We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Janna Pruiett a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Janna, thanks for joining us today. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?
Unveiled by Janna Alane started off as compilation of ideas that sprouted into a beautiful dream come to fruition. Unveiled by Janna Alane is my brand. It includes my brand apparel, social media posts such as inspirational videos and quotes, and my blog, Unveiling Janna Alane. The brand began when my blog, Unveiling Janna Alane, was created on May 23, 2017. I’ve always had a passion for writing. I consider myself to be pretty shy, even though others may disagree, and writing my was outlet. It allowed me to fully express myself when I used to get bullied and provided the opportunity for me to share my thoughts and opinions when I lacked the courage to verbally share them out-loud. Growing up, I knew I wanted to share my thoughts and writings with a larger audience, other than just myself, and during my junior year of college I finally got the courage to do so. As time went on, I decided I wanted to expand my brand beyond just my blog. So on September 4th, 2019 I launched A Word Wednesday videos. A Word Wednesday videos are an extension of my blog and initially began as quick one minute, sometimes longer, words of motivation, inspiration, and reflection. These videos started out as IGTV videos and then grew into Instagram Reels. I was very proud of the progress and direction my brand was growing into, but I felt something was missing and I wanted to do and offer more.
On October 23, 2020 I rebranded my entire social media presence and launched Unveiled by Janna Alane. This launch also included the public announcement of my brand apparel. This brand was built to inspire everyone to be true to themselves, no matter what popular opinion is. Unveiled by Janna Alane is a brand for ALL people. Inspired by self-love and individuality, we must allow ourselves dig deep and unveil who we truly are. I felt Unveiled by Janna Alane was the perfect umbrella to encompass everything I stand for and hope to promote and inspire in others. Ultimately, I knew that I wanted to create a safe space for every person. For those who may feel overlooked, unheard, not seen, those who may not know how to convey how they are feeling or who keep going because they don’t want to share or feel they’ll look less than if they do. The purpose of my creative services is to empower people to be their authenticate selves and know that they are not alone, no matter the situation.
My brand has truly developed throughout the years. I think it was important for me to start where I was, with the idea I had, and then as I continued to grow and develop, grow and develop my brand as well. I never want to limit myself. So I think it was important for me to learn how to make everything that I dreamt about happen while keeping my brand cohesive. These ideas came to me during different stages of my life and even though it took a while for me to bring them to light, I am so glad that I finally took the leap of faith to do so.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Unveiled by Janna Alane is a brand for everyone and encourage everyone to embrace their true selves. The brand includes blog posts entitled Self-Love Sundays, motivational videos entitled A Word Wednesdays, inspirational quotes also known as Monday Motivation, brand apparel, black owned business and brand spotlights, speaking engagements, and as of 2022 events! This year I hosted the inaugural Self-Love Sunday Brunch.
Throughout various days of the week, I incorporate inspirational videos and messages to encourage and inspire. Self-Love Sundays were the original blueprint for my brand. Self-Love Sundays are blog posts that I post on Sundays and they’re always centered around self-love. Monday Motivation includes motivational quotes and affirmations. A Word Wednesday is videos focused on words of motivation, inspiration, and reflection.
Years ago, long before A Word Wednesday was even an idea, I had a dream of hosting a Self-Love Sunday Brunch. The inaugural brunch took place on March 27th to celebrate women’s history month. A group of amazing women attended, networked, empowered and encouraged one another through words of affirmation. On behalf of all attendees, we made a donation to a nonprofit organization for young ladies. The goal for the future is to host this event at a venue, selling tickets which will be used to donate to the selected nonprofit of the year. This brunch is bigger than just the attendees and the hope is for it to positively impact the community as well.
I also sell brand apparel for all people that encompass the same theme of self-love. Outside of my brand content, every February I highlight and spotlight other black owned brands and businesses, as I feel it’s important to support one another. Lastly, another extension of my brand has included leading workshops and speaking at various events and engagements to encourage self-love and self-care.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
I wish I knew how to properly leverage social media earlier in my creative journey. Technology is ever-changing and growing and as technology continues to develop, so does social media. I love how social media allows for connections with people from all over, from different backgrounds and different walks of life. I knew that I wanted to utilize social media to share my platform with the world, but I never learned how to properly leverage social media. I kind of just went with the flow and how I felt things should go. Honestly, I feel I am just now learning how to properly leverage reels on Instagram and utilize Tik Tok and all the different avenues of social media. I’m excited to continue incorporating these platforms and to continue expanding my content and repertoire.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
I think the most rewarding aspect of being a creator is being able to connect with so many people through my brand and content. It’s important to feel confident about the work you are producing, but it also feels really good when others can also feel good about your content and resonate. Some of the most rewarding things about my brand have always been from someone sharing their own personal stories or stating how my content really depicted how they feel/felt and put into words what they couldn’t. I think it’s a natural human feeling and desire for community and to know that you’re not alone in what you’re going through or how you’re feeling. So to hear that others can not only relate and resonate, but also find motivation and encouragement in my content is so rewarding. Even if I only impacted one person with a blog or video, I’d feel great. But to know I’ve been able to connect with numerous people through my content really warms my heart and I hope to continue to do and even aspire someone else to do the same.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jannaalane.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unveiledbyjannaalane/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unveiledbyjannaalane