We’re officially one week into our third year at The Salon and we’re still wrapping our heads around that monumental milestone. We’re still figuring out the changes we want to make, the fun, eclectic ways we can come together as a community, and how we’ll continue to grow in the days and months ahead. We can’t wait to see how our community evolves!
One thing we do know for certain is we couldn’t be more excited to have our new co-founder janera solomon along with us for the ride to help lead our collective of talented, intelligent, diverse, and individually unique women for the next year of adventures.
Since we made the official announcement last week, we thought we’d take the opportunity this week to let you get to know the inspiring and accomplished woman who will help guide the next chapter of The Salon. Keep scrolling for our in-depth interview with janera.
Until next week,
—Meredith
Love our newsletter? Let us know by sharing it on Instagram and tagging us @TheSalonPGH.
Get To Know janera solomon
A talented writer, curator, cultural strategist, nonprofit executive, and so much more, janera brings a positive spirit and palpable energy to every endeavor.
We sat down with janera to talk about what drives her, how she’s enjoying a renewed focus on personal creativity, and why she’s excited for her journey at The Salon. Meet janera.
What inspired you to dedicate your life to the betterment of community through social change?
Life unfolds in all kinds of unexpected ways. When I look at the world, I think about what we can do. I try to look for possible solutions. I’m an artist and I come from a family of artists and a community of artists. There’s always this sense of possibility, that we can make something happen here, that we can do something better and that drives me forward.
I don’t mean to underestimate the challenges of life. It’s hard to maintain a sense of optimism. Still, you can do more with optimism. When you see possibilities, you can make something of it.
You’re also a passionate creative and talented curator. Can you tell me more about that?
After serving as an executive director for more than a decade, I decided to return to my own creative life. I am inspired by all of the amazing artists in my circle. So I’ve been working on a collection of essays and poems and pulling that part of my life forward.
What drew you to The Salon?
Cathy’s enthusiasm! And, her commitment. When The Salon first launched, I thought ‘this is a great idea’. Pittsburgh has lots of initiatives and programs for women and there’s an opportunity for a hub— to come together to be more cohesive, collective, and collaborative. The Salon might be that connective tissue to bring women together across many bridges.
Was there a moment when you thought “I have to be part of this?” Where did you go from there?
The way The Salon pivoted in response to Covid impressed me. I couldn’t believe the energy and the wherewithal, just the ability to withstand the challenge of launching a new business, a new effort during a pandemic, and still plowing forward. I just thought ‘wow, this is amazing.’
I had been thinking about all the stories of the pandemic about the impact on women. I kept turning to ‘okay, what are we going to do?’ What are we going to do with all this suffering that we’ve endured as women, what will we make of it?
So when Cathy reached out, I thought, ‘How can I contribute to this conversation?’ I wanted to think about how we might evolve out of this pandemic. What will we change? What will we do differently — what can we do differently? And how can Pittsburgh as one city, but maybe just even generally, how can we make a better world for women?
How do you hope your experience as a leader, active community member, creative, mother, and woman of color will help shape the next chapter of The Salon?
I’m not entirely sure yet. Here’s what I know…I am from a family of strong women. My sisters Leigh Solomon Pugliano and Jonnet Solomon have some pretty inspiring projects in Pittsburgh. I am surrounded by inspiring women and girls. And, as I think about my contribution, I am thinking about the many identities we embody and our collective experiences.
So, what can I bring to The Salon and to our community of women? I hope there’s something about the way I show up with authenticity, something about the way I bring people together.
I’m excited about all the talent, too. We’ve got passionate members, and people with great ideas, and I’m excited to see when we gather all the different energies, what can we make of that. It will be fun!
What advice would you give to women of any age who want to ignite change in their community but aren’t sure where to start?
The first thing I would say is this: whatever it is you want to do just own that you want to do it. If you have a desire, just say yes, I want to make this happen.
Then find other people, at least one other person who wants to do it with you. It means you have to share your ideas, you have to get over the hurdle of being afraid that people will laugh or dismiss it, and sometimes they might, most they likely will at first. And, that’s okay.
You keep going until you find the folks who say ‘I’m with you on this, I’d like to do this, too.’ After that, you just go about doing the work and making it happen. And know that it will come with difficulties and you just keep going anyway.
Join us for an afternoon of exploration. We’ll get an up-close look at what’s happening on the ground from the badass women tending local farms, ending waste, fighting hunger, protecting the environment, making art, and fighting injustices that are changing the landscape right here in your community and beyond. Gain a deeper understanding of the systemic problems that contribute to food insecurity and food waste and learn actionable ways you can make a difference in your own life and community. Register here!
Start your day with a pick-me-up and conversation. Drop in to The Salon every Tuesday morning to hang out with (and meet!) fellow Salon members, warm up with complimentary coffee or tea, and generally have a good time. It’s a great way to get a feel for The Salon and connect with local women. Oh, and don’t hesitate to bring a friend along. Register here!
The only thing better than a good book is sharing it with others. Join us at The Salon to discuss March’s book, O Beautiful, A Novel By Jung Yun. We’ll talk about critical themes and plot points, listen to others’ thoughts, and share our own impressions and opinions. And at the close of our gathering, we’ll select a book for April. Missed March’s book? You can join the Book Circle at any time throughout the year. Register here!
Also ICYMI...
Congratulations to WQED staffers Gina Masciola and Cathy Cook for being named joint recipients of the 2022 Bobbi English Champion for Children Award. 🏆 The duo plans to use the $15,000 prize to support early childhood work in Pittsburgh. 👶
Ready to give your wardrobe a spring-inspired refresh? Lane 51, a Wexford-based online boutique and regular pop-up at Cafe Conmigo, has you covered. 🌷 Owned by @the_wexford_housewife shop maxi dresses, flowy tops, activewear, and more. 👯♀️
There’s never a bad time for pasta. 🍝 And the next time you’ve got a craving, check out Pasta by Nina for homemade pasta-making tips and tricks, as well as the occasional small batch that she sells in her online shop. 👩🍳
We all deserve some extra R&R every now and then. 💆♀️ So if you’re feeling like treating yourself to a rejuvenating massage, be sure to book an appointment at Healing Roots Massage & Wellness Center, a woman-owned oasis in Shadyside. 🧖♀️
Ideas for unwinding this weekend...
Treating myself to a stack of classic, crispy on-the-edges, crepe-inspired hotcakes at Pamela’s Diner. 🥞
