Brewing Success: Joanie Wynn’s Journey as a Trailblazing Female Business Owner
Interview by BooksandLooks
As a female entrepreneur, mother, wife, production manager, philanthropist, and owner of Kona Earth, Joanie Wynn holds some very impressive titles. For almost thirty years, Joanie ran and managed the business side of the successful production company, Bayside Entertainment, that she owned with her husband, Steve.
During the pandemic, she wanted more out of life, and decided it was time to take a leap of faith. With no prior knowledge or experience, but craving excitement and a daunting challenge, Joanie and Steve decided to become coffee farmers in Hawaii. Joanie wasn’t afraid to try something outside of her comfort zone, which is not something all people can say. She’s learning new things every step of the way, educating herself on a completely different business model, selling a product instead of a service and taking life one cup at a time. Once shy and hesitant to talk to more seasoned farmers and business owners, Joanie has learned to put herself out there and believe in herself. She applies the skills she has grown to learn new things and forge new relationships, and has found that fellow coffee farmers are all more than willing to offer help and advice.
In just over two years, Kona Earth has built itself from the grounds up. Joanie is thriving. Maybe it’s the caffeine, or maybe she just glows from the warmth and support of her wonderful community. She feels fortunate that Kona Earth gives back a percentage of its proceeds to local Hawaiian nonprofits through its Care in Every Cup program. Joanie is also embracing her new Hawaiian lifestyle which she finds peaceful and serene. Like a vacation at the beach, she wakes up every morning to a brew-tiful view of the ocean. But, that’s where the similarities end! Joanie heads out to her 26 acre farm, tropical and full of incredible nature, and her maternal sense kicks in as she takes care of the trees and the business. Just like her coffee, Joanie Wynn, is high quality and full of flavor.
A big mahalo to Kona Earth and to Joanie Wynn for her desire to “be bold, take chances, and try a lot of different things.”
About BooksandLooks
For almost three years, she has been working on The Sweetest Gigs, developing content that makes a positive impact. And for the last year, Recruiting for Good created sweet ways for BooksandLooks to express her Passion, Purpose, and Play thru different mediums (Girls Design Tomorrow). She has a voice all her own; confident and sweet. Stay tuned to more of her insightful content.
"Its, A Sweet Day in USA. Recruiting for Good is celebrating Kona Earth Coffee farm grown in Kona, Hawaii. I met Joannie and Steve 10 years ago, when Recruiting for Good was running a website called; 'We Travel for Good,' and they were filming documentaries 'Journeys for Good.' Fast forward to 2023, love to make a positive impact; and drink coffee too (Kona directly from farm)? Participate in Recruiting for Good's Co+Op Food Good for You and receive $1000 gift card to get coffee delivered home. Support Sweet Farms."
Carlos Sweet Founder
Recruiting for Good