Janet Maison
Janet Maison is a dynamic and compassionate individual, driven by an unwavering passion to effect meaningful change through her foundation, Miraculum. Balancing the roles of a dedicated mother of five and a supportive wife, she is also the founder of GIGI Body Butter. Her professional journey has been rooted in the field of education, where she has simultaneously pursued dual degrees in English and Psychology.
She tells us that, “Throughout my journey, I have been fortunate to have the unwavering support of those who have championed my endeavors, enabling me to persevere through challenges and continue striving toward my goals.”
Before you became the business titan you are today, enlighten us about the thrilling adventures of your pre-business life.
What makes my adventure so thrilling is the positive impact I’ve had on people’s lives in Ghana, West Africa, and the opportunity to meet others who share my passion for helping the less fortunate. Reflecting on my journey so far, I’ve come to realize how this experience has deepened my sense of self-worth and affirmed how my passion for this work can make a significant difference in the lives of ordinary people. This adventure has brought me to Ghana, where I’ve witnessed firsthand the daily challenges faced by orphanages. It has also strengthened my commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of these orphans.
Could you elaborate on the nature of your initiative/ business/current role, highlighting its purpose and the ways it benefits people?
My initiative is centered on working with orphanages in Ghana, providing essential support and creating opportunities to make a meaningful impact in the lives of orphans. Additionally, I am passionate about creating employment opportunities for young people in Ghana. The stark contrast between the lives of the less fortunate in Ghana and the privileges we enjoy in the United States is profound. The Miraculum Foundation was born from my visit to Ghana, where I witnessed firsthand the scarcity faced by children in orphanages and the wastefulness that often goes unnoticed in our country. It became clear to me that the items we discard without a second thought could make a significant difference in the lives of countless children in Ghana.
As the founder of the Miraculum Foundation, I have been able to gather necessary resources with the help of friends, family, and even kind-hearted strangers, and deliver them directly to these orphanages. My goal is to expand this work beyond the borders of Ghana and collaborate with major NGOs to scale our efforts. My purpose is to bring hope and joy to the less fortunate, allowing them to experience the love and compassion of individuals like myself who are committed to giving back to underserved communities.
What has been the response of the users/consumers towards your venture?
The response to my venture has been exceptionally positive, characterized by overwhelming support from friends, family, and a broader community of like-minded individuals. Their encouragement has been instrumental in driving me to fulfill my life’s mission of making a meaningful impact in the lives of ordinary people. I am deeply grateful to all those who have contributed, whether through financial support or donations of goods, enabling me to bring my vision to life. Special recognition is due to the Wooten and Walker families, whose generosity and belief in my cause have been invaluable.
I am also immensely proud of the strategic partnerships I have established on the ground in Ghana. These collaborations have allowed us to achieve significant milestones in a relatively short period, laying a strong foundation for the future. While there is still much work to be done, the enthusiastic response from individuals who are eager to contribute upon learning about our mission is incredibly encouraging.
The knowledge that I am on the right path and making a tangible difference in the lives of these orphans is, in itself, a profound recognition and achievement. This journey has been both humbling and inspiring, reinforcing my commitment to continue expanding our efforts and deepening our impact.
Having a strong support system is essential for your well-being. We would love to know who your biggest supporter is. Share with us and let’s celebrate the amazing people in our lives who make a positive impact.
I am truly blessed to have an incredible support system that has been instrumental in my journey. At the heart of this support is my husband, Job Owusu-Ansah, whose unwavering belief in me has been a constant source of strength. Our children—Josephine, Angela, Gabriel, Neriah, and Immanuel—also inspire and motivate me every day with their love and encouragement.
Beyond my immediate family, I am fortunate to have the steadfast support of dear friends like Kiki Nicole Wooten, and Mrs Shirley Walker whose encouragement and belief in my vision have been invaluable. I am equally grateful for the amazing volunteers in Ghana, including Rakai Yakubu, Helma Tunteiya, Joseph Aditiba, Betty Owusu and Samuel Adgyiri. Their dedication and hard work on the ground have made a significant impact, helping to bring our shared goals to fruition.
These extraordinary individuals have not only supported me but have also played a crucial role in the success of our collective efforts. Their positivity, resilience, and dedication make them true champions of our mission, and I am profoundly grateful for their presence in my life. It is a privilege to celebrate these amazing people, who make such a positive impact, both in my life and in the lives of those we serve together.
As a young woman entrepreneur, what changes do you hope to see in the world and what opportunities are you seeking?
As a young woman entrepreneur, I envision a world where inclusivity and equity are not just ideals, but realities embedded in the very fabric of society. I hope to see a future where opportunities are not limited by gender, race, or socioeconomic background, but are accessible to all who have the ambition and drive to pursue them. I am committed to challenging the status quo and advocating for systemic changes that empower women and marginalized communities to rise to leadership positions and contribute their unique perspectives and talents.
The changes I hope to see involve a shift towards a more holistic approach to business—one that prioritizes social responsibility and sustainability alongside profitability. I believe that businesses can and should play a pivotal role in addressing global challenges such as poverty, climate change, and inequality. As such, I am seeking opportunities to collaborate with like-minded individuals and organizations that are committed to using innovation and entrepreneurship as tools for social good.
Additionally, I aspire to create and support initiatives that provide mentorship, education, and resources to young women and aspiring entrepreneurs. By fostering a culture of collaboration and knowledge-sharing, I hope to inspire the next generation of leaders and create a ripple effect of positive change across industries and communities.
In essence, I am driven by the desire to be a catalyst for meaningful change, both within the business world and in society at large. The opportunities I seek are those that allow me to merge my entrepreneurial spirit with a deep sense of purpose, ultimately contributing to a more just and equitable world.
Women now stand shoulder-to-shoulder with men in the workplace, breaking through glass ceilings to reach the top. What are your thoughts on women’s leadership today?
We have indeed made remarkable strides since the suffrage movement, continually shattering glass ceilings across corporate America, politics, and other fields where women have historically faced significant barriers. The future for women’s leadership is incredibly promising, as we continue to dispel the outdated myths about our capabilities. The potential election of the first woman president of the United States would be a monumental testament to our progress, demonstrating that women are not only equal to men in leadership but can often excel in ways that challenge traditional norms.
Women possess the strength, intelligence, and resilience to achieve anything that men can, and often, to do so with greater empathy and collaborative spirit. It is crucial that we recognize our inherent value, maintain our resolve, and push forward despite the obstacles that may still exist. The path laid by our foremothers has made the journey smoother, yet it is up to us to forge ahead with the knowledge, experience, and determination we have acquired. There should be no hesitation in our pursuit of leadership roles; we are equipped and ready to lead with confidence and purpose.
Get in touch with her:
www.miraculumsfoundation.com