We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kristen Johnson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kristen, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

A Girl and Her Glitter came about with an initial conversation with my brand manager about what I wanted to do. We wrote out a clear description of wanting to create and make DIY projects from crafting to home decor, party planning and everything else I do. Seeing that I didn’t want to “pick a niche” I wanted to have a name that would act as an umbrella name and cover everything that I do. I am the girl and the glitter are my abilities. I love to share projects that come to my brain and sharing how tos while being entertaining is my sparkle.

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

Hi and welcome to my world of A Girl and Her Glitter. I, of course, and the girl and my talents are the glitter which I love to share with you! This creative space is all about teaching inspirational projects and ideas that you can create on your own.
I love to teach through many sparkly avenues; My blog (more of a step by step), Youtube (a quirky and quick experience) and even in person (there is nothing like being face to face!). Two decades of event planning/design experience and a lifetime of curiosity has bound me to this inventive path for all things D.I.Y. Through laughter and fun, I hope to reveal designs and ideas for your home, family, celebrations and the everyday!

I am most proud of my work getting to bigger channels such as; Top Chef- Bravo, The Today Show, having my own series on Craftsy.com, as well as working incredible companies such as Home Depot, Michaels and even Disney.

Everyday is a new day to use your hands to make something. I have been known for “making something from nothing,” and love living it!

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Recently, I attended a conference to get answers on what I was doing with A Girl and Her Glitter and what I wanted out of it. We have all been there as business owners, “should I continue this journey or walk away.” Everything pivoted when I realized there were so many out there like me. When others actually take the time to share their struggles as well as their victories it helps to ensure confidence that you are exactly where you need to be and you are enough.

I pivoted my business when I realized I was making my company a hobby and not a working company. I was not setting hours/blocking out time for certain projects/ not really treating it like a business at all! Looking at what my original goals were I went back and prepared myself to look at myself as a professional. From branding/content and everything in-between I knew that I could make it if I treated the company like my passion that I could make it everything I wanted and more.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

Funding my business was THE single most important thing that held me back to going full force into knowing I could make something great. You hear it all of the time “you have to spend money to make money…” although true, what if you truly don’t have money to even start. I’ve been there and have slowly made it happen but there were some hard times ahead. Here are some creative ways to “making it with minimal funds.” 1. Find your community on social channels.
2. Find organizations/ meetings for what your specialty is and attend them.
3. Want to attend a conference but can’t afford the ticket- contact the owner of the conference and ask if they would be interested in a trade in whatever your skillset is.
4. Trade services with others to get things you need for your company i.e. your website, cameras, etc.
5. Do things for free ONLY when it makes sense. If someone asks you to be part of something for free (and yes, you CAN do this but not to where is costs YOU), make sure you are getting the exposure you need and that the trade really is worth it.

Once you have what you need to get started and have “proved your worth” you then charge that worth.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://agirlandherglitter.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/
• Facebook: @Iamagirlandherglitter
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-rGhvjyfk7lednrwb_KcTQ