Janaia has worked as the principal of a graphic design studio, co-founder and instructor in UC Santa Cruz Extension’s Graphics Certificate Program, and a software user interface designer for Xerox.

Concerned for the effects of peak oil and climate change, in 2005 she co-founded Alliance for a Post-Petroleum Local Economy, APPLE of Nevada County, California.

She and creative partner Robyn Mallgren began producing weekly Peak Moment Conversations early in 2006.

They live off-grid on 160 forested acres in the Sierra Nevada foothills which are protected from development by conservation easements.