Today we’d like to introduce you to Joyce Caraway.
Hi Joyce, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Joybird’s Treehouse was born from both personal experience and professional passion. As an educator with over 10 years of experience teaching children from early childhood through high school, I’ve had the privilege of working with students of all ages, backgrounds, and learning needs. But what consistently stood out to me, especially as a Black woman in education, was the lack of representation available to African American children in both the books they read and the educational resources they were given.
The turning point came when I started a mentorship group for the African American girls on my current campus, where they make up less than 5% of the student population. I realized how deeply the lack of visibility impacted their confidence, sense of belonging, and even their academic performance. They needed a space where they felt seen, heard, and valued. And that’s when the vision for Joybird’s Treehouse came to life.
Joybird’s Treehouse was created to offer culturally reflective books and learning resources that speak directly to the Black experience. My mission is simple: to close the literacy gap for African American youth and to provide stories and tools that affirm their identity while improving their reading and writing skills.
Today, Joybird’s Treehouse stands as more than just a brand—it’s a movement rooted in representation, literacy, and legacy. My next steps include expanding nationally, getting my books into major retailers and schools, and opening my own micro school and learning center designed specifically to uplift and empower Black children.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—but it’s been a meaningful one. Like many entrepreneurs, I’ve faced challenges that tested both my commitment and my confidence. Balancing work and life has been one of the biggest hurdles. Becoming a new mom and wife while building Joybird’s Treehouse pushed me to grow in ways I didn’t expect. Learning how to show up fully for my family while also nurturing a growing business has required intentional time management, sacrifice, and grace.
Another challenge has been stepping into the roles beyond being an educator—like learning how to network, market myself, and build a brand from the ground up. I’ve always been passionate about teaching, but turning that passion into a business meant developing new skills and getting comfortable being seen and heard in new spaces.
But perhaps the biggest challenge has been believing in myself. There were moments when I questioned whether my voice mattered or if people would support this vision. What’s carried me through is remembering my “why”—the children I serve, the representation they deserve, and the legacy I want to build. Every struggle has shaped me and made Joybird’s Treehouse stronger, more focused, and more rooted in purpose.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Joybird’s Treehouse is my passion project and purpose-driven business rooted in literacy, representation, and impact. I believe it was my calling to create culturally relevant books and learning resources that help Black children feel seen, inspired, and equipped to succeed.
What sets me apart is my commitment to real results—closing the literacy gap and empowering kids to thrive through reading and writing. I’m especially proud that this brand honors my grandmother, Shirley “Joybird” Walton, who taught me to believe in myself and my dreams.
Carrying out what was instilled in me, I’m excited to invite parents, teachers, and mentors to join me on Monday, June 30, 2025, at 10 AM. I will be hosting a FREE webinar, “Master the Grade: Keys to Academic Success & Promotion.” I’ll be sharing essential skills, strategies, and milestones to help children move confidently to the next grade. The registration link is available on all of my social media platforms. Be sure to join the movement!
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5–10 years, I believe the education industry will continue shifting toward more personalized, culturally responsive, and flexible learning environments. Families are seeking alternatives to traditional schools—places where their children feel seen, supported, and challenged in meaningful ways. That’s why I’m working toward opening my own micro school and learning center through Joybird’s Treehouse.
I see micro schools becoming a major trend, especially in underserved communities, because they offer smaller class sizes, targeted instruction, and the freedom to center identity, culture, and creativity. There’s also a growing demand for literacy programs that go beyond the basics—programs that build confidence, celebrate representation, and focus on real skill-building in reading and writing.
The future of education is community-rooted and student-centered, and I’m excited for Joybird’s Treehouse to be part of that transformation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/joybirdstreehouse
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joybirdstreehouse/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joyce.mcclure.90813
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joyce-caraway/
