think they can’t have – or discover it to begin with! A certified life coach by the International Coach Academy & a musical theater actress with her BFA from NYU/Tisch, Michelle uses a dose of empathy, a shot of butt-kickin’, a wagon full of enthusiasm, & a crapload of inspiration to help solve the puzzle & turn her client’s grown-up skills & values into a passionate (& possibly out-of-the-box) career.

Nailah Blades.  Polka Dot Coaching. Polka Dot Coaching is about connecting the dots of our 20-something lives. It’s about embracing the trials and uncertainty we all experience during our twenties so that we can focus on what’s really important – living insanely fulfilling lives! I believe that everyone should feel utterly happy and passionate with their lives. Why? Because when we’re genuinely happy we possess the confidence and power to create our best lives. And this is precisely what the world needs.

Jennifer Gleeson Blue.  Get There From Here. Here’s what you really need to know: I LOVE coaching. Supporting people on their journey is a fabulous gift in my life and I work hard to be an effective coach. To that end, I’ve been a student of people my whole life and have consistently worked to operate from my most authentic self – a journey worth a lifetime of effort.

Jenny Blake.  Life After College. I am passionate about helping people gain confidence, direction and balance in their lives. I believe my purpose, and by extension the purpose of this website, is to help others (young professionals and beyond) become their own best selves – to wake up and be fully present and alive – through simple, practical exercises and tips.

Kate Hoffman.  Writing at Brand-Yourself.com Brand-Yourself.com isn’t just a blog. It is a platform to build, optimize and promote a remarkable web presence that advances your career. It is for professionals, the unemployed, the underemployed, and entrepreneurs who want to tap the power of the social media. Our tools make sure you win first impressions and opportunities on the web.

And yes, obviously I took these little descriptions directly from the sites themselves.  Sue me.

Big Fat Smooches.  And if you haven’t yet applied to be part of Season 3 Bloggers, remember the deadline is NEXT FRIDAY the 18th!  Whoop!

photo credit: h-k-d

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It’s Time to Apply for Season 3!

posted 7th June 2010    Written by: Molly Hoyne    CATEGORY: Molly, Quarterlife Crisis, Stratejoy the Biz

That’s right ladies.  You’ve got some big shoes to fill, but I have sneaky suspicion that you can totally do this.

It all started with…

“I need your help! Do you know a woman who “has survived/is surviving their Quarterlife Crisis”?

Someone open and sassy and authentic? Between 23-33? And wants to blog about their journey? Please have them email me so we can talk about a new project I’m putting together! “

That was June 2009 and it resulted with a fabulous Season 1 with Robyn, Kendra, Marisa and Andrea.  We followed their journey for six months of ups and downs: new relationships, job searches, terminations, travel, self-reflection, and lots of growth. Currently we’re in the thick of the amazing Season 2 with Nicole, Heather and Katie. We’ve seen jobs left, freelance lives created, books under way, depression tackled, new love and big moves.

I couldn’t be more impressed and proud of each and every blogger and the incredibly journey they have shared.

But guess what?  It’s time to find fresh blood and new gals for “Season 3”.  Interested? Currently in the midst of conquering your Quarterlife Crisis? Wahoo! Read on.

Just in case you miss this at the bottom: APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY FRIDAY JUNE 18th.  NO EXCEPTIONS. Got it?!

WHY?

Here at Stratejoy we value Inspiration, Joy, Authenticity, Guts, Accountability, Clarity, Camaraderie, and Sass. The ultimate vision is a thriving “authentic happiness” movement that reaches Quarter Lifers worldwide, with both an incredible online and offline community.

That’s where you come in!  I want to share your story. I think it’s vital to share our tales of “hitting bottom” in our Quarterlife Crisis and then share the journey we are on to carve out life on our own terms. As a generation, we don’t want to be preached to… We want to recognize ourselves in the stories we read and feel a sense of connection. We want to see that others go through the same struggles and be inspired by their success.

HOW?

I am looking for 4 women to guest blog on Stratejoy for a minimum of 6 months. The posts will go live in August 2010, but the writing begins in July. I have had an amazing amount of interest thus far and are looking to find the right fit between diverse bloggers and our values as a company.

Position is unpaid, but super cool…   You would be doing it out of love or some need to document this part of your life.  I would appreciate you, support you and give you access to all tools, courses and inspiration I have available.  Promise.

Desired

Required

Discouraged

APPLY

I want to hear from you! If you’re interested in blogging for Stratejoy, please send  the following information by Friday, June 18th, 2010.

1. Name, day job, job-you-do-out-of-love, city, age, social media links, website (if applicable)

2. Photo that expresses your most authentic self

3. 250 words on “Why you want to be a Stratejoy Blogger”

4. 500 word introduction to you and your story. Pretend you are writing your very first blog post!

5. Phone number & best time to reach you

It would be most awesome if you created a word document with all the information so I can easily print and review.  Hurrah!   Also, if you applied for Season 1 or 2, it’s fine to apply for Season 3– but I do need a new application from you!  Just let me know that you applied for a previous season.

Please know that each application is absolutely considered.  Final bloggers are chosen on several factors: writing skill, current situation, diversity, personality, and unique contribution.

Send all info to molly [@] stratejoy [.] com by the deadline.   I am so ridiculously excited to read/memorize/adore your application and put together an amazing team for Season 3.

JOY FOR ALL!

photo credit:  purplemattfish

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I’m so Excited. And FAQ about the Joy Equation.

posted 17th May 2010    Written by: Molly Hoyne    CATEGORY: Molly, Quarterlife Crisis, Stratejoy the Biz

Hello lovelies!

First of all: Thank you.  Thank you for sharing the news of the Big Launch.  Thank you for all the amazing emails, tweets, and Facebook posts exclaiming your excitement to start the course!  Thank you for being a Gutsy Girl and going after your best life with passion, and hope, and faith. Thank you for joining the Tribe and fueling the Movement.

Thank YOU.

XOXO

I wanted to share a pic of the Joy Plans I shipped out last Thursday… This was my first trip to the post office, but definitely not the last this weekend!

I try to hide all the envelopes in a large bag, so the other people in line don’t give me the evil eye!  But as soon as I get to the counter and start whipping out 30 packages, and then start filling out customs forms for the international ones, I can literally hear people groaing in line…

Come on Seattle!  I’m shipping JOY over here! Have some patience!

But I get it.  The Post Office is not my favorite place either.   I’m going to be seeing a lot of it however, so I’m trying to stay positive!

As I’ve been making my way through a million emails, I thought I should answer a few FAQ about The Joy Equation that keep popping up:

Q: CAN I PAY IN INSTALLMENTS?

Normally this question comes with the explanation that some adorable gal out there wants to pay full price for the course, but can’t afford it all up front.

A: Yes!   Pay what you can up front and then there will be another opportunity to make a payment at the end of the 30 days.  Another payment is not necessary of course, but if you’d like to split up the investment- this is the way to do it!

Q: IS THERE A SUPPORT GROUP FOR THE JOY EQUATION?

Note:  You are welcome to start your own, like the fabulous Natasha did with her private Facebook Group!  If you’d like to join up with her crew (I think they’re starting later this month!), head over and request to join.  Or start your own!   Or complete the program with your best friend, sister or mom!  Adding some accountability to the course is an incredible idea.

A: There is no official support group sponsored by Stratejoy at the moment.   There may be in the future.  There is a follow up accountability club that you have the option to join AFTER you complete the 30-days, but you’ll hear more about Club ReFresh later!

Q: CAN I TAKE THIS COURSE IF I’M NOT IN MY TWENTIES?

From what I’ve seen in the last 2 years, the “Quarterlife Crisis” seems to range in age from 20 to 33ish…   You don’t have to be 25 to be feeling the ill effects over crazy expectations, disconnection, and comparison mania.

A: The Joy Equation is definitely aimed at a younger crowd, but it’s more in the marketing and language- NOT the actually bones of the program.  If you like reading the Stratejoy website and resonate with the message, I know the course would be totally inspiring at any age!

So, I suppose the answer is, it’s up to you…  There will be some examples that I use in the audio programs that are pretty specific to 20/30 somethings, but the 30 day process of connecting with yourself and making plans to live an authentic joyful life would be useful and motivating for anyone.

In lovely Leslie’s words…

What other questions do you have for me?   Add them in the comments so I can address them for everyone!

JOY FOR ALL!


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