In the Company of the JBx Women ft. Joy Darby
July 30 2018
When I was a little girl my role models were always the women in my life. We started this brand (The Jewelry Bx) to empower ourselves and other women to create and style the life they envision for themselves. We did not set out to only sell jewelry, we wanted to start a conversation with women about where they are going and what life are they leading in that jewelry. How does the jewelry make you feel? To that end we launched a monthly interview series on our JBx Blog called, In the Company of the JBx Women.
These are women we have been blessed to be connected to through business, family, or philanthropy. We ask the same 10 questions and are amazed at the remarks and insights provided by these women. We will publish and share them with you monthly through our blog so that you can get to know them too!
The more we share about each other the stronger the community and support we can give one another. There are so many women living so many different experiences, and we salute them all! We hope you will join us on our journey to showcase, support and discover what the authentic women in our life think about some very contemporary topics.Real women, Real answers....
I am so honored to be able to publish my favorite women who continue to teach me and inspire me every day. This month I am so happy to introduce Joy Darby!
I I have known this amazing woman over 20 years through children, community and church. We have always felt a sisterhood as we bonded on soccer fields, CCD, and girl scout meetings. I was new to the community and had that fish out of water feeling, but Joy's warmth and kindness was like a lifesaver and I grabbed it! She is always understated and modest about her accomplishments in life and as you will read her two amazing daughters were the center of her world. In my work in Medical Device and Semi-Conductor female engineers were rare, especially in leadership positions. A graduate from MIT Sloan School of Management and UNH Joy has held management positions from Director to VP of Software engineering in many companies in the Boston area. If you talk to the people she works with they are so supportive; Joy is creative, collaborative, motivating, and brilliant! She works hard to bring out the best in people and create a high performing team for her company. Her amazing mind is only second to her amazing heart. She is a gracious listener and is the most non judgmental person I know. She is an avid runner, and yoga enthusiast. She is always up for trying something new. She is on a personal mission to eradicate Parkinson's Disease, and does all she can to learn about it and perform charitable acts. If you are lucky enough to be her friend she is always supportive of you and your causes! Her parents named her perfectly- Joy- a source of bliss and delight!
We women currently have the spotlight- How do you think we can really support each other in this life of ours?
I love this question because most of my academic and professional life has been surrounded by men and it was hard to create or even fine a women’s network doing what I was doing. The early female models in my life were actually coaching me to mimic men. So I am always trying to support woman. My answer is simple, be aware, listen, and engage. With social media today there are so many easy ways to support each other. Take your business as an example, whenever I can I help spread the word. A friend of mine posted a boutique opening of a female friend of hers so I first shared the posting and second went to the grand opening – got some really cool tops! Participate in local chapters in your industry, your community, or your neighborhood and speak up for each other! You can attend events or if you are time constrained use social media to respond in blogs/chats/etc. One other really fun thing I do is participate in our Companies recruiting process specifically to reach out to woman in technology. Don’t be shy to share yourself and your experiences with others, you don’t know what gem lies within you that someone else can benefit from!
What in your life has brought you or given you the greatest satisfaction or fulfillment?
Raising my two beautiful daughters is hands down the most fulfilling thing in my life! Being part of their lives as they grow is the most satisfying journey (and I know every Mom that is reading this is shaking her head in agreement with me!) Second to that would be my career. I have been very fortunate to work at software technology companies that have done cool things with great people!
What woman inspires you?:
Eleanor Roosevelt because she had such a strong IQ and EQ. Ayn Rand because her books Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead are great books and seriously the woman invented her own philosophical system. And as corny as this may seem – my Mom. She was truly the ‘woman behind the man’ growing up in the traditional role of homemaker but man is she smart and creative. She pushed me and supported me in all my crazy endeavors! She would always say to me … ‘what’s the worst that can happen and if you think you can handle that, then go for it!
I feel most confident when....
I am surrounded by family and/or friends that care about me
I aspire to…
Be the best ME I can be every day – at work, at home, at play and when I can’t- to forgive myself and know that tomorrow is another day!
How does jewelry make you feel?
I love jewelry! It makes me feel so put together and it’s where I will be trendy. I really don’t wear makeup and I’m kind of a wash and wear gal – so jewelry excites me! It fits right into my life – no fussing with hair products, or reapplying make up – just throw on a different necklace or add another bangle and TADA – good to go!
What is your go to? Netflix or a good book?
oh … tough one – can it be seasonal Summer/Fall a good book – Winter/Spring Netflix every time!
How would you define your personal style?
I’m not sure I really know what it is – Haha – my style is somewhat of a chameleon. Thinking about my closet I’d say it’s got that New England vibe and the fashion icons I will grab a trash magazine at the spa for … Sandra Bullock and Julia Roberts. Favorite looks – jeans/leggings, large chunky sweater and ankle boots (I love that you can now wear them year round!). But the jewelry always have fun with that! I’ve been known to keep a spare bangle/cuff in my purse in case I change my mind throughout the day.
What are you known for?
Fretting! I’m always the fretter in the group! do we have enough gas? Is the phone charged? Did we invite everyone? Is the presentation effective enough? Have I unplugged the iron?
What is your most memorable travel destination?
Honestly, my most memorable would be the yearly trips back to my Mom’s home town in Pennsylvania – the good old mid-Atlantic! My Mom met my Dad in the Air Force and when they married she relocated herself to Massachusetts and raised us in New England while the rest of her family lived in the south and mid-Atlantic areas. I loved going to PA and hanging on her Aunt’s farm and visiting the Amish because this was nothing like my real life at home. Talk about strong woman hard working woman! Well then yeah okay – Florence Italy! Where else can you walk into an open theater and see an Italian ballet under the stars!
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