Trendsetter to Know: Janell Panicko, Founder & Owner of Jordan’s Corner

A typical day in my life includes… Waking up around 6 a.m. to the screaming and crying of my children (I can’t be the only one?!). We start the day with a movie and breakfast. By 8 a.m. we’re out the door dropping Jordan at school and heading to Nash’s homeschool activities.

In between Nash’s homeschooling, we often stop by Jordan’s Corner to help run the shop, replace crafting supplies, set up for an event, or do whatever else is needed. The amount of time we spend at the shop changes depending on the busyness of the season. In December we are there a LOT!

When we finally get home I juggle spending time with my family, working from my phone, and attempting to get something done around the house. Owning a business takes a lot of time, but I know it’s 100% worth it in the end. We love spending evenings together as a family, especially exploring fun things to do in our local community.

I was born… and raised in L.A. – Go Dodgers! Go Lakers!

My favorite thing about Arizona… is the incredible availability of family activities. Although I saw a need for an indoor, inclusive play space, I genuinely appreciate the other local businesses and city amenities that helped me survive those early days of motherhood. To name a few: Modern Milk, the Scottsdale Public Library, and the gorgeous parks throughout Scottsdale.

I am listening to… Sublime, Taylor Swift, Biggie Smalls – I love all types of music! Most days I hop between country and rap.

My family… is EVERYTHING! I come from a big family with lots of cousins and aunties. My husband and I love entrepreneurship because it gives us the freedom to be so actively involved with our kids every day. 

If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be… Walt Disney. From an entrepreneurial perspective, I admire Walt’s ability to be a visionary and create magical memories for families. Similarly, creating Jordan’s Corner was much more than just throwing a bunch of toys in a building – it’s a vision of creating an intentional, inclusive space that allows children and their caregivers to build lasting memories and community together. 

Walt understood the value of the child’s perspective and I would love to hear his insights about how to make Jordan’s Corner even more extraordinary.

One thing I cannot live without… Kaleidoscope Juice, I am addicted! On a bad day, I can tell them how I’m feeling and they have the best recommendations to help me get back on my feet.

When I was younger, I wanted to be…  a nurse or marine biologist. I went to ASU on a biology scholarship but decided to switch majors to nursing after a few semesters. So glad I did!

I am inspired by… other local entrepreneurs. There are so many business owners who amaze me with their ability to grow their businesses and contribute to our community. I especially admire Stephanie, Founder of Modern Milk, and her ability to create a safe, helpful space for new mamas.

The one person who motivates me is… my daughter, Jordan. She is the reason we created Jordan’s Corner.

When she was 15 months old and still not talking, we enrolled her in speech therapy. At the same time, our 4-month-old son Nash was in physical and occupational therapy. My husband and I realized that there was a lack of opportunities for young children to work on their social skills and therapy goals with similarly-aged peers. 

Where could I take both of my children to play simultaneously where they would be safe, valued, and respected (instead of pointed at or made fun of)? Unfortunately, there wasn’t anywhere at the time. That’s why we dreamed up Jordan’s Corner – a place for Jordan to feel included, have fun, and work on her speech goals with other children in the community. 

This would be her corner, where all children could participate in purposeful, child-led play. Where caregivers could feel less isolated and truly connect with others in the same season of life. Jordan has inspired me to advocate for the acceptance of ALL children, whatever their current abilities may be.

If I could change anything in the world, it would be… the stigma around children with disabilities. So often, I see children with disabilities being excluded from everyday events, opportunities, and social scenarios. I wish more people would understand how to include them meaningfully.

The perfect day would be… spent at Disneyland, obviously! Fun Fact: We had a Disney wedding!

My first job was… not something I like to remember. I was ecstatic to work at a large retail chain, but quickly learned how demanding and disheartening it can be to work in retail. Picking up dirty diapers in the clothing section? No thank you!

My favorite escape…  Currently? The shower. I love the soothing hot water and the ability to filter out the noise in the house. It is truly my peaceful getaway.

My life… is a complete disaster! JK. But it is hectic every. single. day. I start each morning figuring out how on earth I’m going to accomplish everything in 24 hours. Running a business full-time with 2 toddlers who are involved in therapies and various activities…it’s a lot. I’m lucky if I get my coffee in before 10 a.m. 

I am currently working on… expanding Jordan’s Corner. My goal is to grow so we can welcome more children throughout the valley. I’ve seen many similar concepts pop up, but none choose to focus on inclusion with as much intention. After watching my own children struggle with speech daily, I just want a place where my kids and everyone else’s kids can be loved and accepted, simply for being themselves. 

Always… say sorry to your kids when it’s warranted. As a mom who is constantly busy and stressed out, I occasionally lose my temper. (Anyone else?) And I think that’s ok. It’s good for our kids to see us process emotions and to model what it’s like to apologize sincerely when we don’t handle a situation in the best way. It helps build trust when I admit that I’m wrong because even though I’m an adult, I’m still human, too. 

Never… underestimate your ability to get something done – no matter what anyone else says. Growing up I was constantly looked down on. I was told I would end up in the streets, never be successful, never go to college… In fairness, my life was rough.

My mom would be gone for days at a time, sometimes the water would get shut off, and I’ve paid my own phone bill since I was 15. No one at school knew the struggles I had at home, so I eventually just became “the bad kid”.

One day, my resilience kicked in and I decided I wanted to go to college. I was awarded a biology scholarship at ASU where I went on to become the youngest STEM leader for the Introduction to Biology course. I became an anatomy and physiology tutor, maintained a 4.8 GPA, and graduated from the nursing program with honors.

Since becoming an RN, I’ve traveled the country as a FEMA nurse, gotten married, had 2 children, and started my business at 28 years old. I cannot imagine how different my life would be if I had listened to all those negative voices years ago…Never underestimate your ability to kick a**! If no one else has told you lately, YOU CAN DO IT!

Favorite Quote… “I can go the distance!” and “It all started with a mouse.” Can you tell I love Disney? 

Biggest Dream… is to see Jordan’s Corner grow to an international level. As an inclusive play space, we do our best to provide a wide variety of sensory, gross motor, fine motor, creative, and imaginative play opportunities for young children of varying abilities. I truly believe every community would benefit from having a place like Jordan’s Corner and would love to see this vision grow nationwide!

My Pet Peeve(s)… Do NOT ask me if I like what’s on my plate before I’m done eating. I prefer to finish my meal and then talk about it. Please and thank you!

Bio-on yourself/company: Janell Panicko is a local mom, wife, registered nurse, and Founder of Jordan’s Corner. While navigating daily life with two kids under two, Janell noticed the need for a play place specifically geared toward babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. She longed for somewhere where her younger kids could freely play and explore without the hazards or harsh heat of a traditional playground. Her children were also enrolled in speech, occupational, and physical therapies at various times. She knew she could not be the only mama wishing for a place for her little ones to work on their therapy goals and make friends beyond her own living room.

This is why Janell dreamed up Jordan’s Corner: an indoor play space for children in infancy up to 6 years of age to engage in open-ended play and socialize with other children. Using her knowledge of child development from nursing and her own children’s therapy sessions, Janell researched and designed this play space to serve the Scottsdale community. She believed so strongly in this mission that she spent two consecutive months away from her family as a FEMA travel nurse to fund Jordan’s Corner. This labor of love is now the go-to indoor play space in the East Valley, serving hundreds of families each year.