We were lucky to catch up with Dolores Johnson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Dolores, thanks for joining us today. Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?

I started doing a lot of free work for a lot of friends and co workers so that I could practice my craft. My friends would gift me jackets or shoes to do something cool with. One day , I submitted for an art show. It was my first one. The Emoji art show. Amazing show and people. I hadn’t sold a thing all night. I was nervous but I still felt like I belonged there. A few minutes before I was about to pack up a young lady came in and saw my painting of Suzy Carmichael from rugrats! I honestly was going to leave her home but my mother insisted that I bring her. I’m glad I listened, the customer took one look and fell in love. She went home happy with my work and I smiled so big at my accomplishment. A stranger had seen my work and deemed it as valuable! I worked hard and it paid off!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am D.Johns of OoohShePaintin’. I focus on many elements of creative arts I.e., painting , music , writing — I grew up in Washington, D.C. and I got into the industry by just simply wanting to try something different. I was looking for a new outlet so that I could figure out how to save myself. I picked up a brush and haven’t put it down since. I specialize in custom wearable art. I customize sneakers, jackets, skates, hats, whatever you can think of. Outside of painting, I also engineer a small recording studio in Maryland and have a clothing line in the works.

I believe what sets me apart from others is my customer service. My customers feel comfortable speaking to me like we’re old friends. It’s honestly always a vibe. I also believe in giving my all in everything I do. So they not only get a piece of cool art — they get a small piece of who I am in every piece.

I’m always proud of myself for persevering through it all. Owning a business is not easy but it’s fun! I love a challenge and I love working with new people! I love collaborative projects the most because it brings out my passionate side!

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Stop giving discounts! Yesterday’s price is not today’s price! I love to help anyone but I was literally sending myself and my business into the poorhouse trying to give everybody affordable art at a budget. I was basically giving it away! It’s hard because naturally I love to give things! I love to see people happy with my art — but when I started doing the math — I wasn’t even paying myself minimum wage and surely no one can survive that way. I had to put my foot down and demand my pay. It still gets hard at times. But I stick to my plan!

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

I would have to say Social media and art shows have been the best source of new clients for me. Between those two and word of mouth — I love referrals !!! It means someone said something amazing about my work which in itself is the ultimate compliment to me !

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.officiallyskyy.com
• Instagram: Www.instagram.com/OoohShePaintin
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThatGirlOoohShePaintin?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Twitter: Www.twitter.com/SkyyJMusic
• Youtube: Www.YouTube.com/SkyyTheOfficial