FMC25 | Grant Winner - Janelle Graham
What Does Rooted Mean to You?
For Janelle Graham, the FMC25 Virtual Small Business Grant Winner, being rooted means recognizing the power of possibility transforming into reality. Before winning the grant, Janelle saw her business as a vision—a concept she hoped others would recognize as valuable enough to support. But when she was awarded the grant, her perspective shifted.
"The lens from which I view my business shifted from only possibilities to credible actualities when I discovered I had won the grant," Janelle reflects.
As a new full-time entrepreneur, she had been navigating the challenge of maintaining free creative expression sessions for youth while sustaining her livelihood. Winning the Flourish Media Small Business Grant confirmed that her work had grown beyond a passion project—it had become a respected and recognized business.
Taking a Leap of Faith
When the Flourish Media Small Business Grant was first announced, Janelle hesitated to apply. Like many entrepreneurs, imposter syndrome made her question whether her business was truly “ready.”
"I convinced myself that my business and, by extension, I were inadequate," she admits.
However, a motivational push from Flourish Media Co. and GiGi Diaz, CEO of Seizing Happy, encouraged her to take the leap.
"I decided, ‘Why not? The funding could help me get my business’s foundational needs squared away and put me in a position to build.’”
Even when she encountered challenges in the application process, she pushed through, using it as an opportunity to refine her executive summary and 90-day plan.
A New Mindset: Worthy of Every Opportunity
Winning the grant reshaped Janelle’s mindset on seeking opportunities.
"I am worthy of reaching for anything I set out to achieve," she affirms.
Before, applying for grants and business funding seemed like a stretch goal—something for more established businesses. Now, Janelle knows her business is exactly where it needs to be, and every new opportunity is simply part of the process, not an end goal.
Growth and Transformation Since Winning the Grant
The day Janelle won the Flourish Media Small Business Grant was the same day she had her first session with her first client.
"Again, my business changed from what is possible to what is real," she reflects.
Since then, she has realized how deeply interwoven she and her business are—both must remain aligned to receive and sustain success.
"Blessings will come that I anticipate and beyond what I can see; I, my business, must remain ready to receive."
With this newfound confidence, she sees her business as breathing and evolving, ready for new dimensions of growth.
The Next Big Milestone: Strengthening Connections
For Janelle, the next step isn’t just about expanding her business—it’s about nurturing relationships at every level:
With YHWH (God), herself, and her family
With her community and business partners
With the very first clients who believed in her mission
She credits her mother, DeAnne Connolly Graham, for instilling the value of collaboration over competition:
"Collaboration creates more success than competition."
Expanding Impact & Meeting Youth Where They Are
Janelle’s business initially served students after school, with a shortened curriculum implemented during homeroom. But the demand for more time and deeper engagement was clear.
Now, as a full-time entrepreneur, she can expand sessions across:
🌿 Multiple time slots
🌿 New locations like apartment complexes, libraries, and afterschool programs
🌿 A more flexible approach to meeting youth where they are—both literally and figuratively
Leveraging the Flourish Media Community
Though Janelle is new to the Flourish Media private Facebook group, she plans to become more active, supporting other members and sharing her insights.
"I plan to support others with what they post and share insights and opportunities in my business."
Why Women Entrepreneurs Should Apply for the FMC Small Business Grant
Janelle firmly believes that every woman entrepreneur is worthy of abundance, no matter where they are in their business journey.
"Applying for the Flourish Media Small Business Grant will bring clarity and lead women to act on the value of community," she shares.
Beyond the possibility of winning, the application process itself is a valuable exercise in reflection and growth.
"Applying will serve as a testimony that they see themselves as worthy—as much as the very businesses they support. Plus, who doesn’t like free money?"
For any woman considering the opportunity, Janelle has one piece of advice:
📢 Apply. Your business deserves to flourish—in more ways than one.
If you’re ready to take the next step like Janelle, you can apply for the FMC Small Business Grant today.
Good luck! 🎉
