Meet Trailblazer Janie Edwards

Today we’d like to introduce you to Janie Edwards.

Janie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
For fourteen years now, I have been doing hair and makeup professionally. Right out of cosmetology school, I opened up a salon. You might say I was young, dumb, and incredibly inexperienced. There were more failures than I can count but I also like to think of those as discoveries.

Fast forward fourteen years and a whole lot more in between.

I am married, have a tween daughter, and a Boxer dog. I homeschool Rheya Lee and both Marcus and I work from home. I no longer work in a salon but am doing editorial and commercial hair/makeup a few times a month on location as well as various freelance projects with some great companies, organizations, and individuals. We recently sold our house and pretty much everything we own to travel on the road for a year or so.

I’m a recovering perfectionist and control freak. I find balance and focus to be an ongoing struggle. I have at least 10 tabs open on the computer at all times. I can plan a killer party but forget to invite the guests. Oh, but I’m passionate. Maybe you might know someone like me (wink, wink). BUT…

I have found freedom in letting go of perfect and showing grace, love, intention, and support. I have found freedom in letting less be more. I have found freedom in saying no to the glorification of busy. I have found freedom in slowing down and making more intentional choices.

Through all the struggles, challenges, failures, and discoveries, I can look back and realize God has prepared me for where I am today. I am humbled and I am grateful. I used to try to keep my business and personal life separate but who am I kidding? It all runs together. Sometimes chaotically, sometimes beautifully, and often times both.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road but is smooth a means to an end? Physically speaking, I’ve been on some pretty awesome, adventurous, bumpy off-road! In each season of life and business, there will be different and new struggles but you have a choice to let those defeat you or square off on them. Some of my ongoing struggles throughout the years have been wanting to do it all and saying yes to too many things. Another big struggle is knowing I need to outsource but not sure if I can financially sustain it… it can sometimes feel like a gamble. Currently, my struggle is explaining to my daughter that I’m home but I have to work as well.

My advice is to do the backend work before you really dive in. WHO are you? What are your core values, your mission and vision statement. Do you have it written down? Do you have it in a predominate place? Do you visit it regularly? What are your goals, your plans? Do you have a roadmap? Start with the big picture and break it down. Knowing WHO you are makes the WHAT and HOW a bit easier to figure out.

Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am an entrepreneur and artist at my core. I started my business as a salon owner, hairstylist and makeup artist 14 years ago. That eventually grew into other forms of art and business (painting, calligraphy, woodworking, designing, blogging, photography, etc.).

I create art, tools, and resources for mindful living. It is my vision to live a life well lived and to use business to inspire and ignite others to do the same.

I am most proud of being transparent and sticking to my values even when it’s hard. I think what sets me apart from others is my attention to detail in every aspect of creation. That and my mad dance skills.

So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
I think there is an opportunity in how we show up every day in our own lives. There will always be challenges. Always. I have an opportunity to be a supportive and encouraging wife so my husband. I have an opportunity to teach my child the love of learning and how to grow in her giftings. I have an opportunity to lend a helping hand to a neighbor in need. I have an opportunity to take care of my mind, body, and spirit. The list goes on.

I think so often, we sit around and complain or we wait for an opportunity, we forget to live, truly live! I feel there are many opportunities women are positioned for! Big opportunities start by choosing to take small opportunities, taking baby-step actions, one day at a time.

Pricing:

• Conscious Collective – a $15 monthly subscription equipping women to live a conscious life with beauty, curation, and simplicity.
• Styling + Content Creation — Offering visual content creation for your products & brand in a curated, consistent, story-telling approach that invites consumers along for the ride. Photo, video, art, and graphic design packages available per-project or monthly retainer. Starting at $300.00.
• Art Commissions — Offering custom art pieces, murals, handlettering, branding collections, and more. Starting at $250.00.
• Digital Shop coming soon. Prices will vary.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.janieedwards.com
• Email: hello@janieedwards.com
• Instagram: @janieedwards_co
• Facebook: @janieedwardsco
• Other: @janieedwards_co

Image Credit:
Marcus Edwards, Harper Point Photography

Getting in touch: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.