Lantern Spotlight - Joanna of Sunshine Rose Studio

I am certain that the permission this reading gave me to let go and stay open and curious about what’s next is the energy that led me to start Lantern & Lore.

It feels fitting, then, that Joanna is our very first Lantern Spotlight.

The Gifts We Almost Leave Behind

Joanna’s mother was a psychic medium and full trance channel, so conversations about intuition, spirit, and different ways of understanding the world were simply part of her everyday life. Her mom made space for wonder. Joanna and her siblings weren't expected to believe what she believed. They were invited to explore, ask questions, and decide for themselves what felt true.

That freedom stayed with Joanna.

She believes many of her intuitive gifts came from her mother. Long before she knew the word empath, she found herself carrying emotions that didn't always belong to her. Looking back, the signs were there.

Still, there's a difference between having a gift and deciding to share it.

For many years, Joanna kept this part of her life mostly to herself. Spirituality felt at home inside her own walls, even if it didn't always feel understood outside them. She observed her mother's experiences, chose a different professional path, and quietly continued to develop her own gifts only in safe spaces.

Life looked pretty ordinary.

A career in customer service and software development.

Paying bills. Adulting. Showing up.

Somewhere underneath all of that, Joanna’s intuition was patiently waiting for its time in the sun.

And then, four years ago, Joanna's mother passed away.

Loss has a way of altering perspective, doesn’t it?

In the months that followed, Joanna found herself thinking differently about her purpose, about the time we're given on this earth, and about the gifts we leave sitting on the shelf because we haven't yet found the courage to use them.

She didn't want to keep waiting. Time is so precious.

“It's taught me that I have something to offer the world and it's time to stop hiding my light for fear of being seen. I feel like I'm entering a new era of life where I'm just beginning to discover all that I'm capable of. And every time I'm able to help somebody or empower them to make a shift in their energy or in their life, it just feels like another validation that I'm finally on the right path.”

She began reading for friends and family. Then she tried a few events, testing the waters.

Earlier this year, she left software development to focus on Sunshine Rose Studio full-time.

Let’s celebrate Joanna’s bravery in stepping into herself and leaning into becoming.

The Space Between the Cards

One thing I appreciated while getting to know Joanna is how she talks about tarot.

There isn't any pressure to surrender your own judgment.
Quite the opposite.
We chatted a lot during the reading rather than her talking “at” me.
She believes every person has intuition. Her work helps people hear their own a little more clearly.
People find their way to Sunshine Rose Studio for all kinds of reasons.
People may need help untangling patterns that seem to recur no matter how many times they promise themselves things will be different. Or help with a difficult decision. Some are moving through confusing seasons. Others simply want reassurance that they're seeing a situation clearly.

Joanna meets each of them with the same guiding belief:

"I don't believe anything is set in stone. We all have the power to create our own lives."

That idea quietly shapes everything she offers.

There are several ways to work with Joanna:

Written Tarot Readings – Thoughtful written guidance you can read, reflect on, and return to whenever you need it.

Audio Readings – A recorded reading in Joanna's own voice, offering insight you can revisit as new perspectives emerge.

Live Tarot Readings – A one-on-one conversation where you can ask questions, explore what's on your mind, and receive intuitive guidance in real time.

Private Events & Gatherings – Invite Joanna to bring tarot readings to your next gathering, celebration, or community event.

Daily Online Guidance – Follow along on social media for collective tarot readings, manifestation guidance, intuition exercises, and short sound bowl meditations.

Mandala Art & Coloring Pages – Browse Joanna's hand-drawn mandalas and creative offerings on her Etsy shop, with coloring pages available now and art prints coming soon.

If you’d like to work with Joanna, scroll down to find links to her website, socials, and services.

Following the Light

Outside of Sunshine Rose Studio, Joanna describes herself as an introvert and a homebody.

She loves making art, trying new crafts, and jokingly says that one of her hobbies is "collecting hobbies." Over the years, she's explored everything from pottery and sewing to playing guitar. Music is an important part of her life, both for enjoyment and for helping her feel balanced, and singing is one of her favorite ways to spend an evening. She even has a karaoke machine at home (jealous!!).

When I asked what keeps her inspired, her answer was simple.

Her mom.

Joanna says she feels her mother's presence as a guardian angel, walking beside her as she continues building this new chapter.

And when I asked what light she's following these days, her answer seemed to bring everything full circle.

She's building a life that feels more aligned with who she is.

It takes courage to let yourself be seen, and we are cheering her on over here.