While serving as a part-time care minister, I had a life-changing dream. My friend Jean was disabled after a series of strokes, and one night I woke up with an idea to create a jacket that would be easy for her to put on, while offering warmth and comfort. I sketched the jacket design and went back to bed. When I woke up the next morning, I wondered what I was thinking—I didn’t even sew—but I still couldn’t get the thought out of my head. I decided to have the jacket sewn for Jean, and right away, I saw what a difference it made. Unlike the hospital gown that had become her “wardrobe,” this garment restored Jean's sense of personhood, kept her warm and comfortable, and became a cozy friend during her most difficult days. That’s when I uncovered an important truth: Clothing does matter. Wearing a warm, soft, beautiful garment can bring back the dignity that's often lost when one faces health and mobility challenges. Compelled to share this gift of comfort with others, the ideas kept coming and Janska was born. My mission was to make a difference for people facing challenging times with Clothing That Comforts. Soon after Janska Clothing That Comforts was introduced to the wholesale market, fashion boutiques and gift shops began showing interest in Janska garments at trade shows. I quickly realized that my dream could be even bigger than I thought. Our garments had a universal design, and if you design for someone who is less abled, everybody can wear it. Janska quickly expanded to include fashionable, but functional outerwear and accessories designed to make women at every stage of life look good and feel good. Today, we have an expansive collection of beautiful outerwear, comfort wear and accessories, all made in the USA. And though we have expanded into hundreds of boutiques in the USA and Canada, the heart of Janska remains the same. We are committed to making a difference, especially for those who no longer find the simple act of dressing to be simple.
Listed skills include Entrepreneurship, Apparel, Fashion, Public Speaking, and 28 others.
