Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Janke.
Hi Andrea, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always been a creative person who loves figuring out how to make an idea come to life. Janke & Co. really grew from that. I started making custom items and, over time, what began as something small turned into a business that has allowed me to work with families, athletes, cheer teams, gyms and small businesses all over the country.
A huge part of my business has grown through the All Star Cheer community. Being a cheer mom myself, I understood that parents and athletes were always looking for fun, unique ways to celebrate their teams, accomplishments and personalities. I started creating products specifically for that community, and one idea seemed to lead to another.
Today I create everything from custom spirit chains and athlete gifts to bag tags, decals, charms and other personalized products. A lot of what I do comes from a customer saying, “Do you think you could make this?” and me saying, “I bet I can figure it out.”
I’ve learned a tremendous amount along the way—design, production, new equipment, new materials, marketing and honestly a lot of trial and error. I’m still growing and learning, but that’s probably one of my favorite parts of what I do. I love taking someone’s idea and turning it into something they’re genuinely excited to receive.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. Like most small business owners, I’ve had to learn a lot as I go. Much of what I do is self-taught, and because I’m constantly creating new and custom products, there has been plenty of trial and error along the way.
One of my biggest challenges has been learning to give myself permission to step away from the business when my family needed me. I took time away to help care for my dad during his battle with cancer. I also made it a priority to be there for important family moments—like traveling to see my son Lleyton after he finished Army boot camp before he left for Alaska.
Those experiences really put things into perspective for me. Owning my own business means there are times when orders, ideas, and growth have to wait—and I’ve learned that’s okay. The business will still be there, but some moments with the people you love only happen once.
Through all of it, Janke & Co. has continued to grow. I’ve learned to be flexible, to give myself grace, and to keep moving forward even when the path doesn’t look exactly like I planned. I think those challenges have made both me and my business stronger
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I own Janke & Co., a small creative business specializing in custom products, primarily for the cheer and sports communities. I design and create everything from spirit chains, bag tags and decals to personalized gifts such as apparel, rhinestone designs and other completely custom pieces.
What I’m probably best known for is being willing to figure out how to make almost anything. A customer can come to me with an idea, a photo, or sometimes just “I have this crazy idea…” and I genuinely enjoy figuring out how to turn it into something real. I work with a variety of equipment and techniques, including laser engraving and cutting, 3D printing, sublimation, vinyl, rhinestones and digital design, so I’m constantly learning and experimenting.
I’m most proud that I’ve built my business largely by teaching myself, trial and error, and refusing to give up when something doesn’t work the first time. I care a lot about the little details and about creating something that feels personal rather than mass-produced.
What sets me apart is that I don’t really see myself as someone who simply sells products. I’m a problem solver and a creator. I love taking an idea that someone isn’t quite sure how to execute and saying, “I can make that.” And most of the time, I find a way
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
A lot of people don’t know that Janke & Co didn’t start in Texas—it actually started in Colorado. I had built up a clientele base there. Then we picked up our family and moved to Texas, where I basically had to start all over again. I didn’t have the connections or customer base I had spent years building in Colorado, so I had to put myself out there and rebuild from the ground up. Looking back, I think that move showed me that the business wasn’t successful just because of where I was or who I knew—I really could build it again
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/jankeandco
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/jankeandco
