Today we’d like to introduce you to Janelle Britton
Hi Janelle, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born and raised in Harrisburg, PA–and if you’re not sure where that is, it’s in the central part of the state not too far from Hershey where they make the chocolate. 🙂 I initially started as a Graphic Design & Fine Art major at a few schools in PA but then transferred to The Ohio State University (Go Buckeyes!) where I got my BS in Sport Industry. After college, I came down to UCF for graduate school in the DeVos Sport Business Management program where I got my MBA and Master’s in Sport Business Management.
After grad school, I started with Disney in the corporate offices as an intern and was able to land a full time role with the company. I spent time on the Parks side with Travel Agency Sales & Marketing and Disney Cruise Line in marketing strategy. I eventually made my way over to Disney Streaming, which is where I work as a Launch Readiness Program Manager in Viewer Experience for Disney+ and Hulu.
In my free time, I work as a Content Creator and also do a bit of modeling & acting on the side. It has been really cool to see my creative skills from when I was in design and art come full circle to help me create fun, engaging content for my audiences. I never thought I would work in technology or work as a creator but here we are!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has definitely not always been a smooth road! In 2020, before we knew what the pandemic was going to be, I left Disney for another opportunity for career advancement. I didn’t want to leave, but I also knew I wanted to grow my career and increase my salary (yes, it’s okay to be motivated by money!). It was one of the hardest decisions I ever had to make but many of my career mentors had said that leaving and then coming back was a good option in order to get ahead–and that’s just what happened! I ended up getting experience in the 15 months I was outside of Disney that allowed me to come back in a better role that eventually got me to the job I have now with Disney Streaming.
On a personal level, I went through what we all deal with in our lives–personal relationships and friendships ending–learning more about myself and growing (which can sometimes be painful although beneficial). I also struggled with low self-confidence and finally worked on that. It has been in the last two years that I have really come to know myself and love myself. I also would be remiss if I didn’t mention dancing as an outlet that has helped me grow my confidence. I started faithfully going to Lauren Michelle’s Bombshell Dance Production classes two years ago; it’s a space for women to grow and feel empowered to take up space. When I first started going, I hid in the back because I was NOT a dancer. Over time, though, I’ve gotten better and I no longer hide! I walk into those classes like I belong there.
Additionally, as a kid, I struggled with my health and my weight–and I’m finally getting to a point of winning that battle and doing it from a place of loving myself rather than self-loathing. I recently started taking a GLP1 for support in this journey–and it has been so helpful. I finally feel like all the hard work I’ve been putting in with workouts and nutrition is going to pay off. I’ve been openly sharing that journey too so that others can know it isn’t an “easy way” out but rather, another tool in the toolbox for fitness & health!
Finally, it’s difficult living in FL when my family still lives in PA. I love my family so much–they and my faith are what keep me going. When I was little, I hated being away from home. If you’d have told me that I would live in FL, I wouldn’t have believed you. They wouldn’t have either. But I love FL and I’ve built a “family” of my own down here–and my family and I make efforts to see each other several times per year. I’m also fortunate to be in the healthiest relationship I’ve ever been in now–and his family is here so that definitely helps.
At 33, I am not exactly where I thought I would be in some areas but that’s okay–I’m right where I should be and I am so grateful for everything I’ve been through–good and bad–because those experiences make and continue to make me who I am. It’s never too late–and that’s what I hope to share with others.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Most people in my position would likely say their full time job–in my case, a Program Manager for Disney Streaming. But in my case, while I do enjoy my job and am so grateful to have a great leader and teammates, I am really passionate about the Content Creation space and the acting/modeling opportunities I pursue on the side.
I got into this space a couple of years ago with the support of my family and friends. It hasn’t been easy–I didn’t know exactly where to start but through persistence, I’ve made amazing connections in the creative space in Central Florida and it is so much fun! I love photoshoots and working with brands to bring their products to life. I never saw myself being a TikTok’er but…here we are. The best part of this, however, is the people I have met. I’ve met some of my closest friends in the creative space the last couple of years and they have elevated me as a creator and a model.
I’m still very new to all this but I’m so grateful for the opportunities I’ve gotten so far–working with brands on UGC, a few commercials and print jobs and a whole bunch of fun photoshoots with other creators! As someone who studied Graphic Design and Fine Art a bit in high school and college, it’s awesome to be back in a “creating” space. I’m just most proud of myself for having the audacity to pursue this–for having the confidence to pursue this. I’m proof that it really is never too late. I’m 33…and I’m just getting started.
What matters most to you? Why?
My faith in God is what matters to me most now–but that wasn’t always the case. I grew up in Church but it wasn’t until a couple of years ago that I finally surrendered my life to God to let Him lead me. I had kept trying to control everything.
When I fully gave my life over to God, my life changed drastically–my personal relationships, my finances, job opportunities…you name it. I’ve never been more sure that my faith in God is what got me to where I am now–it’s what drives me forward. I want people to know that about me; that I attribute all of the good in my life to my faith. I’m also living proof that God can turn anything around–if I’m still breathing, God’s not done.
Past that, my family and my friends are my whole life–along with a desire to have a positive impact on the lives of others. I want to help and inspire people to find what sets their soul on fire.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/janelle.lives
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janelle.lives.1
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@janellelives
Image Credits
Johnathan Aulabaugh (image in gray dress w/boots) – @johnathan_aulabaugh
RocketFocusMedia (cowboy/whiskey shot) – @rocketfocusmedia
Jerrard Beasley (plaid shirt & black suit shots) – @jerrardbphotos
Barnster Orlando (brown jacket/black body suit shot) – @bnp_bnphotography
All other shots are by Tessa Williams (@photo.asset)
