Today we’d like to introduce you to Jana Johnson.
Hi Jana, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started my career in the corporate world, spending over 16 years at The Coca-Cola Company. During that time, I became known for translating complex data into clear, actionable insights. Whether through dashboards, survey reporting, or executive storytelling, I built a reputation as the person who could merge creativity with analytics, making numbers not only understandable but also engaging.
At the same time, I was determined to grow academically. I juggled working full-time while attending college full-time to earn my Bachelor of Science in Technical Communication from Southern Polytechnic State University (one of the last graduating classes before the KSU merger). Balancing both worlds taught me discipline, resilience, and how to thrive under pressure. Those skills became the foundation for everything I’ve done since.
But the truth is, my creative side was always there. Long before Power BI and executive reports, I was designing visuals, branding ideas, and curated experiences. Eventually, I realized those two worlds, data and design, weren’t separate at all. They were always meant to collide.
As my career progressed, one of the most rewarding parts of my journey became mentoring others by helping colleagues and emerging talent not only elevate their skillsets, but also discover strengths they didn’t know they had and learn how to leverage them. I came to see that empowering people could drive just as much impact as the dashboards and insights I created to influence business decisions.
That’s how Data & Disco Dreams Studio was born: a space where I bring those skill sets together. Today, I help businesses, creators, professionals, and design-lovers alike elevate their presence, whether they’re chasing big goals or simply drawn to curated experiences that spark joy. From insights and design services to career mentoring and even the playful side of my brand with Disco Drops, it’s the perfect mix of what I’ve always done best: making the complex simple, making the simple unforgettable, and helping others shine in the process.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I’ve had to work for everything I’ve accomplished. As I mentioned briefly, I juggled working full-time while attending college full-time to earn my degree. Internships and traditional career entry points weren’t an option for me, so I created my own learning experiences by taking every project, every role, and every challenge as an opportunity to grow my skills and prove myself.
That path wasn’t easy, but it taught me resilience, grit, and how to carve out opportunities when they weren’t handed to me. While it wasn’t the “traditional” route, it never held me back from reaching my goals or pursuing my dreams. In fact, it’s what shaped me into the kind of professional and entrepreneur I am today: resourceful, determined, and committed to helping others see what’s possible for them, too.
We’ve been impressed with Data & Disco Dreams Studio, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Data & Disco Dreams Studio is where data meets design and where strategy meets creativity. I built the studio to reflect the two sides of my own journey: analytics and insights on one hand, and design and curation on the other. What sets us apart is that we don’t just make things look good; we make them make sense. Whether it’s a dashboard that delivers insights to drive smarter business decisions, design services that go beyond logos to include brand identity, digital assets, print collateral, and creative storytelling, or a curated experience, everything we create is designed to be both beautiful and functional.
We specialize in three main areas: curated insights and reporting that help businesses make smarter decisions, creative design services that bring brands to life, and mentoring to help rising professionals discover and leverage their own skills. On the more playful side, our Disco Drops line celebrates the joy of discovery with curated handbags and surprise experiences, because I believe strategy and creativity should be fun, too.
What I’m most proud of is that the brand is authentic to who I am. It is bold, unexpected, and built to inspire. I want readers to know that Data & Disco Dreams Studio isn’t just a business; it is a space that blends professionalism with creativity, and insight with imagination. Whether you’re a business leader looking for clarity, a creator needing design support, or someone who just loves a well-curated moment, there is a place for you here.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My biggest piece of advice is to approach mentorship and networking with intention and authenticity. A great mentor does not always have to be someone with the highest title in the room. It can be the person who is willing to share their experiences, challenge your perspective, and help you grow. For me, mentorship has often been reciprocal. I have learned as much from guiding others as I have from being guided myself.
What has worked well for me is showing up consistently and being willing to add value first. Networking is not just about asking for opportunities, it is about building relationships where both people benefit. Sometimes that is as simple as sharing a resource, asking thoughtful questions, or offering your perspective on a project.
I also recommend creating your own opportunities when traditional ones are not available. Early in my career, internships were not an option for me, so I made every role and project a chance to learn, grow, and connect with others. That resourcefulness not only built my skills, it also built trust and relationships that carried me forward.
Pricing:
- I believe in tailored solutions, not one-size-fits-all pricing. Every project is different, so I work with clients to build packages that fit their goals, budget, and vision.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dataanddiscodreamsstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/data.and.disco.dreams.studio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577944307560
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janacoodyjohnson
