April 16, 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, April 8, 2025

        April 8, 2025

        April 8, 2025

        Tonight the board is discussing the fiscal year 2025-26 budget. They are also considering an update to the code of...

        Positive attitude and strong academics focus for Taylor

        March 13, 2019

        March 13, 2019

        Every month we feature a story on a student-athlete of the month. This post is sponsored by Christie Clinic. Maclayne...

        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...

        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...

        10 things you don’t know about me… DEE EVANS

        September 23, 2022

        September 23, 2022

        DEE EVANS will be inducted into the SJO Hall of Fame tonight. Dee Evans is a 1960 graduate of St....

        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...

        Live at St. Joseph Village Board, Sept. 24, 2024

        September 24, 2024

        September 24, 2024

        I am watching on Zoom so you don’t have to. (I was sick today or else I would be in...

        Challenging schedule testing SJO girls’ basketball early on

        December 16, 2024

        December 16, 2024

        The first month of the season for the St. Joseph-Ogden girls’ basketball has featured a challenging schedule and some quality...

        Village moves forward with TIF process

        February 11, 2025

        February 11, 2025

        The Village of St. Joseph is moving forward with the process to form a TIF District. Tonight at 7 p.m.,...

        SJO advances to Regional title game

        June 5, 2021

        June 5, 2021

        After a most unusual year that saw no postseason contests in any spring sports, 2021 is much different in that...

        SJO Alumni named Farm Credit CEO

        September 25, 2024

        September 25, 2024

        Kelly Duitsman Hunt was designated as the next Farm Credit Illinois CEO by the cooperative’s board of directors. Hunt assumes...

        Suits a dedicated public servant

        September 5, 2025

        September 5, 2025

        Lowell Suits dedicated 38 years of his life to public service.  Now, he will enjoy his retirement. Suits has retired...

        Live at St. Joseph Village Board, Feb. 25, 2025

        February 25, 2025

        February 25, 2025

        Jim Page is here. He’s running for mayor. Peter Shaw is here. He is running for village board. They just...

        Painter appointed new trustee

        August 27, 2019

        August 27, 2019

        Max Painter has been selected to fill an open trustee position in St. Joseph. Republican caucus treasure and caucus committee...

        Comments
        Leave a Reply