Janet was born at Neilston, Renfrewshire, Scotland on 10 June 1850, the daughter of Andrew and Jane (née Gemmell) Robertson.
During her time in this department the district inspector for the Board of Education, Gerard Anderson, described her as "a lively, energetic and intelligent person, with very good ideas of school-keeping… The pupil teachers are far behind her in animation."
Walker's designs were known for attention to detail, use of luxurious fabrics and high quality finishing touches and were worn by prominent Queensland women to numerous receptions, weddings, balls and other events.
From 1887 to 1901 the local press acknowledged Janet's designs of eighty-four wedding dresses, fourteen ball gowns and six receptions, and described thirty sets of trousseau garments made in her studio.
The rest of her employees however were paid but only minimum wage with the included overtime and bonus pay during busy periods.
[1] Martha Caldwell became Walker's partner, where they were then able to match competitive services offered by larger drapery stores.
The business became highly successful with a growing rate of large mail orders from clientele that was established in rural Queensland and New South Wales.
[5] This design was known as the 'plastic bust' and was described as a "unique invention" which reproduced the "customer's exact figure, saves fitting, insures perfect work.