Today we’d like to introduce you to Jolaine Thompson (Joy) Genevieve Cruz (Genny).
Hi Jolaine Thompson (Joy), so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
The Joy & Genny Adventures
The story of Joy and Genny? Oh, it’s been a long time coming—and it starts before either of us could even walk!
We’ve literally known each other since birth. Our friendship was pretty much destiny. Growing up, life threw us into different schools, different routines, and different circles. We didn’t get to see each other as often as we wanted, but somehow, the bond stayed unbreakable. Every time we reunited, it felt like no time had passed—just laughter, deep convos, and that instant “you get me” energy.
In our twenties, something shifted. We had that conversation—the kind where you lay it all out. We talked about how much we missed each other, how life and distance had made us drift, and how nothing could ever replace the connection we have. That heart-to-heart sparked something powerful.
So, we made a pact: no more letting time or distance get in the way. We’d hang out more, be intentional, and truly show up for our friendship. And then came the idea—why not share our journey with the world?
Enter: The Joy & Genny Adventures. Our Instagram is more than just cute pics and fun videos (though trust us, there’s plenty of that). It’s our digital scrapbook—a celebration of sisterhood, silly moments, food runs, dream travels, deep talks, and everything in between.
Welcome to our world. It’s real, it’s fun, and it’s 100% us. We’re just two lifelong besties documenting the ride, and we’re so excited to have you along for the adventures .
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting out has been such a joyful and fulfilling experience. As best friends, we were so excited to create something that truly reflected our bond—but like anything meaningful, it came with its own set of challenges. With busy schedules, work, and life pulling us in different directions, finding time to connect wasn’t always easy. But every time we did, it felt worth it. From brainstorming content and editing videos to figuring out how to make our page feel authentically “us,” we’ve learned and grown so much—together.
We’ve had exciting conversations about the future of our page, exploring whether to keep things light and fun or lean into new opportunities like vlogging. While we’re still dreaming big and discovering what’s next, one thing has always remained clear: our purpose is to share the joy of our friendship. And through it all—every late-night edit, every laugh, every small win—we’ve stayed rooted in love, loyalty, and the beautiful connection we’ve built. It’s not perfect, but it’s real. And that’s what makes it beautiful.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Hi I’m Genny with an G! Outside of The Joy & Genny Adventures, I’m one of the owners of Phi Beauty Spa in Jacksonville, Florida. I specialize in all things beauty—from being a permanent makeup artist and Esthetician. I’m still growing and building my business every day. I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come; I never imagined I’d be where I am today. The past few years have brought growth, challenges, and a whole new perspective on life. I lead with kindness, always—I’m a true empath and believe you never know what someone’s going through, so it’s best to be kind with others. That’s also why I’m so grateful for my best friend Jolaine—when we’re together, it’s all but us laughing and having the time of our lives. She’s honestly my stress reliever when I’m having a bad day! It’s always the little moments that really make it so special.
Hi, I’m Jolaine. Like most people in their 20s I’m figuring out life. I’m full of ambition, with big dreams and a clear plan to bring them to life. Think future real estate agent, business owner, and influencer/model all in one. I’m building the life I’ve always imagined—one move at a time.
Before Joy and Genny Adventures ever came to be, I had already launched my first YouTube channel—@ItsJolaine. It was my way of stepping out of my comfort zone, and that’s exactly what I did. But like many of us, I faced moments of doubt. I started to question whether my story was even worth sharing, especially when life threw its inevitable roadblocks.
That doubt? It stopped three months ago.
Now, I’m rebranding my channel with renewed confidence and purpose. I’m ready to show and document this journey authentically—not just for myself, but for anyone else out there trying to figure things out too.
@ItsJolaine will be a space for life updates, personal growth, adventures, and everything in between—proof that your story does matter, even when it feels like no one’s watching.
Follow along on Instagram @joyella_ and subscribe to my YouTube channel @ItsJolaine—because figuring life out is always better when we do it together.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Joy: From my perspective, a few key traits leading to success—one of the first is setting good boundaries. It’s all about knowing what brings you peace and honoring what works best for you. Staying joyful and kindhearted (no pun intended), showing up as your best self, and keeping a creative, open mind can truly make a difference. Don’t limit yourself or the opportunities that come your way. Most importantly, I lean on God—trusting in His guidance rather than relying solely on my own understanding. These are the qualities I hold close and remind myself of daily.
Genny: For me, success comes from being grounded, vulnerable, and real. God has always been a huge part of my life. I’m deeply spiritual and prayerful, and I trust the path He sets for me—without Him, I honestly don’t know where I’d be. True success, to me, needs something greater to lean on. Moreover, staying genuine, humble, and rooted in where I came from has always guided me. I believe in being open-minded, staying creative, and letting spontaneity lead sometimes—because life is short. And you don’t truly understand how short it is until something happens that shifts your entire perspective. I’ve learned to take chances and embrace opportunities, even if they feel uncertain, because you never know which one might change your life for the better. Sometimes, the best things happen when you just go for it.
Pricing:
- Restaurants/food/cafe: $100+ (email us for more info)
- Traveling: $500 + (email us for more info)
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/Joyandgennyadventures
- Other: https://TikTok.com/joyandgennyadventures
