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

Courtney, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

Junky Glam wasn’t planned at all. It actually took me by surprise. It was a little while before Valentine’s Day and I’m one of those people who NEVER has a valentine. So, I decided to make myself some bangles as a gift to myself. I ordered all of my supplies and I figured out how to craft them. Once I finished, I posted to my social media and people seemed to go crazy for them. They wanted a set of their own. That’s when Junky Glam was born. I started out with bangles and then also beaded bracelets.

Courtney, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a single mother of 6 children so this creative business I have allows me to show my children that they can earn money from their creations. Sometimes I allow them to help me with picking out stones and charms. My older kids accompany me to events where they assist me with setting up a table and selling. I offer a variety of bangles and beaded bracelets. I like my pieces to be eye catching and it’s also important that , as an African American woman, we are represented and seen even in jewelry. Many of my pieces feature “face charms” displaying beautiful African American women which my customers tend to favor. They feel seen when they can pick up a bangle and it’s got a charm with a girl with locs on it. I also children face charms as well. This is what sets me apart from other jewelry crafters. I’m most proud of my creativity and the way I persevered through rough times. There was a time where I was solely relying on the sales of my business to fill in the gaps and make ends meet while working a part-time job.
I’m still growing and I hope to gain more traction. The best is yet to come!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Your biggest supporters sometimes aren’t who you’d expect. Sometimes strangers will support you quicker than friends or family. I can post all day on social media with little shares from people I know. It’s a tough lesson but I’ve learned and grew from it. My hometown isn’t exactly my target audience. I’m trying to go BEYOND it.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Being a single mother of 6 kids, working full-time and still making time for jewelry is challenging. I haven’t always been consistent but I never once gave up. I may have slowed down, but I never stopped. I kept going and I’m going to KEEP going.

Contact Info:

• Website: JunkyGlam.Etsy.com
• Instagram: @JunkyGlamLLC
• Facebook: @JunkyGlamLLC