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Janel St. John,

Award-winning Journalist + Entrepreneur + Fashion Designer

 

 

 

Born and raised in Newport News, VA, Janel St. John is a journalist and an entrepreneur. She earned her B.S. in Mass Communications from Virginia Commonwealth University and began working as a radio announcer at WFTH 1590 AM in Richmond, VA, before moving on to a WTJZ 1270 AM in Hampton, VA, to become the morning show host. While at WTJZ, Janel began producing NPR-style reports for the Gospel music station. In 1998, the Hampton Roads Black Media Professionals, the Tidewater Chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists, named her “Journey to Africa,” the ‘Best Live Radio Interview of the Year’ at their annual Echoes of Excellence awards ceremony.

After moving to Columbus, OH in 1999, Janel found her place in print journalism at the Call & Post Newspaper. She quickly moved from Franklin County Reporter, to Showtime Arts & Entertainment Editor to become the paper's Interim Managing Editor, at the age of 28. Highlights at the Call & Post include covering the Bush-Gore election, traveling to Beverly Hills to attend the press junket for John Singleton's movie 'Baby Boy' and covering Tina Turner's Farewell Tour.

 

In 2003, Janel began full-time work at Conscience Media Productions, Inc., a public relations and media company she formed in 2000. Through CMP, she founded The Conscious Voice Radio and Print Magazine and oversaw PR and marketing campaigns for clients like the City of Columbus. In 2007, her firm received an 'Excellence in Business Award' from the Office of the Mayor. As the only regional, multicultural art & culture magazine, TCV made history, becoming the chosen voice of diversity, and gaining major clients like The Ohio State University and Jaguar.

 

 

In 2009, Janel was elected co-regional director of the Columbus Chapter of Fashion Group International, Inc., (FGI) a New York-based global network of fashion industry professionals. Under her leadership, FGI’s annual fundraiser, ‘Cocktails & Catwalk,” broke fundraising, attendance and media coverage records. The event was featured in five Columbus publications and received a post-event feature in the premier monthly glossy.

 

 

(above right) 2001- With actor Mel Jackson at the Columbus red carpet premiere of Univited Guest.

 

 

In 2010, Janel returned to VA and formed her non-profit, Fashion Media Arts Council of America, Inc. to begin her lifetime work - to be advocate for women's empowerment and diversity in fashion, media and arts education.

The 2013 kick-off event, 'A Great Gatsby Affair,' a fashion show fundraiser for Safe Harbor Shelter, was featured twice on Richmond CBS Affiliate, WTVR-TV6. (right)After a LIVE segment on "Virginia This Morning," it was named an "A-List" event in the weekend report feature.

2008- With SPIKE LEE at The Ohio State University's Wexner Center for the Arts. Lee was on campus to speak after receiving the '08 Wexner Prize.