Joyce Daniels is an event MC extraordinaire and public speaking coach who is currently celebrating 16 years on that stage.
Her journey is nothing short of fascinating, and we share some of her experiences verbatim, for the benefit of entrepreneurs struggling with self-belief and strategy:
‘[It has been] 16 years since 11th November 2007, when I agreed with the universe, I was going to be an Event Host MC of repute. It was 7pm that Sunday – I made my decision immediately after working as the MC at the launch of Sleek Hair and Makeup Nigeria, at 62b Anifowose Street off Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island Lagos.
“I remember some of the questions I was asked when I made my decision:
1. What about your university degree?
2. Isn’t this supposed to be a hobby?
3. Will it pay your bills?
4. How will you provide for yourself and your son?
5. Are you choosing this because you couldn’t get a ‘proper’ job?
“Some were more like statements than questions…
Note: ALL these questions were asked from a place of love and true concern. Maybe some were asked out of shock, disbelief, doubt and fear 🤣🤣
No! I NEVER once doubted my trajectory.
“I did have concerns when the jobs weren’t coming in as expected, or when I was passed up several times. At such times, I used my ‘scaffolds’.
🌴I worked as a professional makeup artist.
🌴I explored and EXCELLED at multilevel marketing.
🌴I speculated in dollars.
“I did have concerns about improving my craft and showing others how to do same.
There were rough days and there were tough days.
From the days of fumbling over event protocols.
To the days of travelling via ‘non-AC bus’.
To the days of working in 2 cities per day.
To the days of accepting ALL events because ALL the money was needed.
To the days of accepting client’s terms that were not favorable.
“I’ve come a long way!!!
I know the slight discomfort I experienced a few times when asked the question – ‘what do you do?’
I know the drill of having to explain to ‘mentor figures’ that I knew what I was doing.
If you are still experiencing the confusion and queasiness of choosing an ‘unusual’ career path, I’ve got great news for you…
“YOU ARE NOT ALONE!”
Ms. Daniels invites the public to grab a copy of her new book where she details some of her career challenges and how she continues to navigate through them – hoping anyone can glean lessons from both her wins and mistakes.