We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Caraway and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I am a huge believer in Jumping….Unless it’s from a plane…I have had a rollercoaster of a life because of the appeal of risky situations but I truly feel that I am a better version of myself because of this magnetism. Risky behavior is what tends to set apart those that are able to achieve their dreams from those who only realize them during sleeping hours. I am not afraid to jump, I am not afraid to fail. I have failed, more than a few times which has allowed me to realize that I can get back up again (unless a plane is involved). With that being said, there is a fine line between risk and wreckless and I am thankful for the sane people I surround myself with to keep me in check, the best they can:)

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have been working my entire life to get here, unknowingly… Every fail, every lesson learned has prepared me for today. This was not an easy journey but it had to happen the way it did for us to not only know what to do but what not to do. We have created a safe place for our community to congregate and feel like they are a part of something bigger than themselves, and they are, we would not be here without them…

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
We have some amazing food in town…When I left Phoenix roughly 25 years ago, it was the land of Chili’s and Taco Bell…The local food scene was bleak, at best. I am honored to be a part of this thriving (PreCovid) food centric town that continues to experiment and grow. My favorite thing to do is eat, obviously, so any visitor I was in charge of showing around would undoubtedly be dragged around to all my favorite eateries:)

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
We have worked extremely hard to still be in ‘business’ but it is our community that made sure we pulled it off.. Their love and support is crucial to our success…Even during our closure due to Covid, our customers still swing by and leave a check for monies they would have spent over the weekend, if we were actually open. Each face that claims our space as theirs makes our dream possible. I absolutely love that our community has taken such ownership of our mission as if it were their own. It is these people, our customers whom we consider family that make my heart so very happy…

Website: www.TheJoyBus.charity
Instagram: @TheJoyBusOrg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-caraway-79ba5b4/
Twitter: @TheJoyBusOrg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheJoyBusOrg/
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-joy-bus-diner-phoenix

Image Credits
A couple images are from Debby Wolvos..