Meet Joan Kelley Walker | serial entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joan Kelley Walker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joan Kelley, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Do what you love! I am a serial entrepreneur and have worked in the media most of my life. You sort of act as your own agent so I have always had to manage my own business and career. Reflectively my media training was such an incredible foundation for everything that came after. I have always loved fashion and I started the JKW Collection as I was filming the Real Housewives of Toronto. I knew that it was an incredible opportunity to shine a light on my passion which was both fashion and philanthropy. The brand has evolved over the years. The
JKW collection was orignially sold at all Walmart stores and online across Canada. Profits were donated to The Breakfast Club of Canada. We successfully launched 3 seasons and it was an incredible partnership. When COVID-19 hit I was inspired to try something new and co-found The Give Back Collective with my sister-in-law Ivana Walker who is also a designer. That moment in time
inspired the power of community and connection and with this in mind we invited many Canadian designers to join our online platform with a mission to give back. We partnered with The Breakfast Club of Canada, World Vision Canada, CNIB and The Ben Le Fevre Mental Health Impact Fund. Currently I am moving into capsule collections and intimate pop-up shows. The one thing that remains constant is that the profits made are donated to charitable partners.
This is what is really important to me. To raise awareness about causes that matter and people who need it most and to do it in a creative way.

What should our readers know about your business?
Whatever I do, I do it with my heart. A lot of my time is dedicated to philanthropic causes. I am also passionate about radio, hosting and emceeing events. I believe that the voice is the bridge
to your heart and I love using my voice.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love the outdoors so we would spend time in Muskoka. Boating, eating good food and singing around the campfire. Niagara Falls is miraculous and it is voted as one of the world’s wonders.
The power of the water reminds me of the force of nature so this visit would be on my list.

The CN Tower is fun and the view makes it an incredible place to go for dinner. Toronto feels so calm and peaceful from that perspective.
Yorkville is one of my favorite places to shop! There are many delicious restaurants and the foot traffic makes it a fun place to people watch and even meet new people.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shout out to my friend Jana Webb who was recently featured in the New York times for the work that she does with professional athletes.
Shout out to my 4 kids for following their dreams! Cole Walker,  Dillan Walker, Nikki Walker and Frank Walker.  I am so proud of each and every one of them!
Shout out to all fellow charitable thinkers and doers. I have met so many incredible people who lead with their heart, you know who you are. People who do what they can how they can when they can to help others.
Shout out to my sister Letty.

Website: www.joankelleywalker.com

Instagram: @Joankelleywalkerofficial