Joan Antonio - Woman with a Story

Pauleanna says: I love love love, Joan's story. When interviewing her, what I admired the most is her strength. While facing both a heartbreak and loss of a family member in the same short period of time, Joan continued to climb the career ladder and pursue her goals. It's never easy to lose the ones you love, but Joan has showed me that anything is possible as long as you set your mind to it. Obstacles will always be there, but inner strength is the key to unlock the doors of opportunity. I am pleased to introduce to you, Joan Antonio -

20s/30s/40s?30s

What is your zodiac sign?Pisces!

What is your educational background?I have a diploma in IT (Information Technology) from George Brown and a degree in Technology (Graphic Communications Management Program at Ryerson). Completing my last course towards a Fashion Styling certificate from the Ryerson Chang School of Continuing Education.

Where were you born? Raised? Live now?SCARBOROUGH – Born, raised, current. Yeeeah.

Single or Taken?Single like Kraft cheese singles

First job ever?My first job and only part time job I've had was a cashier at Dominion grocery stores (now Metro). I was there for 11 years! In those 10 years I moved up to head cashier, western union rep, bookkeeper, trainer, service desk rep. technical support, geez you name it! I learned a lot about how to handle all kinds of people and personalities.

First real job?First real job was working at an engineering firm in the IT department. Loved it, but didn't feel like it was for me in the long run. That's when I decided to go back to school for something more.

Your 5 must haves of the moment?iPhone (I can't live without it!)
China glaze “shocking pink” nail polish
High waisted bottoms
Oversized tees
Anything in "mint green"

What are you currently listening to?The Ultimate Collection by Sade
Brothers by The Black Keys
Jay Z & Kanye - Watch the Throne
Kiss kiss kiss by Kid Sister
Back to Black by Amy Winehouse

(Joan with John Legend)

(Joan with her Karaoke group)

So what do you do?I am currently the Manager of Editorial Production for News & Business publications at Rogers Publishing, and part time fashion blogger! http://klickclash.wordpress.com/

Take us along the path (personal & professional) that took you where you are today.Oh man. First, I would not be where I am today without my strong foundation. I am so blessed to have the most supportive and wonderful family in the world that I absolutely love; I am the youngest of 2 amazing and talented brothers. My parents have been unconditional providers, supporters and #1 fans of my brothers and I. Outside of home as a young teen I was a tomboy and a little socially awkward, and not so much interested in school. I didn't know what I wanted to do or be, didn't really have any goals to aim for. I was unmotivated. I was lost and watched everyone around me work hard towards their aspirations, thinking that I wasn't intelligent enough to be on the same level as them. Entering College gave me a reality check and I began to understand, appreciate and benefit the importance of hard work. The results I received in College encouraged me to continue my education and I found myself registering for another degree at Ryerson with an entrance scholarship. Attending Ryerson motivated me even further, and provided me with a better sense of direction. I learned so much about myself during my university years, and eventually I worked hard to find the career and environment I've always wanted to be in. ? I've been working at Rogers Publishing ever since I graduated, and I have been in many roles within the company. A very bitter and sour end to a very long relationship allowed me to discover myself in a way I don't think I would have discovered if I were still in that relationship. I learned to focus on myself, how to be genuinely and honestly happy with myself, as an independent woman. That alone gave me even more gratitude in life, to know that I could hold my own, on my own! It truly is one of the greatest feelings that I appreciate the most.

Ironically, going through some major unfortunate events forced me to focus on my role at work. During my healing process, I threw myself into work so much that I didn't even realize that I was moving up the corporate ladder. I continued to learn about myself, and again - the importance of hard work. You never know where it will take you, and who will notice.

In addition to my healing process of losing my Father and long-term break-up (all happened around the same time), I started to join and sign up for things that I love and are passionate about, and that simply make me happy. I wanted surround myself with positivism and optimism. That's how I wanted to heal. I re-kindled my love for dance enrolled in an accredited Hawaiian dance school, and fell in love. After achieving two post secondary accomplishments in Technology, I started to miss my creativity. I craved something different from what I was doing at work (even though I loved my job). I discovered my love of fashion only recently, and I registered for school again as a part time student in the Fashion Styling and Coordination certificate program and dipped my hand into freelance wardrobe styling whenever I had spare time. I wanted to learn about the industry and how it worked and I absolutely loved it. Freelance styling isn't easy to juggle with a full time job, so I started my own fashion blog to keep my passion in full effect.

(Joan with her Hula group)

What's the toughest thing you've been faced with thus far?The unexpected passing of my Father. He was everything and more to me.

What did your parents want you to be?They simply wanted me to be successful and happy, and of course, the very best for me.

What's the best piece of advice you were ever given?Finish what you started - my brothers would tell me when I hated school so much.
Accept and move on”- my best friend
Live like your Father”- my Priest at my Father's funeral
Life can be only what you make it”- Mary J. Blige...ok she didn’t give this to me, but her quote helped!
Everything my mom and dad told me!

What advice do you have for women who want to follow in your footsteps?Never underestimate the power of hard work and learning
Never give up, always have confidence in yourself
Do what you love, and love what you do!
Always try to find the good/positive in everything, even at the worst of times
Life is so short, make the most of it!

(Shannae & Joan)

Is it possible for a woman to successfully balance both love and career? Why or why not?Absolutely. Woman can have it all as long as they believe.

What's next for you?We'll see. I'm always ready for change or something new! I will always continue to learn as much as I can, expanding on my career experience and opportunities. Continuing to work on my fashion blog on a regular basis. Sometimes I'm curious about stepping into the fashion industry, to see where that would take me.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years... 10 years?I love how funny life is. I would have never predicted I would be where I am now, 5 years ago, let alone 10 years! Maybe married and traveling the world. I've toyed with the idea of relocating and discovering a new country/city temporarily. Who knows? As long as I'm happy!

And lastly, in your opinion, What do Women Want??They want it all, and they can have it all! Hell ya.