Janet Richardson-Baughman always had an interest in art. As a child she and her siblings would create their own Christmas decorations. Her father, who was an architect, was also an artist in his free time. While in college, she took an art class because it was required, but enjoyed it so much she began to take every art class available. Richardson-Baughman later went on to study ceramics, and ultimately earned a BFA in ceramics and weaving from Central Michigan University.