Name: JoAlicanne “Jo” Funderburk
Birth date: 3/26/88
Hometown: Baltimore
Age: 24
CEO/Owner of Jojo Beanz Spartiez
Relationship status: Single

SS: Who is Jo Funderburk? 

Jo: My name is JoAlicanne Funderburk, but everybody except for my mom either calls me Jo or Jojo. I majored in Communications at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pa. I consider myself to be a very independent person. I’m very strong-willed and I like to get things done for myself. I’m a writer, a thinker and a dreamer. I’m very passionate about things that are important to me; such as loyalty, my family and my business. I’m also a bit of a procrastinator…but I promise I’m working on that!

SS: You have the liveliest personality that I’ve ever encountered! You seem very comfortable and confident in your own skin (which is a blessing these days), how did that come about?

Jo: It’s still weird to hear people say that about me because growing up I was actually the total and complete opposite! I was always quite, reserved and shy. I also had low self-esteem. I was very insecure about my dark skin complexion, my hair, body image…pretty much everything. It wasn’t until probably my senior year of high school when I really started coming out of my shell and becoming more comfortable and confident with who I was a person. My best friend gave me the nickname “Jo Beanz” when we were in the 8th grade and when I went away to college that sort of became my alter-ego. While “JoAlicanne” was still this nice, reserved young lady, “Jo Beanz” brought out my wild and crazy side. I became a lot more outgoing and started meeting new people, creating new experiences and loving the attention!

SS: I know you recently launched your business JoJo Beanz Spartiez.

www.jbspartiez.com

Congratulations! How did the idea come about?

Jo: Thank you! I’ve never really seen myself as a 9-5 office type of girl. My dream has always been to be my own boss and I’ve always had the natural ability to connect with kids. The idea for Jojo Beanz Spartiez came about because I wanted to create an outlet that provided a unique, positive and sisterhood-like experience for young girls. I did my first party in November 2011 for my god daughter’s 4th birthday. It turned out to be a huge success and that was when I realized that I was on to something and began to develop an actual business plan.

SS: How did you get it to fruition? What did it take?

Jo: It took a lot of guts! I was very nervous in the beginning and the only three people that I told about it were my parents and my best friend. I decided not to tell anyone else until I had finished designing my website and was ready to launch because I wanted people to see that I was serious about my venture and that I wasn’t just “all talk.” I financed everything myself with minimal assistance from my parents. This was important to me because I wanted them to see that I was responsible enough to handle my own. I didn’t make much of a profit from my first party due to the fact that I had put out so much money buying supplies and getting started. However, I did gain a lot of experience and I learned what worked for me and what didn’t. Due to the success of the first party, word began to spread and business began to pick up. After that, everything pretty much paid for itself.

SS: What are some lessons that you’ve learned thus far as a budding business woman? How has that impacted you as a woman, in your personal life?

Jo: I learn something new every day. As I said earlier, I’m a bit of a procrastinator so I’m really working on that because time management is SO important in this line of work. Time is money and I hate to waste both! I’ve also learned not to stress out over things that I can’t control. Everything happens for a reason and in its divine order and I can only be held accountable for my own actions. I try not to look at anything as a failure. If a certain party doesn’t turn out the way I want it to–if I have an event and not as many people show up as I expected–then I just take it as a lesson. It makes me want to work harder and figure out ways to improve my business strategy so that it doesn’t happen again.

SS: What is your vision for your business—the ideal destiny?

Jo: I believe in inventing your own destiny. Don’t just wait for things to come, go after them! Right now my business is mobile and based out of Baltimore but I am in the process of expanding to other areas of the DMV as well as to Philly. Eventually, I’d like to transition my business from a mobile spa service to an actual salon. My goal is to have at least two, one in Baltimore and one in Atlanta. I’m focused on building my brand and networking with the right people so that eventually I can become financially stable enough to take care of my whole family and give back to the community.

SS: That’s amazing Jo. You seem to LOVE children. Do you envision having your own? Anytime soon?

Jo: I do love children! I work at my mom’s daycare so I’m constantly around them 24/7. I’d love to have my own someday. Preferably a little boy–as much as I love my job and working with young girls I know firsthand that they require a lot of maintenance and can be a bit dramatic! lol

SS: Very true! So, how do you manage to balance your life out? Is it all work and no play right now since you’re in the beginning stages of your business?

Jo: Right now my motto is “my business is my business.” That basically means that if it doesn’t concern JBS, isn’t positive and/or not making me any money then I’m really not interested. I went to college for four years and partied the whole way through, so I’m past that stage. Don’t get me wrong, I still like to have fun and hang out with my friends from time to time but that’s not really my main focus right now. I believe that the first year of your business is the most crucial so it’s important to me that I get everything in place and work hard towards my goal of becoming successful. They’ll be plenty of time to play later!

Jo is pictured here with her mother and younger sister.

SS: Switching gears, I know your mom has had some health issues in the past. How it has impacted your life and your outlook?

Jo: My mom has Multiple Sclerosis. When she was first diagnosed I really didn’t know much about the disease and how it would affect her everyday way of living. Since her diagnosis two years ago I’ve moved back home in order to help her around the house. I also help with her daycare which she has been operating from her home for over 20 years. My mother is a single parent and I’m the oldest of two children so I’ve always been very protective over my family. Her illness has helped me to realize how strong she is, as well as what’s important in life and how very blessed I am to still have her here with me.

SS: How is Mama JoBeanz doing now?! 

Jo: Thank you. She’s doing a lot better. She hasn’t had a relapse in almost a year which is a good thing. She recently had surgery on both of her eyes because one of the many symptoms of MS is that it attacks your vision. She’s still recovering from that but she’s improving every day.

SS: That’s so good to hear! What is the greatest life lesson you’ve learned thus far?

Jo: The greatest life lesson that I’ve learned thus far is to never take anything for granted. A lot of times as humans we can get caught up on focusing on the negative and what we don’t have. It’s important to remember to count and appreciate our blessings. No matter what situation or adversity that I’m facing I always try to remember that its someone out there that has it a lot worse.

SS: I think we all manage to lose sight of that reality at times. In regards to achieving ones’ dream, what advice would you offer our readers?

Jo: Never give up or let anyone deter you from your dreams. There are a lot of naysayers out there and people who can’t wait to see you fail. Don’t pay those people any mind. Never seek validation from anyone else. If you believe in your dream then stand behind it and go after it full throttle. Validate yourself.

“Jojo Beanz Spartiez is a mobile spa service that caters to young girls ages 4 to 10. Our all inclusive “spartiez” are designed to provide your princess and her friends with a day of luxury, pampering and fun.”

SS: What is your key to ‘Sincerely Lovin’ Life’? 

Jo: Love yourself with all your positives and negatives, and accept others for who they are. I’m no better nor am I any worse than the next. Individuality is beautiful.

Be sure to visit the JBSpartiez website to book a party for your princess today! While you’re at it, follow JBSpartiez  on Twitter and Facebook!