Janna Coglizer shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Janna, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. When was the last time you felt true joy?
I recently took a trip from Kansas City to Nashville with my business partner and best friend. We listened to 90s country and danced the days away. We met up with college girlfriends and the weather could not have been more perfect. At one point, while dancing in the sunshine, I caught myself thinking, this is joy.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Janna Coglizer, Co-Founder & Principal Designer at Mid-West & Co., an interior design studio based in Kansas City. We create beautiful, livable spaces that reflect real life in the Midwest: relaxed, layered and full of personality.
What makes our work special is the people behind it. I put a lot of heart into building relationships with our clients and industry partners. It’s important to me that every project feels fun but also well-managed, and that everyone involved feels valued along the way. Our design process is refined but never stiff. It keeps things creative, collaborative and full of good energy from start to finish.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My dad taught me the most about work. He started his own business at 21 and has kept it going for more than 50 years. Watching him build something from the ground up showed me what real ethic looks like. He taught me to chase my dreams, stay steady through challenges and always put family first.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Owning your own business comes with challenges and its not always picture-perfect. When you’re designing homes for people, things will go wrong sometimes. It can be heartbreaking when you care so much and want to do right by the people you’ve built relationships with. Those moments of burnout are real, but I’ve learned to find balance and lean on my team and my family for support. They’re what help me push through.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say my faith, my family and my relationships matter most to me. Those are the things that guide everything I do. My faith keeps me centered, my family reminds me what’s truly important and the relationships I build — both personally and professionally — bring so much joy to my life. At the end of the day, it’s the people around me who make the hard work worth it.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace in the quiet of the morning. I’m an early riser, so it’s just me, my dog Howdy on my lap, a cup of tea and my devotional. It’s my time to slow down, reset and start the day with a clear mind.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.midwestandco.co/
- Instagram: @mid_westandco
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MidWestandCo/
Image Credits
Headshots by Melanie Soltz Photography
Project photos by Craig Keene Photography
