Janae
“I feel like it’s important to make wise choices that will create a better world for my daughters. I want them to not just follow in my footsteps, but to go further than I ever did.”
Janae is a driven influencer and entrepreneur, Navy veteran, Chief of Air Force Lodging, and the owner of P.FLWD fashion boutique. Her success in juggling these different roles comes from the fearlessness, grit, and unwavering optimism she has developed from the hardships she faced early on in her life. Experiencing childhood trauma and homelessness as a teenager has made her determined to uplift and support other women despite their circumstances, leading with compassion and empathy, always. She is a shining example of the resilience, hard work, and power that one can develop on the journey to healing. Meet Janae. This is her story.
P: Please introduce yourself!
J: My name is Janae Sergio. I live in San Antonio, Texas with my husband and two beautiful daughters.
P: Describe or define yourself in your own words
J: I have had a lot of obstacles to overcome through childhood trauma and teen homelessness. I have gone on to serve 8 years active duty in the Navy and am currently the Chief of Air Force Lodging as well as the owner of P.FLWD Boutique pflwd.com
P: What is your favorite thing about yourself?
J: I genuinely believe in giving back and empowering others with no expectations in return.
P: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that’s defined you or made you stronger?
J: I became homeless at 15 in Hollywood, CA where I lived in survival mode until I joined the Navy at 18. Having that past has helped me because I believe we can achieve anything we put our mind towards as well as I have empathy for those who are currently struggling. I believe we heal through helping others.
P: What is one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self?
J: We made it! We are thriving and healing one day at a time. I wish I could go back and hug my younger self who had to live with constant fear in her heart. I know it sounds cliche but I wish I could tell her it's all going to be okay, it really is.
P: What does being a woman mean to you?
J: I came into the Navy before some of the recent progression we have seen. I believe I have had a hand at paving the way for the equality and inclusion we see today. I feel like it's important to make wise choices that will create a better world for my daughters. I want them to not just follow in my footsteps, but to go further than I ever did.
P: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say if they were here now?
J: Bethenny Frankel inspires me. She has had a rough past, she struggles with overcoming childhood trauma and she turned her pain into massive success and subsequently helping others. She is an incredible human being.