INSPIRE: The Road Less Travelled...Jo Johnson

This week, we meet Jo Johnson, who realised that her health and family were more important than a stressful job. Jo is now running a successful textile business, Janner Werks, where she takes recycled material and objects, often with a sentimental history and breathes new life into them. 

Please tell us about yourself.
My name is Jo Johnson and I set up Janner Werks in June 2011. I design, make and sell quirky everyday items which incorporate recycled fabrics and embellishments. I use embroidery and applique techniques to personalise things like handbags, tote bags, purses, bunting and patchwork blankets. I look out for fabrics that are quirky and fun although the most precious materials are from old clothing from my daughter’s clothes and second-hand shops. You get the idea: When my youngest girl was one, she had the dress that she looked so cute in but when she'd outgrown it, it would be put away never to be seen again and that is such a shame. This is where I come in: I get that beautiful dress out and use the fabric from it in one of my creations et voila, I've turned the unusable into a beautiful, precious, usable item which evokes past memories. This is recycling at its best!

My company name is a quirky play on where I live, Plymouth and it is a positive statement that although I am now self-employed, I still work - although it doesn’t feel like it as I love what I do.

Give a brief description of your career path up before you started your creative business.
Before setting up an online craft business I was a stay at home mum for five years and then worked in the frontline sector for six years. Whilst at school I loved Art and Design I gained an A level qualification. After which my creativity got pushed to the background while I got on with working. However, when our 3 daughters came along, making and crafting became a lovely way to spend time with the children and my passion was rekindled.

What prompted you to pursue a creative career?
The decision to leave employment and to go it alone was an easy one to make. During the last twelve months of working in the frontline sector I was diagnosed with depression and knew that I had to slow my pace of life down and reevaluate the things that mattered to me. I realized that while I was working, although I felt I was financially contributing to the house, my family were put on the back burner and my husband bore the brunt of this. To be able to pursue my love of craft at a pace that works for me, my family and my marriage are stronger and I am getting better.

I think that this value is reflected in what I make. I've realised that it's the small things that matter in life, family, good health, good food and a home full of memories. And if those memories come from a peg bag made from my youngest daughters T. Shirt then I'm all for that!

What was the most difficult thing about this decision? And what was the easiest?
The easiest thing about this decision was that it was a necessary one. I either stayed in a highly pressurized job, making my depression deeper or get out quick and work at my own pace whilst getting better. I love what I do and I do believe that sewing is good for the soul. Of course, money is an issue but we as a family we now enjoy things like baking biscuits together instead of buying them, so it has been a positive step.

How supportive of your decision were your family, friends and (former) colleagues?
I couldn’t have done any of this without my family behind me and they have supported me through this change 100%. My husband has praised my work, my dad has helped in building up an online presence, my mum has passed on lots of ideas and my mum in law has been to craft fairs with me to boost my confidence.

How has pursuing a creative career been compared with your previous career? What are the challenges, and what are the highlights?
The great thing about working creatively is that ideas crop up at all times of the day and night and it’s me who decides what I’m going to work on in the next week. I set my own targets and I can measure my own success. The only challenge that I have found is that I don’t know when to stop as I enjoy my work so much.

Have you had any regrets about choosing a creative career?
No regrets, life is too short for that. Now I have lived at 100 mph I can appreciate my slower pace of life with my family and friends.

What has been the best thing about your decision to pursue a creative career?
The best thing by far is that I’m on the mend. My depression does rear its ugly head from time to time but I try not to beat myself up over this. My crafting career has certainly helped me to pour my energy into something positive.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone considering taking up a creative career, what would that be?
I would say take every offer of help. You will need it. Burnout is not a good look.

What are your plans for the future?
I plan to expand my wares into fabric boxes and baskets and to sell at more craft fairs to build my confidence back up again.

To see more of Jo's beautiful work, visit the following websites:

Website: http://www.jannerwerks.co.uk
Blog: http://www.jannerwerks.co.uk/blog/
Email: jo@jannerwerks.co.uk