Janna’s Journey: Single Mother, Business Owner, and 15 Years Strong

In this personal episode of the Just Like Angels Podcast, host and childcare center owner Janna Johnson reflects on her 15-year journey of building a business while becoming and navigating life as a single mother.Janna takes listeners back to the early years of Just Like Angels, when she handled nearly every role herself. She was the teacher, director, cook, van driver, cleaner, and business owner — often operating in constant “owner mode” and carrying the full weight of the center on her shoulders. What began as a small program serving 10 children eventually grew into a facility serving around 70, bringing new responsibilities, higher overhead, staffing challenges, and the pressure of keeping everything moving.She also speaks honestly about burnout. Before becoming a mother, Janna reached a point where the stress of managing employees, expenses, and growth made her question whether she wanted to continue. She searched for other jobs, considered selling the business, and wondered whether the life she had built was still the life she wanted. Ultimately, she recommitted to her purpose — but motherhood would soon force her to lead differently.When Janna gave birth to her daughter in 2017, a C-section required her to step away from the childcare center for six weeks. That experience became a major turning point. For the first time, she had to trust her team, delegate responsibilities, and accept that the business could continue operating without her being physically present every moment.Motherhood also changed the way Janna viewed childcare. She began looking at the program not only as an owner and educator, but as a parent asking whether she would feel comfortable leaving her own child there. That new perspective encouraged her to strengthen the quality of the center, improve systems, and create an environment that truly supported children, families, and staff.Janna discusses the importance of setting boundaries between work and home, including making a commitment to end her workday by 5:00 p.m. so she can be present for her daughter. She also shares why successful business owners need a village — from family and trusted friends to professional relationships with other childcare owners who understand the unique demands of the industry.Prayer, therapy, exercise, delegation, and giving herself grace have all played a role in helping Janna protect her mental and emotional health. Her message to other single mothers and aspiring entrepreneurs is clear: running a business and raising a child at the same time is difficult, but it is possible.At the center of this episode is the importance of knowing your “why.” For Janna, business ownership is not only about income or growth. It is about creating opportunity, building a legacy, and modeling strength and independence for her daughter — who now talks about one day taking over Just Like Angels herself.Learn more about Just Like Angels Childcare Center at www.justlikeangelscc.com. Listen to the Just Like Angels Podcast on all major podcast platforms.