Jessica Johnsen and Kaylyn Keith of Cotton Candy Clouds.
Cotton Candy Clouds founder Jessica Johnsen credits her family as the primary inspiration behind her business’ mission “to create strong families, ultimately leading to stronger communities, innovators, leaders, childhoods, and dreams for what is possible” (cottoncandycloudsnv.com).
Driven by a motivation to foster interpersonal connections, Johnsen launched CCC in 2019 to provide “seasonally-inspired adventures and experiences” for children and families. Its offerings include creative classes, party planning and packages, a pen pal program featuring different characters, and a quarterly family magazine titled, “Cotton Candy Clouds Kids.”
Following a successful debut in summer 2024, the magazine has grown to include subscribers in Nevada, Alabama, Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Carolina, and Texas. Johnsen said every page is thoughtfully designed to foster hours of engagement and entertainment, and each seasonal issue is filled cover-to-cover with contributor articles, craft and activity ideas, writing prompts, recipes, and other inspirations.
In alignment with its mission, the publication is intended to inspire creativity, conversation, and connection. Many ideas for the magazine come from Johnsen’s observations of her three children; she watches for things they enjoy and those that “light them up.”
A subscription to the magazine offers more than the convenience of home delivery. Johnsen is always looking for ways to delight subscription holders, and delivered copies are often personalized or have little surprises tucked into the front cover. Subscribers who opt to share their child’s first name and birthdate can expect their child will receive a birthday card for their special day.
For more information about subscriptions, look for the “CCC Magazine” tab on the CCC webpage.
Johnsen also serves as an Advocacy Lead for Postpartum Support International (postpartum.net/), a nonprofit organization committed to postpartum care, support and resources. After experiencing her own challenging postpartum journey, Johnsen became passionate about supporting pregnant- and postpartum health and well-being for moms, dads and family members.
She facilitates Cotton Candy Clouds Postpartum & Pregnancy Support Group to help new and expecting parents navigate an often uncertain and transformative time of life. The group offers peer support and connection with others on a similar path, emotional guidance and support, resources related to mental and physical health after childbirth, and informative presentations from local professionals regarding supportive care.
Meetings are held 10-11 a.m. the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Second Wednesday meetings take place at Miller Wellness Center, 104 W. Telegraph St. in Carson City. Fourth Wednesday meetings are held at Partnership Douglas County, 1625 Hwy 88, Suite 104 in Minden. These support groups are open to the community and offered at no charge.
Future plans include launching a podcast co-hosted by Creative Lead and magazine designer Kaylyn Keith. Johnsen said listeners can expect well-rounded, real life topics and guests of all ages. Some episodes will be lighthearted and conversational in nature while others may explore more sensitive subjects or take a deeper dive into areas of interest that have been featured the the magazine.
Johnsen recommends checking the Cotton Candy Clouds online calendar for up-to-date event, scheduling, and launch date information; visit cottoncandycloudsnv.com/calendar. You can also connect with them on Instagram and Facebook.
Amy Roby can be reached at ranchosroundup@hotmail.com.