Today we’d like to introduce you to Joanna Grant.
Hi Joanna, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
At the very beginning of 2018, I was placed on bed rest at 29 weeks pregnant. It was a scary time for my little family, and I turned to calming ASMR-style videos to try and keep my brain quiet. I found dot mandala videos and quickly became obsessed with this beautiful art form. Once my daughter was born, and I was medically cleared, I began to dabble in dot mandalas. I watched tutorial after tutorial and was determined to make something beautiful happen. Things eventually clicked, filled canvas after canvas with dots, and the pieces became more cohesive and beautiful. Throughout the journey, I realized the more I painted, the more I was able to battle postpartum depression. Several months and creations later, I looked at the art I was surrounded by and was surprised that the same brain that felt broken and unlovable could create such beautiful pieces. Eventually, my friends began asking me to make art pieces for them, and as the months went on, I created a business. I have branched out to include other art mediums, but my heart will always belong to dot mandalas, as they saved my life in 2018.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I believe that every journey in life should have challenges. Otherwise, there is no growth or learning. My journey is no different. When the pandemic initially hit, I spiraled into a deep depression and ignored my art. It all felt pointless and fake, so I spent most of 2020 in a funk. I struggled to pull myself out of the proverbial hole when I realized what was happening. I thought I was closing the door on my art forever until my wife gently reminded me why I started my business in the first place. If it weren’t for her constant patience and support, I would probably still be in that hole making excuses as to why I wasn’t creating art.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about A Little Bit of Jojo?
When I first decided to create a business, I called it Mom Squared Co. It was a silly name with a nod to my life. I quickly realized it wasn’t a fit, so I turned to my friends (my number one sounding board) and asked for ideas. Nothing stuck until my wife, in passing, mentioned A Little Bit of Jojo. I always say I put a little bit of me into every piece I create, so the name stuck! When I say I put a little bit of me into every piece I make, I truly mean it. I will pour all of my energy and love into a piece. To be an artist means you get to live forever in the hearts and minds of others. When people choose my art to place in their homes, it’s humbling and an honor.
I am most known for my dot mandala art and best known for including silhouettes in pieces. Most of my commissioned art has some silhouette within the dot mandala, which creates a lot of depth and movement in the piece. I have worked hard to build relationships with my clientele, and I do everything I can to ensure everyone who works with me loves their final piece.
The biggest takeaway I want the world to know about A Little Bit of Jojo is my love for the pieces I create. I made a 36″ x 36″ piece for a friend’s wall and had to ship it to New Jersey. I never thought I would see it again until my friend moved to Florida. I saw it as soon as I visited her new home, and she let me know it is a treasured art piece that they love to have hanging in their home. I loved seeing my art in her home so much that I asked her to take a picture of me with it.
My business is my baby. I often joke that I quit my full-time 8-hours-a-day job to work 20+ hour days for my business. Simply put, I love what I do. I love that I am breaking down barriers as a queer, Latinx person living their dream daily.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
It should be no surprise that getting supplies amidst a global pandemic has been impossible. The amount of patience required as I wait for canvases, paint, and even the cement I use to create worry stones is astronomical. I have had to adjust my turnaround times and ask my clients to have patience with me as I wait for supplies to arrive. It has been lesson after lesson in humility.
Another interesting lesson learned was the power of social media. I started focusing on building my social media presence, both on TikTok and Instagram, starting at the end of 2020 and have been pleasantly surprised by the outcome. The outpouring of support across the platforms and the sense of community has filled my cup immensely.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alittlebitofjojo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alittlebitofjojo
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/alittlebitofjojo
