Meet JaNae Hickman | Designer

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

Hi JaNae, why did you pursue a creative career?
As a child, I remember doodling and drawing what I thought would become my runway collection. I wasn’t great at the things that could land me a great job, like typing and sitting at a desk for long hours. So, I knew early on I wanted to be an entrepreneur and should learn on my creative gifts. My business idea was created by my mother. She wanted to sew duvet covers to sell and asked for my help. At the time, I didn’t know what a duvet cover was, but it was up for the challenge. The business never got off the ground, but this idea piqued my interest in natural fibers and product design. Her initial idea would grow into what is now JanaeJavan, a home accessories and apothecary company.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
JanaeJavan is a small batch lifestyle brand. We create products that you use in and around your home. We began with textiles, importing our fabric from Italy, and have expanded our line to include ceramics, planters, and apothecary products. Our brand is a collaborative effort by local artisans who value handcrafted goods using sustainable materials. I do not have any formal design training, so I had a huge learning curve to overcome. I had an innate ability to design but didn’t know how to produce the pictures that were in my mind. I began taking classes, attended conventions and learned a great deal from fellow artists.
I believe entrepreneurship is a masterclass in learning yourself. It stretches you to show you what you are capable of. I’ve learned to look at the challenges as courses, its knowledge. This knowledge can be used to help you pivot and adjust in the future. Some of my biggest No’s turned into my biggest blessings. If I would’ve changed my perspective early on, I could’ve enjoyed the process a bit more. But that’s also a part of the journey that you’ll figure out. Keep going, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

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.
Tour of Tulsa I would start downtown in the Historic Greenwood District, also known as “Black Wall Street”. The Greenwood Cultural Center and Greenwood Rising Museum tell the story of resilience within this community. There are murals to be seen, historical landmarks, restaurants, and shopping.
Next, head over to Guthrie Green, a community park surrounded by art galleries and host to local musicians, greenspace for outdoor yoga or a family picnic.
Lastly, I would make my way to Route 66 for a meal at Mother Road Market, voted #1 Food Hall in the country by USA Today. They offer a variety of local, ethnic, and vegan cuisine to satisfy your taste buds.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would not be where I am without the help of the many wonderful people who have been solid rocks while I’ve been on this journey.  But a special shout out must go to my partner Erin, who has been my biggest supporter, pushing me to continue when I wanted to give up, financing the business when we were low on capital and being a shoulder to lean on when I needed it most.

Website: www.JanaeJavan.com

Instagram: @janaejavan

Twitter: @janaejavan

Facebook: @janaejavan

Image Credits
JWPhotography James Parker Ave Smith Photography Ave Smith