Love Letters to Joy

You Are Not Alone - Finding Belonging and Resilience

Building community, even imperfectly, is a vital key to lasting joy and resilience. In this season finale, Dr. Markeith Royster—educator, coach, and co-founder of Mint Lemonade—shares his journey from foster youth to doctor of education and joyful leader. Hosted by Zoe Smiles, this episode explores the deep emotional truth that we are never alone and the peace found in reaching out during times of struggle. In this episode: * Why connection is essential for joy * The challenges of forming community as a busy adult * Healing from isolation and honoring those who’ve had your back through it all * Stories of joy through mentorship, support systems, and vulnerability 🌱 About our guest: Dr. Markeith Royster is a lifelong educator and co-founder of Mint Lemonade, a personal growth company supporting underrepresented identities through workshops, life coaching, and seminars. His work focuses on helping others overcome imposter syndrome, find their voice, and connect meaningfully with others. Learn more at www.mintlemonade.org For more information on today’s episode, visit our YouTube channel or follow us on Instagram and TikTok @ loveletterstojoy Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Hosted by Your Sunshine Media, a Joy Mindset company.

What Does Living a Joyful Life Look Like?

What does a joyful existence feel like when you're moving through the mundanity of everyday life? A mini episode that gets to the heart of joy! Louis Huynh is the editor and assistant camera man on Love Letters to Joy and the co-founder of The Weekend Project, a professional production and marketing company based in Orange County, California.

Claim What's Yours With Confidence

Claiming your joy isn’t just an act of courage—it’s a lifestyle. In this insightful episode, Chris Bailey—Founder and Creative Director of Last One Left—joins interviewer Luv Smiles to talk about what it really means to claim what is yours. From designing one-of-a-kind garments to navigating identity, passion, and purpose, Chris shares how to claim the life you want with confidence. In this episode: * How to claim your purpose without apology * The role of courage and vulnerability in owning your path * Chris’s story of building Last One Left, a brand rooted in upcycled art * A message to his younger self about worth and carving your own lane * How to confidently go after what belongs to you, not what’s expected 🧵 About our guest: Chris Bailey (@chrisvsmyself / @lastoneleft.world) is the founder of Last One Left, a creative apparel brand built from secondhand materials, where every garment is one-of-a-kind. Formerly known as the 1-Off Recycled Garment Project, the brand redefines sustainability and identity through fashion. Explore the collection at www.1offproject.com For more information on today’s episode, visit our YouTube channel or follow us on Instagram and TikTok @ loveletterstojoy Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Hosted by Your Sunshine Media, a Joy Mindset company.

Finding Your True Beauty Look

How do you find beauty in yourself that doesn't fade? Meet Joanna Faivre, a world-class French makeup artist whose artistry brings red carpets, royal events, and high-profile productions to life. In this Love Letters to Joy mini episode, Joanna shares what it's like to work on major events like the Oscars, Grammys, and Paris Fashion Week, along with her top beauty tips for looking (and feeling) radiant—on and off camera. 💄 In this behind-the-scenes conversation, Joanna talks: * How she discovered her joy in makeup artistry * Her signature process for red carpet looks * The three tools she never leaves out of her kit * Her advice for beauty that lasts (in every way) * Why her work brings her so much joy 🎨 About Joanna Faivre: Born and raised in France and trained at Paris' AVANT-SCENE academy, Joanna is a go-to makeup artist for the Oscars, Emmys, Grammys, Paris Fashion Week, and even royal families. Her clients include Maybelline, Chanel, and Piaget, and her work has appeared in Vogue, Vulkan, Bello, and Artplay. She’s also worked on Netflix series, feature films, and global ad campaigns. Joanna believes makeup is a celebration of beauty at any age and any gender—and her joy is contagious. For more information on today’s episode, visit our YouTube channel or follow us on Instagram and TikTok @ loveletterstojoy Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Hosted by Your Sunshine Media, a Joy Mindset company.

Watering Your Seeds - Spiritual Growth and Inner Healing

If you’ve ever struggled to trust your path, or felt discouraged when your growth wasn’t visible yet—this episode is your reminder to keep going and growing. In this deeply soul-nourishing episode, Vanessa LeMaistre—shaman, healer, and founder of SoulXO—joins host Zoe Smiles to talk about what it means to plant seeds of joy, nurture personal growth, and stay rooted through life’s spiritual seasons. 🌼 In this episode: * How to grow joy from the inside out * Letting go of planted beliefs that no longer serve you * Spiritual tools for navigating frustration and stagnation * What “watering your own seeds” really looks like in daily life * A vision of a joy-filled life 10 years into the future 🌀 About our guest: Vanessa LeMaistre (@vanessasoulxo / @soulxotarot) is a shaman, author, and founder of SoulXO, a healing practice offering spiritual guidance, tarot, sound bath healing, and mediumship. Her work empowers people to go deep within, reconnect with their intuition, and heal holistically. Visit her at www.soulxo.online. For more information on today’s episode, visit our YouTube channel or follow us on Instagram and TikTok @ loveletterstojoy Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Hosted by Your Sunshine Media, a Joy Mindset company.