What a Year: A Look Back at Calm Canvas
- Peyton Craig
- Jun 5
- 4 min read
Wow.
That’s the first word that comes to mind when we reflect on everything we’ve accomplished this past year—and everything we’re still striving for. It’s truly been an incredible journey, and we wanted to take a moment to look back, share our story, and thank everyone who’s been part of it.
The Beginning
Calm Canvas didn’t start like a typical business. We’re a Junior Achievement company, which means our entire journey happened within the walls of a classroom.
At the start of our junior year, all of us enrolled in the Business Management course at Hoover High School—a career tech class that gives students hands-on experience by creating and running their own businesses. In August, we took personality tests, learned the basics of entrepreneurship (like marketing strategies, budgeting, and sourcing supplies), and began building the foundation for our company.
Five of the 13 students in our class ran for the position of CEO, presenting their experience, knowledge, and vision. Only two CEO spots were available—and Ryan Pedone was one of the elected leaders. From there, everyone created résumés, cover letters, and went through interviews conducted by the newly elected CEOs. After collaborating, the CEOs each selected their teams.
Ryan chose his team and assigned roles: Rob as CFO, Jaxon and Conner as Co-CMOs, Matt as Supply Chain Manager, Wes as Sales Manager, and me, Peyton, as COO. That’s when the real work began.
The Idea
Like many entrepreneurs, we quickly realized that coming up with a viable idea is hard—especially when you have a limited budget, specific JA guidelines, and just nine months to launch and liquidate an entire business.
By mid-September, we were stuck. We explored ideas like refillable dry-erase markers, air filters, and calendars, but none felt quite right. That’s when our teacher, Mrs. Nicole Snider, gave us some incredible advice:
“Focus on a problem your team shares, and find a way to solve it.”
That’s when our vision came into focus. We all care deeply about mental health. Our first idea was a puzzle with coping strategies on the back of each piece—but feedback from our target market told us puzzles were too bulky and time-consuming. We went back to the drawing board.
Then came the idea that changed everything: a color-by-number canvas that combines creativity with coping skills. It’s compact, mess-free, and easy to return to. From that moment, we hit the ground running.
Starting Up
We launched with a market research survey, gathering over 700 responses from our community. We asked what people thought of the concept, what they’d pay, what designs they wanted, and more. Then we consulted licensed counselors, therapists, and psychologists to refine the coping strategies and get professional feedback.
Next came the biggest challenge—raising funds. We were determined to avoid debt, so we bootstrapped the business. We organized raffles, including signed Browns memorabilia donated by KeyBank, and raised startup funds with the help of generous sponsors.
A special thank you to:
415 Group, Immediate Response and Repair Team, Oster Enterprises, Donald Sheeler, George Sabella, Juan & Susan Hinijosa, and Marlene Oster.
We couldn’t have done it without you.
Once we secured funding, we started production—right in the classroom. We created original canvas designs, laser engraved them, designed and printed our educational booklets, sourced acrylic paint markers, and packed everything ourselves. By December, Calm Canvas was ready to launch.
Officially Selling
We sold our first Calm Canvas on December 22nd at a local craft show—and it was a success.
In January, we launched our second design. By March, we introduced our bundle. In just 165 days, we sold nearly 500 Calm Canvases—through online orders, local events, and partnerships with organizations like Stark County Child and Adolescent Services, CommQuest, and the North Canton Medical Foundation.
We’ve been able to reach and support so many people—and for that, we’re truly grateful.
Our Giveback
Yes, we sell a product, but at our core, we’re a mission-driven business. Our goal is to support those who are struggling with their mental health.
We do that in several ways:
Through blog posts and social media, where we share facts and coping strategies.
By donating 10% of our profits to Akron Children’s Inpatient Psychiatric Center—a place that’s helped members of our team.
And by donating over 50 Calm Canvases to people in need across our community.
Competitions
Our class gave us the opportunity to compete in several business competitions, which taught us valuable lessons and helped us grow.
Teen Accelerate (February): We didn’t place, but gained invaluable experience.
Our First Competition, Teen Accelerate Stark Tank (March): We earned 3rd Place and won $1,000.
Our Second Competition, Stark Tank JANCO (May): We had our biggest success yet—winning First Place Overall, Best Commercial, Best Trade Show Booth, and the Social Impact Award. We also took home over $2,000 in prize money.
Our Awards at JANCO 
Our Third Competition, JANCO
But the biggest news was yet to come.
Nationals
We are thrilled to announce that we’ve been selected as one of the top 15 Junior Achievement teams in the country!
Five of us—Ryan, Rob, Conner, Wes, and Peyton—will be traveling to Atlanta, Georgia, June 8–12 to compete in JA Nationals against some of the most innovative young entrepreneurs in the U.S.
We couldn’t have made it here without every person who supported us, bought a product, gave feedback, or simply believed in our mission. Thank you.
Because of your support—and the impact our product continues to have—we’ve decided to continue Calm Canvas beyond the school year, unlike most JA teams.
A Personal Note
For me personally, this journey has been life-changing. Turning my struggles with mental health into something that helps others has meant more than words can say. I always dreamed of making a difference—and now, I’m doing it.
From the bottom of my heart, and on behalf of our entire team:
Thank you.
With gratitude,
Peyton Craig & the Calm Canvas Team
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