We had the good fortune of connecting with Janna Gordoni and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Janna, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
God put this nonprofit ministry, Modern Daughter on my heart years ago after I had just come out of a very difficult season of healing from eating disorders, anxiety, self harm, suicide and depression. I realized that their was a need for people to have a judgement free space to share with others what they were walking through and healing from. I wanted to create a space for community to happen. Where people who have been struggling in areas of mental health, emotional trauma, abuse, physical disorders or illnesses could come and be encouraged by others who may be walking through the same or similar circumstances.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career definitely did not progress the way I thought it would! After I graduated high school, I went to culinary school where I graduated in 2019. I am the biggest foodie and I love cooking, baking and eating so studying culinary arts was an incredible experience for me! However, after I graduated, I did not go on to work in a kitchen, instead I got involved with a local nonprofit and became their Marketing and Creatives Director! A position I still hold, in addition to running Modern Daughter. I love getting to do work everyday that I know MATTERS and makes a positive difference in this world. Sometimes it can be very hard work and very draining. But I know God has equipped me and given me the strength to do this work! When I get tired, and start feeling like my cup is getting empty, or feel on the brim of burnout, I know I need to do two things: 1. Take a step back and give myself time for rest and reenergize. 2. I need to spend some quality time alone with Jesus and get filled back up and refreshed!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There is so much to do in Dallas and I always feel like there is never enough time to do it all!! Most of my time here has been spent in the north Dallas area, so I will stick to what I know. If you are looking for great food and atmosphere, you have got to check out Trinity Groves in Dallas! Start with a delicious meal at Beto & Son, which is a next generation Mexican restaurant. The atmosphere, service and food are amazing. I highly recommend the Eloté for an appetizer and the fajitas or tacos for the entree! So delicious! Afterwards you can grab chocolates at the famous Kate Weiser’s chocolates (chocolate art) and go for a walk over the Trinity River where you will also have a beautiful view of the Dallas skyline. Next I would also check out Legacy West in Plano! They have an incredible uptown atmosphere with some amazing restaurants, cafe’s, retail and so many incredible spots to take pictures with friends. The entire place is filled with great places for photo shoots. And it makes for a great evening out with friends to walk around and shop or a romantic date night at one of the restaurants.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First of all, I want to give Glory to God. I could not do this without Him, His leading and direction. Next I want to thank my incredible parents, Don and Lori Gordoni for supporting me through it all. And some of my dear friends who have prayed and supported this ministry from the beginning. I also want to thank my incredible team who consistently work along side me to make Modern Daughter happen!

Website: moderndaughter.org

Instagram: moderndaughterministries

Twitter: twitter.com/daughtermodern

Facebook: facebook.com/moderndaughter

Image Credits
Olivia Dowling Photography

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