Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Janicka Harris. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Janicka, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

My journey began in the heart of community-driven efforts, side by side with my father, shaping my early understanding of the power of grants and funding in transforming lives. Those pivotal moments were spent during community meetings in rural Florida, where business leaders and officials strategized to enhance the well-being of residents. While sitting in meeting rooms where discussions included terms like ‘coalition-building’ and ‘funding,’ I absorbed the essence of creating change.

Traveling with my father to rural counties, I found myself in the depths of entrepreneurship and community service. These experiences laid the groundwork for my career, which officially started at 15 through a youth employment program. I’m sure I made a fuss about working, but I was able to embark on a journey at a local police department, working as a supply stock technician where I organized inventory and managed uniform stock. Being that the money I was making helped me save, I started my second job under the guidance of my father’s mentor, a professor at the University of Michigan, I explored the world of research and community health, mastering software like SPSS for statistical analysis.

Building on this foundation, I pursued higher education, earning a bachelor’s degree in health services administration from University of Central Florida in 2011 and a master’s degree in public health from University of South Florida in 2015. My high school experiences in graphic and web design further diversified my skill set. In 2020, I founded Koncept By Jane, a graphic design studio for non-profits and small businesses. Yet, my journey wasn’t just about design; it was about understanding the fundamental needs of businesses: funding and impactful visuals for effective branding.

Thus, Koncept By Jane evolved into more than just a service provider; it became a partner in my clients’ transformative journeys. Through research, creative storytelling, and program development, I aided businesses in securing the funding they needed through community partnerships. With a passion for service deeply ingrained in my public health career, I found fulfillment in being a catalyst for positive change. I valued my clients as partners, offering solutions that went beyond the surface. Each visual communication piece I created wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was about conveying a clear, impactful message.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hello, I’m Janicka D. Harris, a Florida native and a public health professional. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Services Administration from the University of Central Florida and a Master of Public Health degree from the University of South Florida. With over ten years of experience, I specialize in evaluating programs, conducting research, and managing grants.

My journey started at the age of 15 when I collaborated with faith-based groups, leading initiatives on HIV prevention and substance abuse awareness. I have a unique skill set in applying research-based strategies to various settings and finding innovative solutions. My involvement in community health projects and coalition meetings in rural areas during my teenage years shaped my passion for this field. Professionally, I worked as a Grant Assistant in Tallahassee, FL, where I researched and created reports to support federal grant applications focusing on drug prevention and creating drug-free communities.

On the creative side, I own two businesses: Kairos Wellness and Koncept By Jane, providing services like program development, report writing, and graphic design. The unique spelling of my business names begins with the letter “K” which is a soft tale sign of my membership in my beloved sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

What sets me apart is my innovative approach to problem-solving. I help businesses with creating social media content, assist nonprofits in securing funding based on survey data, and guide real estate agents in community-based initiatives. During consultations, I offer tailored solutions, often thinking “outside the box.” My goal is to provide valuable and effective solutions to my clients. My core values of integrity, excellence, innovation, and collaboration guide my interactions. Despite facing challenges in the corporate world, I have developed emotional intelligence and resilience, ensuring positive experiences for my family, friends, and clients. I encourage potential clients and followers to connect with me on social media (@KairosWellness_ and @KonceptByJane on Instagram) and visit my website (https://koncept-by-jane.myshopify.com/). Remember, it’s okay to seek help and invest in yourself. Don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance; there are resources available to support your business journey.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

In 2012, I received a diagnosis of endometriosis, requiring immediate surgery to remove the endometriomas. At that point, I was focused on completing my master’s degree and didn’t dwell much on the surgery. However, after two more surgeries, I realized the gravity of my condition. The third surgery, in particular, brought emotional challenges. Around the same time, my workplace was toxic, posing additional hurdles. Struggling with both personal health and work issues, I turned to spirituality, faith, and therapy for support.

This difficult period taught me resilience. Despite the obstacles, I managed to recover fully from surgery. Upon my return to work, those causing problems for me were soon out of the picture. This experience highlighted my ability to overcome challenges and bounce back stronger.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to learn a tough lesson: not everyone I consider a friend is obligated to support me or my businesses. It was difficult for me to grasp why some people can be unkind or indifferent, despite my efforts to be positive around them. I discovered that sometimes, being positive or optimistic can make others uncomfortable or intimidated.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://koncept-by-jane.myshopify.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/konceptbyjane/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janicka-d-harris-mph-15041235

Image Credits
Image credit to Photographer: Gerald Tookes Photography” for photos where Im dressed in the race car jacket and shorts.