In this episode of Soul Stories with Jill, I sit down with my good friend Josh Ray to reminisce on where our friendship began—working at Blackberry Farm, a five-star Relais & Châteaux resort tucked in the Smoky Mountains. Even though there’s a wide age gap between us, Josh and I instantly connected through our shared passion for creativity, independence, and building something of our own.

Our conversation takes us back to those early days of hustle, when we were both juggling multiple jobs and responsibilities just to make our dreams possible. We talk about the sacrifices that come with choosing self-employment, the relentless drive it takes to keep going, and the lessons learned along the way. Josh shares what it feels like to finally reach a place where the hustle isn’t as heavy, and the work begins to align more naturally with the life you want to live.

This episode is equal parts nostalgic and inspiring—a reminder that the entrepreneurial journey isn’t about where you start but about having the courage and determination to keep moving forward. Whether you’re just beginning your self-employment path or you’ve been building your dream for years, our conversation will encourage you to stay the course and celebrate the friendships and experiences that shape the journey.

Linktree to all things Josh…

https://linktr.ee/Joshed_ya