Today we’d like to introduce you to Joana Crankson.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey with Signed by Jo started in a very unexpected but meaningful way. Back in December 2018, my Aunt Gifty told me I was creative (even though I didn’t fully see it at the time) and basically forced me to decorate her baby shower. That moment—my first official event—sparked something in me. From there, I found myself saying “yes” more often to opportunities, slowly realizing I had a gift I could build on.
Soon after, I started helping a friend and big sister figure, Bridgett of Events by Bri, who specializes in weddings. Working alongside her was like a crash course in the real event world. I learned so much—about design, professionalism, client experience, and the importance of vision. I know for a fact I wouldn’t be where I am today without her guidance and influence. She’s a key part of my story, and I’m grateful.
From there, Signed by Jo was born—not just as a name, but as a purpose. The “Signed” in our name represents the idea that we leave a signature—a distinct mark—on every event we touch. It’s not just décor; it’s a personal stamp of creativity, care, and excellence. Our slogan, “Your event, our signature touch,” reflects that commitment.
What sets us apart is the intentionality behind every detail. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all design—every event should feel like you. We bring personality and purpose into every setup.
My faith grounds me, and 1 Peter 4:10 guides the way I approach each project: using my gift to serve others.
It hasn’t always been easy, but every challenge has helped shape the business and the woman behind it. I’m still growing, still learning, and still showing up—signature touch and all.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not a smooth road—but that’s part of what makes the journey real. When I started Signed by Jo, I didn’t have a business plan, a team, or a roadmap. I was just figuring things out as I went, balancing my creative passion with the practical realities of running a business. There were seasons where I questioned if this was really sustainable, if I could keep up, or if people even saw the value in what I offered.
One of the biggest struggles has been navigating burnout—physically and mentally—especially when you’re wearing every hat. Another challenge has been setting boundaries with clients, learning how to say no, and knowing my worth, especially in an industry where people often want luxury on a DIY budget.
I’ve also had to learn the behind-the-scenes side of business: pricing, contracts, marketing, storage, logistics—none of that comes naturally to most creatives, and I definitely had some bumps learning along the way.
But through it all, every struggle has sharpened me. It’s helped me grow thicker skin, trust myself more, and lean on my faith and my support system. I wouldn’t trade the hard parts, because they’ve helped shape both the business and the backbone behind it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At Signed by Jo, we specialize in event styling and decor for intimate events like baby showers, bridal showers, proposals, milestone birthdays, and more. Our goal is always to transform spaces in a way that feels elevated, personal, and true to the client’s vision. We also offer custom florals and balloon garlands to bring each setup to life with texture and personality.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was never shy—if anything, I was curious, adventurous, and a bit stubborn at times. I always had a drive to explore new things and ask a lot of questions. I was hands-on, whether it was drawing, crafting, or helping to decorate for family events. I loved experimenting with different ideas and finding creative ways to bring things together.
I’ve always been a people person, and I found joy in making things beautiful and ensuring everyone around me felt comfortable and cared for. My curiosity and adventurous spirit led me to try a bit of everything, and as I got older, my love for design and creating spaces became a natural extension of who I was.
Pricing:
- Luxury Picnic Setups (up to 6 guests): Starting at $2k
- Backdrop + Balloon Styling: Starting at $950
- Full Event Styling Packages: Starting at $3.2K
- Custom Florals & Balloon Garlands: Pricing varies by size and complexity
- All packages are customizable. Travel fees may apply depending on location.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/signed_byjo?igsh=MTlnZHc5ZjN6d21jOQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://signedbyjollc.hbportal.co/public/65492262bd39bc0026b93468/1-Questions
