May 26, 2026 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

Vendor profile: Janeration


Tell me about your business and what inspired you to go into business?

What started as making hair bows for my daughter in 2020 (yes, I’m a part of the COVID crafters wave, ha ha!), turned into a continuous DIY cycle and evolution of the products I sell today.  My daughter has definitely been my biggest inspiration and challenger as I would often hear, “Mom, I like this. Can you make it for me?” To my surprise, I started producing items that were too cute not to share, plus I couldn’t keep them all! So, I picked the business name”Janeration”  (pronounced “Janer – ation”) after a childhood nickname – “Janer”-  given to me by my mom and started my vendor journey in August 2023. Happy one year to Janeration!  

What has been the most challenging part about being a business owner?

The last year has been so fun, but it hasn’t come without challenges. Being a small business owner you are EVERYTHING-  you are the designer, the creator, the social media manager, the accountant, the model, the representative, etc., etc. Balancing small business duties along with being a wife, a mother to two young children, and working a normal full time job isn’t always the easiest.  I’m so thankful for the amazing support system I have in my husband who has never discouraged me in my small business pursuit, helped at events, and has created woodworkings for displays and purchasing. My mother has also been a huge encouragement and you can often find her working events with me! 

    What is the best part about working festivals?

    The best part of any event is THE PEOPLE! It’s fun getting to know others and hearing their stories. I also love chatting with other vendors and have a high appreciation for the creativity they are putting out into the world. 

      What is your favorite carnival food?

      I cannot go to a carnival, fair, or festival without having a corndog! Funnel cakes and cotton candy are also my guilty pleasures. 

        Banner
        Related Posts

        5 questions with Brian Brooks

        December 15, 2024

        December 15, 2024

        1. What is your favorite childhood holiday memory?My favorite childhood holiday memories started each year at Thanksgiving. My mom had...

        Library to host author

        February 5, 2026

        February 5, 2026

        The St. Joseph Township-Swearingen Memorial Library, 201 N. Third, St. Joseph, IL 61873, is excited to announce we will have...

        Live at St. Joseph Village Board, July 11, 2023

        July 11, 2023

        July 11, 2023

        Jim Wagner is not here. Jeff Van Buskirk’s seat isn’t filled yet. They approved the minutes, bills, treasuer’s report. An...

        Trimble, relays lead way as SJO boys’ track and field heads to Charleston

        May 26, 2022

        May 26, 2022

        Relying on teammates is key to a successful track and field relay. The St. Joseph-Ogden High School boys’ track and...

        10 things you don’t know about me… Dan Davis

        May 22, 2019

        May 22, 2019

        We asked the newest St. Joseph Village Trustee, Dan Davis, to tell us 10 things we didn’t know about him....

        Get to know our little princess candidates: Keeley Mackenzie

        August 9, 2024

        August 9, 2024

        1. What is your favorite part of summer? Swimming! 2. What do you want to be when you grow up?...

        Kern, Cafarelli, Carter and Atwood help SJO golf team have continued success

        September 20, 2022

        September 20, 2022

        The St. Joseph-Ogden High School golf team has established a pretty common routine this season. Jacob Kern or Ashten Cafarelli...

        SJO falls to Tolono, will take on BCC at home

        April 16, 2021

        April 16, 2021

        St. Joseph-Ogden dropped a 48-16 contest to their long-time rival Unity Rockets in an Illini Prairie Conference tilt at Hicks...

        5 questions with Michelle Wagner

        December 15, 2024

        December 15, 2024

        1. What is your favorite childhood holiday memory?My favorite childhood memory is Christmas Eve. Our family would go out to...

        St. Joseph Community Garage Sales Spring 2025

        May 7, 2025

        May 7, 2025

        5 505 N 4th St.Friday 9am-5pm Saturday 8am-2pmClothing, toddler to adult (all sizes) household items, toys, craft items, lots of...

        Get to know Judy Bowlby

        March 11, 2026

        March 11, 2026

        Bowlby, a former Cerro Gordo resident, is running in the 15th Congressional District Primary What inspired you to enter the...

        SJO fourth quarter high honor roll

        July 9, 2019

        July 9, 2019

        High Honor RollFreshmenAllen, Addison Altenbaumer, Tyler Anderson, Kailyn Armstrong, Ella Atwood, Madison Behrens, Abigail Beyers, Andrew Bowln, Brandie Burkhalter, Mara...

        How does a TIF work?

        February 11, 2025

        February 11, 2025

        How does TIF work?A geographic area is designated as a TIF district. 


 Property owners in the district pay the same...

        Solar project proposed at sports complex

        September 25, 2024

        September 25, 2024

        The Village of St. Joseph may be going green. The Village has taken the initial steps to explore a solar...

        Live at St. Joseph Village Board, August 27, 2024

        August 27, 2024

        August 27, 2024

        I am making my triumphant return to the live blog. On tap tonight, approving the women’s club Christmas Parade, maybe...

        Comments
        Leave a Reply