Janna Wilson grew up in Lake Highlands, a neighborhood where her economic situation starkly contrasted with those around her. Reflecting on her upbringing, Janna describes herself as “the poorest kid in Lake Highlands.” Her friends’ families often stepped in to support her, an experience that deeply influenced her lifelong desire to give back to the community.

Despite the challenges, Janna attended Rock Rock Elementary, Lake Highlands Junior High, and the local high school. However, her journey was far from smooth. She faced significant hardships at home, including threats from her stepfather, which led her to act out in school in a desperate attempt to seek help. Her efforts to alert authorities went unnoticed, leaving her to navigate a tumultuous childhood largely on her own.

One of the most pivotal decisions made by Janna’s mother was to place the family in a wealthy neighborhood, despite working long hours as a nurse to support four children alone. The neighbors effectively helped raise Janna and her siblings, providing a semblance of stability in their lives. This support system allowed Janna to survive her challenging childhood and eventually use her experiences to inspire others. As Janna grew older, she realized that sharing her story could have a profound impact on those facing similar struggles. “There was a time I couldn’t talk about it without breaking down, but now I can,” she says. This resilience has become a cornerstone of her efforts to support mental health awareness in her community.

Initially, Janna thought she could inspire people through comedy, leading her to host an open mic at Chocolate Secrets. However, her true passion lay in raising awareness about mental health. Hosting the open mic became a form of community service for her, even as she balanced a full-time job and worked on building a hair salon with a doctor. Her open mic nights became unexpectedly popular, drawing audiences who were genuinely interested in the performances and the mental health messages she shared. The success, however, led to challenges. The events outgrew the venue, forcing a move to Sundown at Granada. Despite the exhaustion and the need for guest hosts, Janna’s commitment to the community kept her going.

Janna’s journey also includes becoming a life coach, although she soon realized that her true calling might lie elsewhere. With a background of two decades of therapy, hypnotherapy, and numerous courses, she achieved her goal but found the one-on-one coaching experience unfulfilling. Preferring to work with individuals who were serious about making changes, she set strict requirements for her clients and eventually decided to step back from coaching.

Now, Janna is focusing on building a hair restoration medical practice and exploring larger platforms for her advocacy, such as documentaries or TED Talks. She continues to support the Love Mic by inviting guest hosts, allowing her to manage her other responsibilities while still contributing to the community she cares so deeply about.

Staying consistent with the Love Mic for over two years required immense dedication. There were nights when Janna felt drained and lacked the energy to host, but the positive impact on the community kept her motivated.  Even on days when her energy was depleted, such as after a particularly triggering family reunion over the 4th of July weekend, Janna found that the Love Mic served as a crucial anchor. “The Love Mic actually pulls me out of it, as long as I can get there,” she explains. However, the reality of hosting wasn’t just about showing up. Upon arrival, she was often bombarded with questions and interactions that required a readiness her mind wasn’t always prepared for. This aspect of her experience underscores the complexities of being a trauma survivor in a leadership role.

Despite these challenges, Janna’s muscle memory and the love from the community enabled her to find her groove each night. She highlights how messages from attendees, expressing their gratitude for the unique environment where they feel loved and supported, fuel her perseverance. Providing a safe space is integral to her approach, embodying her life coaching philosophy. “We’re born of love, and life happens, and ego grows,” Janna states, emphasizing the importance of normalizing vulnerability and fostering community as a core human need.

The journey to establish the Love Mic was a gradual build. Janna initially hosted the event for seven months without compensation, driven purely by her passion for building a community. When the son of the Chocolate Secrets owners attempted to take over the show, it disrupted the established flow, leading to a temporary decline. However, the significant drop in sales during her absence highlighted her vital role, prompting her return—this time with compensation.

Rebuilding the Love Mic at Sundown marked the third iteration of her efforts. Achieving a consistent audience of 50 people every Monday night required persistent effort, especially given that Mondays are traditionally challenging for audience turnout. Janna’s strategic focus was not merely on building a performer community but on attracting a diverse audience, including neighbors and regular attendees. This broader appeal was evident in events like the pop-up at the Statler Hotel, where a significant turnout demonstrated the growing interest in the mental health aspects of the Love Mic.

Janna’s dedication to mental health advocacy, amplified by the pandemic, has become a cornerstone of the Love Mic. “People are drawn to the Love Mic because it’s a safe space,” she notes, highlighting stories such as an Iranian girl who felt safe enough to sing without a headdress for the first time. The supportive environment is likened to the familiar camaraderie of “Cheers,” fostering a unique community where everyone feels welcome and connected.

Handling artists’ nerves, especially for their first performances, is another aspect where Janna’s life coaching skills shine. Encouragement and support are pivotal, as seen with a jazz teacher’s debut solo performance, bolstered by her coach’s insistence and the welcoming atmosphere of the Love Mic. Watching artists grow and succeed beyond the Love Mic brings Janna immense joy, reinforcing her commitment to nurturing talent.

Looking ahead, Janna envisions expanding the Love Mic’s impact, potentially through establishing a nonprofit to support struggling artists. Her primary goal is to host a major event at the Granada Theater in January 2025, coinciding with the Love Mic’s three-year anniversary and her 50th birthday. With strong community support and potential sponsorship, Janna aims to make this milestone event a reality, continuing her mission of spreading love and fostering mental health awareness through the arts.