Who is Jo?
Hello lovely
I’m Jo Draper - Creative Mentor, Digital Business Designer, and the loudest cheerleader for every VA and self-led creative who’s ever whispered,
“I know I can do this… I don’t know where to start.”
With 30+ years across corporate, creative, and small biz spaces, I’ve carved my own version of success:
Rooted in clarity, wrapped in cheeky Canva files, and grounded in a deep refusal to follow the online business rulebook.
I’m the creator of The DOTTED Path - a playful, practical framework that helps you build a joyful, client-ready business with stories, simplified systems, and self-belief.
The plot twist
This version of me? It wasn’t the plan.
In 2016, I was diagnosed with DCIS. Five years of check-ups later, I thought I’d cleared that hurdle - until 2021 hit with a full breast cancer diagnosis.
I navigated surgery, identity shifts, recovery, and a journey you can’t Canva your way through.
I came out the other side with no boobs, a brand-new perspective - and a creative fire that refused to dim.
(Also: a deep love for elasticated waistbands, sleeveless tops, and saying nope to anything that crushes your spirit.)
Dotty by Design
That experience changed everything.
I don’t do hustle.
I don’t do pressure.
I do purpose.
I do it dot by dot, day by day.
The Pretty Way (literally)
Growing up, I’d tag along with my dad to work, to the cafe, or out exploring. He never went the fast route. He always went The Pretty Way.
That meant detours. Getting lost. Ferry rides that made no sense.
But it also meant seeing things others missed. Laughing when we ended up somewhere strange. Finding beauty in the unplanned.
It stuck.
Because years later, that’s how I run my business too - not in a straight line, but with curiosity, colour, and grace for the unexpected.
Now, I mentor VAs and creatives who want a business that’s beautiful, organised, profitable - and above all, human.
If you’re here for the tools, templates, and storytelling to hit publish on that half-finished idea, you’re in the right place.
I won’t promise instant results.
But I will give you a clear path, a beautiful plan, and the confidence to build a business that works The Pretty Way (tea breaks encouraged).
What I believe
Have fun and follow the dots → If it makes you laugh, sparks joy, and pays you well (in that order), it’s a well-designed business.
Learning should stick (and giggle) → Simple + joyful = sustainable. Giggles are a legit strategy.
Tech isn’t scary - it’s a sidekick → Tools should help, not hijack your energy.
There’s room for everyone at the table → Competition is boring. Collaboration is better.
Kindness and integrity always → Curveballs will come. How we treat people? That’s what matters most.
No boobs. Big ideas. Always dots.
That’s me.
A designer who breaks the rules.
A mentor who turns overwhelm into ease.
A creative who knows business should feel good - and actually be fun.
Let’s connect the dots together.