Meet Hannah Joya | Founder of Wheels of Joya & Author

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

Hi Hannah, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
For me, this is a no-brainer, my parents, hands down. But before I go any further, let me say this: behind the success and everything that’s been given is God, number one. Without Him, none of it would have happened.

Everything I’ve done so far is because of the legacy of love and sacrifice my parents poured into me from the day I was born. My dad, who was quadriplegic neck down, was a licensed physician before his whole world flipped upside down. My mom? She’s a force of nature. She continued working full-time while being his caretaker and raising two kids, a newborn (me!) and my teenage brother. If that’s not strength, I don’t know what is.

Growing up, I didn’t just learn about persistence and never giving up, I lived it. My parents didn’t just talk about those things; they showed me every day through their actions. It’s funny how God works. He often takes your hardest pain and turns it into your greatest purpose and passion. For me, that purpose has been about finding joy in the hard seasons and helping others do the same. Trusting God through all of it has been the foundation.

I’ve written a few books about grief and healing, and now my newest adventure is a children’s book about hope and miracles. With that same joy, my mom and I started a nonprofit called Wheels of Joya in honor of my dad, who passed away in 2018. Everything we’ve done, the books, the nonprofit, and all the unexpected twists and turns comes back to what my parents taught me and led to success: love big and to always trust in God.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I believe we were all created by God for a purpose far bigger than just living for ourselves. For years, I chased what I believed would make me happy. But we aren’t here on earth to just be happy. Everything changed the day I held my dad’s hand as he took his last breath. My perspective on life and what truly mattered shifted completely. In the deep grief that followed, God met me right there. He took my pain and turned it into purpose.

I started writing because I knew if I felt that heavy longing and heartbreak, others were feeling it too. That’s how I ended up writing two books about grief and healing, to let others know they aren’t alone and that God is close to the brokenhearted.

Now, my most exciting adventure is one I get to share with my mom. Together, we launched Wheels of Joya, a nonprofit in honor of my dad. Our mission is to bring joy, love, and hope to people facing hard times in our community by creating joyful moments.

So if you ask what my story is, it’s really about God’s goodness and grace. It’s about reminding people that no matter what they’re walking through, there’s still a purpose for their life. If you’re breathing, God’s not done with you. You are seen, known, and deeply loved.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As a San Diego born-and-raised, beach-loving girl, I gotta say we’re seriously spoiled living in the finest city. So, here’s how I’d show my bestie the best time ever:

First, we’d kick off the day with a stop at a local coffee shop so I can grab my go-to matcha latte with whole milk. Then we’d head to Del Mar for a “scenic hike” at the beach… which my friends always laugh at because, let’s be honest, it’s more of a walk with great views. For lunch, ramen is a must, so we’d hit up a spot in Convoy. After that? Definitely a mini nap (because balance is key, lol).

Once we’re recharged, we’d head to Seaport Village to wander around the cute little shops and catch the sunset. Nothing beats a sunset in San Diego! Then we’d cross the Coronado Bridge to soak in the skyline views. If we’re lucky and there’s some bioluminescence happening that week, we’d head to La Jolla Shores to see the glowing waves. Truly magical. And to wrap it all up, we’d grab some frozen yogurt or gelato in La Jolla because dessert is non-negotiable.

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?
My mom, my number one cheerleader, who I often call my momager (mom plus manager). Everything I’ve done is because of her encouraging words, endless prayers, and unwavering faith in God. She lives her life in complete trust in Him, and because of that, her words have always spoken life into me and led me on the path I’m on today.

And of course, my dad, who’s now cheering me on from heaven. Because of him, I’ve been given the gift of relating to others who are struggling or walking through hard times. He taught me that life isn’t about chasing success, it’s about how you can help others. That’s real success to me.

So honestly, my mom and dad deserve all the credit. Everything I do is rooted in what they’ve taught me, faith, love, and finding joy even in the hardest moments.

Instagram: hannahmariejoya

Facebook: Hannah Joya Smith

Youtube: hannahjoya5164

Other: Wheels of Joya Instagram: wheelsofjoya

Image Credits
Shelby Preston
Arielle Levy