Jan’s foolproof lessons to be a successful entrepreneur and how she learned to succeed in a male-dominated field and continues to live her dream everyday.

Early years and her unusual college experiences:

• Kid from the NY boroughs, growing up in a concrete jungle
• Always fascinated w plants
• Steered toward botanical illustratration by HS guidance counselor
• Attended Friends World College, run by Quakers, created her own studies
• Studied in Japan, lived in Kyoto and transfixed by Japanese gardens
• Japanese boss said “you’re not an architect, you’re a landscape architect.”
• Studied landscape architecture at University of Hawaii and studied hydroponic gardening, without soil. She was the only woman in her class

What was Jan’s next endeavor?

• Realized she was not suited to working in an office
• She wanted hands on training and worked at Mohonk Mountain House in NY
• Worked for a French master gardener who was reticent to work w her since she was a woman. But Jan was persistent and persevered
• Learned professional horticulture
• Jan believes in experiential education, learn by doing

How did she start her biz?

• With not much money, rented one room from a man who ran a small tree service, who became her mentor
• “I knew what I knew, but I didn’t know how to run a business and luckily had a husband who knew how to.”
• Her mentor coached her, told her what courses to take. He started Sav-a-Tree, a first class and very successful tree business.
• Your thoughts and attitudes are key to your success. Set sites high enough
• Have a goal and see it through Jan’s goal is to create beautiful outdoor settings
• Her mission is to pay it forward, share what she’s learned

Author:

• Jan started writing books because she loves sharing what she has learned and believes that having a serene outdoor environment can uplift people in this crazy world
• 7 books including Spirit of Stone, Flowertopia, Gardentopia, Heaven in a Garden

What advice do you have for women looking to find their passions, and her “brass ring” for success?

• Get your business systems in place first before you start out. Being talented in your specific field is not enough, your passion I will be the key to your success.
• Work with people you align with
• Get yourself out there
• Make time for yourself, even something as simple as a walk
• It’s ok to be the only woman in the room
• You have to love what you do

Where can listeners learn more about Jan?

• Instagram @johnsendesign
• Subscribe to janjohnsen.substack.com for landscaping tips
• johnsenlandscapes.com
• Books can be purchased on Amazon

To learn more about Jean and the Be Joyful podcast visit www.bejoyful.love.