Johanna Corcoran -- "nurturing the soul of family"
PEACELOVE PROFILE: FAMILYTOPIA
Familytopia. Johanna Corcoran’s creation. Bursting with originality. Savvy businesswoman.
“In all my years doing programming for kids and families, I have never seen a workshop like this. This is totally unique.” — Children’s Librarian at the East Smithfield (RI) Library, commenting on “The Day You Were Born” Program.
I have known Johanna for two years and am still dazzled by her energy and commitment. I love talking to entrepreneurs who love what they do and are not afraid to tell others.
(Rich Streitfeld is your host and reporter, dressed in bold. Johanna’s answers are directly below).
Johanna, please describe what Familytopia does:
Familytopia helps busy parents nurture the soul of their family through workshops, events and a free, monthly e-newsletter.
You made a “leap” couple of years back – left a secure job and struck out on your own. Did you have misgivings? Or do you have “ice in your veins” like great pitchers and quarterbacks?
Yes, I had misgivings it took me almost a year from the formation of the business concept to actually leave my secure and safe job. A few things made it easier though: a husband with health insurance, a great support system, and the rock solid conviction that I had something to offer that people wanted and needed.
I love the Birth Story program. Tell us about it – you must have heard some great stories!
This is one of my “pet projects”. I’m working to start a movement of parents who gift their children with the emotional, spiritual story of their birth. The overarching theme is that if children are raised hearing soulful stories of their birth, they will see themselves for the miracles they truly are- and go forth into the world possessing strong self-esteem and a conviction that they are here for a purpose. I offer workshops to groups of parents who want to learn the process.
Johanna, Familytopia is not a social service agency – but I am guessing that people open up to you and you hear more than your share of family troubles. I mean, it’s not all love and light is it?
Nope. I think that’s actually where a lot of parents encounter their stress. Thinking they need to have a family that is skipping through a field of daisies… That’s just not the way most families exist. What I try to remind parents is that conflict is okay- and needed- for within the family is the first place children start to learn how to manage conflict. Familytopia is about communication. For better or for worse.
Your client list includes some major players on the local scene – Amica, Lifespan, Blue Cross. Can a small company afford your services?
I’ve been told I do not charge enough! Does that answer your question? 
No really, I believe so strongly in the impact of my workshops and events that I want to make it a “no brainer” for a company of any size to use my offerings. I’ve been very fortunate to have had some of Rhode Island’s larger companies hire me early on- but I’ve also helped parents at many smaller companies.
Why do you think there is such a crying need for your services right now?
Most parents work- and are torn between their job responsibilities and their parental responsibilities. They crave quick and easy ways they can help their children develop into wonderful people. Familytopia workshops give parents the space to create an “action plan” around a particular topic, one that they can implement immediately. I like to think that parents spend an hour experiencing the workshop with me, and a lifetime experiencing it with their children.
For example?
I heard from a mom the other day who emailed me to share the success that her family was having with the family “Talk Box” (a suggestion from my “Family Moments in a Fast-Paced World” workshop). The Talk Box acts as a family “comment and kudo box” that everyone in the family contributes to throughout the week. Then, once a week the family goes through the comments, suggestions and kudos together. It’s a great way to open the lines of communication. Her family was really loving it!
Familytopia is headquartered in Rhode Island. Contact Johanna at johanna@myfamilytopia.com Find it on Facebook or at www.myfamilytopia.com
To comment or rate this article, click on the title of the post and proceed to a new window.
