#84. Creative Coping: The Lessons of Resilience and Healing through Art with Janna Willoughby-Lohr

In this episode of Pockets of Knowledge, host Desiree Stanley interviews Janna Willoughby-Lohr, founder of Papercraft Miracles, a company known for its handcrafted sustainable gifts and décor. Janna recounts her evolution from a poetry-focused student to a dedicated artist and entrepreneur, deeply influenced by personal hardships, including her mother's death and a devastating fire that destroyed her belongings. These experiences propelled her towards a minimalist philosophy and profoundly shaped her artistic expression, allowing her to process grief and trauma through her work. Janna named her business Papercraft Miracles to signify art's transformative impact on her life and discusses the therapeutic benefits of creating art, which aids her and others in navigating complex emotions. She stresses the importance of art in articulating deep-seated feelings, thus enhancing interpersonal connections and understanding. Additionally, Janna shares valuable insights for aspiring artists and entrepreneurs about the intersection of art and business, highlighting the significance of passion, authenticity, and resilience in turning artistic endeavors into sustainable ventures. The episode is not only a testament to Janna's resilience and creativity but also inspires others to explore the transformative potential of art in their lives and businesses. Bio: Janna Willoughby-Lohr is an artist, poet, musician and entrepreneur based in Buffalo, NY. Her company, Papercraft Miracles, specializes in handcrafted paper art and gifts that bring meaning to people's lives. Janna founded Papercraft Miracles while still in college in 2003 and has been building the brand ever since. She was awarded a $25,000 Ignite Buffalo Small Business Grant in 2018 and was named 40 Under 40 for Stationery & Gifts from Stationery Trends Magazine in 2019. Papercraft Miracles thrived in 2020, despite the pandemic and they have done custom projects for major brands such as Twitter, Pinterest and Capital One. In 2021, they landed a contract to create half a million seed bombs to be included in Lowe’s Spring Garden Giveaway event across the country. Also in 2021, Janna was selected as one of the Top 4 Papercrafters in the US to appear on the TV show, Meet Your Makers Showdown, streaming on discovery+. She was also awarded the 2023 Women in Manufacturing Award from Business First. Janna is very involved in the entrepreneurial space. She is a former board member and chair of the membership committee of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Buffalo/Niagara Chapter and is a founding member of the chapter's Diversity & Inclusion Task Force, working to promote equity and representation for all women business owners. She volunteers and gives talks to high school and college students and provides mentorship through the UB Blackstone project. She has also been serving as the editor and layout artist of Earth’s Daughters literary magazine–the longest-running feminist lit mag in the world since 2007. She likes bright colors, giggling and things that are small. Oh yeah…and she has three small kids. Connect with Janna Willoughby-Lohr : Email: [email protected] Website Instagram LinkedIn Books mentioned: Way Of The Peaceful Warrior: A Book That Changes Lives by Dan Millman Podcasts mentioned: Reach the Stars with Janna Willoughby-Lohr Lead Like a Woman by Andrea Houston ——— Enjoy this Podcast? If you enjoyed listening, do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your friends so that they can be educated, informed, inspired, and empowered! Questions? You can contact me through my website, www.PocketsofKnowledge.com, or find me on Instagram @desireedstanley. Thanks for listening! ——— This podcast is intended to educate, inspire, and empower you on your personal journey. Please note that individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode. This is not intended to treat any medical condition. I am not a medical doctor and do not offer any professional health or medical advice. If you are suffering from any medical conditions, please seek help from a qualified health professional.