Conversations with Janese Maricelli

Hi Janese, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. 
Thanks for taking the time to learn more about myself, my agency, magazine and various other endeavors. My full name is Janese Deanne Maricelli-Thomasson. I grew up in South Houston and the surrounding area steeped in all things the urban city has to offer. As a child I fell in love with the rich cultural melting pot that is Houston. Tejano music and soul food were staples in my community along with an overly large Italian family I hail from. We are loud, proud and not shy about celebrating life. Here I mastered the art of communication, finding new ways to bridge different groups.

As long as I can remember I have always been an entrepreneur. I have always sought out opportunities and ways to better my situation. After graduating with a degree in marketing and a passion for design, I went into the corporate marketing game. Once I understood that relationships are at the core of all business, I decided that who better to manage my relationships than me? I now own two different businesses and pride myself on having quality relationships with my team and my clients.

JanMar Agency is a full-service marketing and design firm. We work in the Galveston County area, the United States, and even some international accounts. The agency is now in its eleventh year and stronger than ever.

In addition to JanMar Agency, I started Culture Clash Magazine in 2017. We are a 32-page print publication based in Galveston, TX. We focus on taboo subjects and hot-button issues as they pertain to the Galveston area.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No road worth traveling is smooth. There have been a few bumps along the way, but none without major lessons and opportunities for growth. From my time working in a local boat shop slinging parts or in a greasy kitchen, slinging plates, I was focused on getting to the next step. It took longer than expected to earn my 4-year degree while holding down a full-time job but I made it through. With each failure I have grown and with each success I am reminded of those that helped bring me to where I am. Today I am living my best life and excited to have the opportunity to do what I love on a tropical island in the Gulf of Mexico.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As an artist by trade, I love to create using all mediums. I am most satisfied when my art brings others joy or initiates greater conversation. I specialize is making something out of nothing. From assemblage art to graphic design, I love to use the unexpected with hopes of shocking and exciting the audience.