June 5, 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

        Live at St. Joseph Village Board, March 11, 2025

        March 11, 2025

        March 11, 2025

        We are live so you don’t have to be. Thanks to MX Electric for sponsoring our live blogs. No public...

        Village looking at options to sell wastewater system

        December 2, 2025

        December 2, 2025

         The Village of St. Joseph is exploring options to sell its wastewater system.  At a special meeting on Nov. 18,...

        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?...

        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, Sept. 10, 2024

        September 10, 2024

        September 10, 2024

        They are discussing personnel policy updates. They are formalizing the on call public works format. SOLAR!!!! For the 400th time....

        Senior spotlight Eric Poe

        February 7, 2020

        February 7, 2020

        Every week we ask a St. Joseph-Ogden senior five questions. This week we talked to Eric Poe. Thank you to...

        Smith’s last-second field goal lifts SJO football to upset playoff win

        November 6, 2025

        November 6, 2025

        Before the St. Joseph-Ogden football team traveled to Benton for a Class 3A first-round playoffgame this past Saturday, Spartans coach...

        McKinney, Umbarger lift SJO football to win at Rantoul

        October 3, 2025

        October 3, 2025

        Getting to the playoffs is the expectation for the St. Joseph-Ogden football team.Nearly four decades of sustained success and consistent...

        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...

        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...

        Weekend Family Fun Guide

        July 26, 2019

        July 26, 2019

        This post is sponsored by Island Travel Group and Events On Saturday, St. Joseph plays host to hundreds of runners...

        Former St. Joseph resident shares “100 things Illinois fans should know”

        April 14, 2025

        April 14, 2025

        Kent Brown always wanted to write a book. The Hammond native and former Sports Information Director at the University of...

        Q and A with SJO Hall of Fame inductee Morgan Gooding 

        October 3, 2025

        October 3, 2025

        1. How does it feel to be inducted into the hall of fame? Honestly, it was a surprise. So many...

        Live at St. Joseph Village Board, Feb. 11, 2025

        February 11, 2025

        February 11, 2025

        I am making my triumphant return after missing two meetings due to illnesses. The flu is no joke this year...

        Spartans end losing streak

        December 5, 2022

        December 5, 2022

        The St. Joseph-Ogden High School girls’ basketball team needed a win on Thursday night.Not in the worst possible way. But...

        Comments
        Leave a Reply