People We Adore: Jennifer John

A: I am a storyteller at heart. We all are, really, but my career has been story focused. I started out as a broadcast journalist, running around covering breaking news and features for news stations in Montana and Louisiana.After my daughter was born, I left because the hours were not flexible at all. I then started a video production company Fresh Media focusing on narrative nonfiction storytelling for non-profits, brands, and universities. I also produced and directed two feature documentary films.

At the same time, I was teaching communication classes at Tulane and Loyola Universities in New Orleans. In 2017, my company created a series of videos for a client promoting New Orleans as a hub for entrepreneurial activity and I was so inspired that I decided to launch Pang Wangle. It's an outdoor brand creating eco-friendly clothes and accessories with built-in bug repellent. Yes, there is an odorless additive in our products called Insect Shield that repels mosquitoes, ticks, flies and more. It was created 20 years ago for the U.S. military to keep the troops safe from diseases spread by insects, like Lyme disease, malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever, etc. It's a brilliant technology that is proven to work; it's safe for pregnant or nursing women, infants, and pets; and it stays fully effective for more than 70 washes.

Since Pang Wangle is focused on sustainable design, we realized that adding this technology into everyday clothing can help reduce pesticide use. No more spraying your skin with repellents that get into the air and wash off into the water supply. Pang Wangle is a vintage American phrase that means "to go along cheerfully despite minor misfortunes," We're on a mission to help people get outside and enjoy nature, despite those little blood-suckers, with the right clothes and the right attitude.

A: I would have to say that my superpower is taking a lot of information, often boring or technical information, and condensing it into a brief message that captures the essence of the data while sparking our imagination.

A: I love to work-out outside, even in the heat. I like to run, which clears my head and allows my mind to wander which I think is valuable. I also work out a few days a week with a group of women in a boot-camp style class under the oak trees in the park, and I love it. Some of us have been doing that class for almost two decades and over times you build friendships, which is so nice. I have done research so I know that being outside - even just looking at nature- reduces the stress hormone cortisol, boosts memory, clarity, and mental energy.

A: I would say I identify most with the ROOT CHAKRA because I want to feel connected to the earth and feel grounded. When I decided to create a brand the only thing I knew is that it had to be focused on helping people enjoy nature.

We can't wait to share Laura's live interview with Jennifer - check it out here.