By: Tom White
Janna Breslin’s rise from fitness influencer to reality TV star is a story of resilience, reinvention, and the relentless pursuit of freedom. With a career that spans fitness modeling, business ventures, and reality television, Janna has demonstrated that success is often built on a foundation of setbacks and the courage to adapt.
A Model Career Rooted in Recovery
Janna’s initial success came from sharing her journey of returning to health after a cancer diagnosis. As traditional Western medicine did not provide the solutions she sought, Janna turned to a holistic approach, combining diet, exercise, and mindfulness to rebuild her strength. Her transparency about this transformation resonated with her audience, earning her a substantial following and opening doors to fitness modeling and collaborations with renowned brands.
Yet, her personal life was far from picture-perfect. Following a painful divorce, Janna focused on rebuilding her life and channeling her passion for wellness and sustainability into meaningful ventures. She co-founded Complete Human with Evan DeMarco, a platform dedicated to health, sustainability, and human optimization. What began as a professional partnership eventually turned into a personal one, with Janna and Evan dating and later marrying. Together, they expanded their vision to encourage others to lead healthier, more sustainable lives.
The Meat Business and a Lesson in Failure
One of Janna and Evan’s most ambitious projects was the acquisition of a meat processing plant in Cody, Wyoming. Their goal was to create a direct-to-consumer business offering regenerative, US-grown meat as a sustainable alternative to major competitors like Butcher Box.
“Our assumptions about the business were overly optimistic,” Janna admits. “We thought we could vertically integrate a supply chain and go head-to-head with established players. But it proved to be more challenging than we anticipated, and in the end, we had to shut it down.”
This setback highlighted the risks inherent in entrepreneurship and the importance of adaptability. “The path to success is often lined with lessons from failure,” Janna reflects, a sentiment that has shaped her approach to business ever since.
The Limits of Organic Social Media
Janna’s setbacks also reinforced her cautious perspective on relying heavily on social media as a primary business driver. “Organic social media is an unpredictable variable for business,” she explains. “One post might perform well, while another that’s almost identical might not. Building a sustainable career often requires diversifying beyond such an inconsistent platform.”
Photo Courtesy: James Patrick / Janna Breslin
Modern Homestead: Building a Better Future
Her experiences eventually led to Modern Homestead, a hit reality TV show where Janna and Evan document their journey to build an off-grid oasis. The show blends their passion for sustainability and adventure, offering a raw and inspiring look at what it takes to create a self-sufficient lifestyle.
Beyond its entertainment value, Modern Homestead has helped Janna work toward an important goal: encouraging positive change through technology. The show has introduced several innovative technologies that hold significant potential to advance global sustainability.
“Evan and I never wanted to be on TV,” Janna admits. “When we were first approached with the idea, we said no. But then we realized the show could be a great platform to educate the world on how we might build a better, more sustainable future.”
Through the show’s success, Janna and Evan have been able to highlight practical solutions that encourage individuals and communities to adopt sustainable living practices.
Universal Truths: Earn, Connect, Explore
At the core of Janna’s philosophy are three guiding principles: Earn, Connect, and Explore. These ideas are embodied in her motto, GTF Outside, a reminder to prioritize adventure, connection, and balance amid the demands of modern life.
“All things are earned,” Janna emphasizes. “Freedom in all its forms—financial, physical, or emotional—is earned through effort, resilience, and discipline. Social media often promotes instant gratification, but real success tends to develop over time.”
Janna often receives messages from aspiring influencers asking how to build a social media presence. Her response is direct: “Why do you want that? There should always be an end goal—a reason for what you’re doing. If it’s only for likes and comments, things may become complicated. Social media should be a tool, not the destination. Having clarity on your purpose before starting can support long-term success.”
A Vision Beyond Social Media
As AI continues to impact the media industry, Janna’s journey serves as a reminder of the importance of diversification and adaptability. A 2024 report estimated that AI could influence up to 300 million jobs globally by 2030, with the media and entertainment sectors among those likely to see significant changes. For Janna, the future lies in developing ventures that go beyond the often transient nature of online trends.
Her story offers both inspiration and practical lessons, illustrating that meaningful success isn’t just about likes and followers. It’s about earning freedom, connecting with purpose, and exploring the possibilities that come from thinking creatively—and beyond the algorithm.
Published by Stephanie M.
