We’re looking forward to introducing you to Taryn Price Ph.D.. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Taryn, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
There is a fumble for my phone as I search for the Bible app to hear and reflect on the Scripture of the Day. Then I scroll through different gym apps on my phone—it’s time to move. I’m considering what type of energy, running or cycling distance I want to exert today. Once I’ve made my selection, I’m racing to pick my workout outfit, hygienic practices, and respond to any immediate emails before heading out the door. The next 60 minutes are filled with cycling, running, and strength training. Oh, and I can’t forget the audiobook I’m listening to on the way there and back home.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Taryn Price, Joy Dealer and owner of JoyFull Reservations LLC. JoyFull Reservations is a champagne and wine tasting curation service that allows me to engage guests familiar and unfamiliar with wine in an elevated experience– for any occasion. Hosting a promotion party for myself where I served 4 different types of champagnes and wines, a few friends approached me afterwards declaring their interest in a sommelier hosting a wine tasting for their friends. I was encouraging!
Three months later, I was preparing to host my next wine tasting during one of those friends’ birthday weekend. She selected the wines, and I prepared for a captivating tasting. The tasting was filled with opportunities for the guests to enhance their connection with one another. I wanted to create a unique, shared experience that would leave them with lasting memories, and knowledge. Accomplished!
In December 2024, I established JoyFull Reservations LLC. JoyFull Reservations’ mission is to engage, inform, and empower guests with a wine tasting, thereby reducing awkward moments experienced when meeting new people, familiar and unfamiliar. There are three package offerings to support any celebratory gathering from corporate events to birthday parties to bridal parties–a Standard Reservation, Premium Reservation, or VIP Reservation. To improve my credibility, I acquired my Wine Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 1 Certification with plans to secure Level 2 from the Texas Wine School.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Serving as an Assistant Professor at Oklahoma State University, I learned of a faculty exchange program with a partnered university located in Puebla, MX. I applied, was accepted, and left for Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla (UPAEP) in July 2017 for 3 weeks. My job was to lead the lecture and discussion in English and conduct research. Time in Puebla shifted my mindset about the work-life balancing act, discipline, and the importance of enjoying the moment. My favorite parts of my time there were during the lunch hour. My host would lead me from office to office rallying the instructors for their interest in joining us for lunch. The meal was rich in flavor, but once we finished eating, what stood out was that no one was rushing for the bill to pay and leave. And the conversation became full-bodied, yet sweet! I began to slow my mind and embrace the moment in front of me. This was a revelation for me because I was only two years removed from completing my PhD and embarking on the arduous journey to earn tenure at Oklahoma State University. From these moments, I have continued to harness the practice of finding joy in the moment!
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I read the articles that the first few year(s) in business would be hard. Identifying needs for startup funds, securing funds, creating a business plan, identifying a marketing strategy, improving industry knowledge, and so much more. The pursuit is public, and personal. Publicly, I am asked, “What does success look like?”, “How is business going?”, and “When is your next party?”. When my answers to these questions do not match my aim–ego sets in. Which is why it is important to recall my ‘why’. My why is personal. I bask in knowing that when guests leave a Reservation, they leave better connected, full of Joy! A Reservation nourishes the mind with Joy to counteract moments of strife, struggle, and doubt that we all endure from time to time.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Being given the space to truly reflect on one’s values, beliefs, and/or interests is top tier living! I relish in the opportunity to go beneath the surface, connect, and disagree on topics to better understand and sharpen my viewpoints. Engaging in spaces where people are made to feel comfortable and able to better connect with one another is what matters to me. We are at our best when we are connected. Identifying opportunities that allow for those deeper connections is where I thrive. As a social introvert, I am especially sensitive to an introvert’s comfort during a Reservation. When introverts are comfortable, the engagement and overall experience is elevated for all!
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
She showed up! In an ambitious pursuit for a PhD, out of state, I prioritized my professional pursuits over my personal desires. In doing so, I overlooked early opportunities to settle down. However, this did not jade me when seeing my dear friends establish elevated lifestyles, marry, and have children. I love being the ‘rich auntie’ that isn’t rich. I hope to be remembered as someone that showed up mentally and physically, stayed connected, and by my faceted expressions of Joy!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joyfullreservations/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568437221673
- Other: Email: joyfullreservations@gmail.com
Image Credits
Chrishayla Smith
