Dallas Designer Jan Showers On Aligning Her Passion and Profession with a Cause

As NorthPark Center embarks on its fifth year of celebrating its Ambassador program― an idea spearheaded by Nancy A. Nasher and Kimberly Schlegel Whitman― a spotlight shines brightly upon Dallas’ top influencers and the nonprofits they support. Today, we’re speaking with Jan Showers.

Hand-selected for their philanthropic contributions, each year-long ambassadorship offers the opportunity to partner with NorthPark Center and its retailers for various events and initiatives to benefit their respective charitable organizations. This year’s Ambassadors are threaded together with a solid commitment to the community. Events that support causes important to them are united in the ultimate spirit of fashion, art, and stylish philanthropy. 

When Dallas interior designer Jan Showers was looking for a philanthropy that aligned with her professional endeavors, she serendipitously met the founder of Dwell with Dignity. The nonprofit creates inspiring and soothing homes for families struggling with homelessness and poverty. Showers met the founder at her first book signing in 2009 and instantly became entrenched in the mission, giving of her time, talent and resources. Fast-forward more than a decade later, and she represents the organization as the 2022 NorthPark Ambassador.

NorthPark Center will partner with Dwell with Dignity to support its signature event, Thrift Studio, this August. The fundraiser boasts a pop-up shop that sells donated furniture, housewares, accessories, and high-end designer finds to the public. The funds raised from this event provide financial viability for its mission.  

Why are you so passionate about your chosen charitable organization?
Jan Showers: I was looking for a philanthropy that fit with what I do on a daily basis. I was signing my first book at the David Sutherland showroom in 2009 and Lisa Robison (the founder of DwD) bought a book. When I was signing it, she told me about starting Dwell with Dignity and I was immediately interested and felt I had found a great organization to support in many ways. We donated furniture from our Jan Showers Collection, participated in Thrift Studio and I served on the board for five years.  I still consider it to be the best way I am able to contribute because I have seen what a difference it makes in the lives of the families who benefit from living in a lovely environment. 

Your favorite NorthPark memory. 
Jan Showers: Shopping with my mother. I still have dreams about shopping with her at NorthPark and all the wonderful times we had. 

How would you describe your own personal style?
Jan Showers: I must be classic since I still have skirts, belts and so many other great pieces from 20 years ago or longer. I believe in investing in what I buy. 

NorthPark Center is at the center of combining art and fashion. Describe your own art and fashion interests. 
Jan Showers: Jim and I love contemporary art. I would not call us art collectors but we do have art that has increased in value over the years. Style is more important than fashion to me.  I have a certain style that looks good on me and tend to stay with that. 

Who are your role models?
Jan Showers: Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Audrey Hepburn and my mother, Margaret Anne. 

What keeps you driven? 
Jan Showers: I have been all of my life, and probably because of my parents and what I learned from them growing up. I appreciate all they taught me. 

What are two fun facts about you? 
Jan Showers: I love to make people laugh, love good TV and movies, cooking (no one believes this), and I have a very practical side.

How do you find a moment of balance while getting it all done?
Jan Showers: Two things. Meditation every morning, there is nothing better than this.  I can also tune out while watching a great movie. 

The best advice you’ve ever heard?
Jan Showers: Live in the moment. Carpe Diem.

On the importance of giving back. 
Jan Showers: I know and understand how fortunate I’ve been and when one understands that, giving back is the thing that not only helps others and the thing that makes one feel the most satisfied. There is nothing more important.