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

Sarah, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you as a business owner?

From age 16, I was thrown into management roles – I had no idea what I was doing! I had to learn lots of things on the fly – especially being in the restaurant industry. I would have to walk up to tables, after they had finished eating their entire meal, and hear about how they didn’t enjoy their dinner. I learned how to deal with confrontation face to face and with compassion and understanding, but also with a business-mind. I would want the customers to return and feel “heard”, but I didn’t want the company I worked for to lose money or be scammed. After years and years of doing this, I found the balance in being “hard and business-minded” and also “understanding and sympathetic “. My degree in college was Hospitality and Tourism management and this further advanced the need to be business-minded but also kind. I go above and beyond for all of my customers/clients. I try my best to remember as much as I can about that person, offer payment arrangements, check in on them, listen to what they’re going through, offer loyalty programs, and I’ve learned to be pro-active as opposed to reactive when a potential issue crops up with an order.

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

My name is Sarah Johnson. After working in the restaurant industry for the majority of my life, I became a little burnt out. I accepted a job in a hair salon and really enjoyed the change of pace, from there, I helped to open a successful Medical Spa (with a new hair salon being added at the end of 2022). I still work full time at this company. Pre-covid and during covid, like a lot of people, I was unsure about my career’s future. I began to purge my closet and began a reselling journey with clothing, jewelry, and accessories. From that, it transpired into thrifting (which I still love and adore). My company is based on sustainability and ethical sourcing, as well as purchasing from women-owned businesses. I realized that although fashion and style are passions of mine, selling clothing was not my niche, per se. I preferred to change the direction of my business to crystals and gifts. I fell in love with crystals when I was living in New Orleans yeas ago. I connected to them and use them EVERY day as gentle reminders. The first MAJOR chance that I took was partnering with a local candle company (Sniff and Rescue). They poured candles for us that combined amazing fragrances, candle toppers that you could plant (and wildflowers would bloom) and intentions printed on each fragrance. I made kits combining a corresponding crystal, compost that my husband and I had cultivated, and the candle in one reusable basket. Every piece of that kit was reusable —- and they all sold out. Sniff and Rescue also donates proceeds to different animal charities each month. So our focus from the jump was sustainability, highlighting women in business, and helping to heal people, as well as providing thoughtful gifts and information regarding each crystal. I took a huge jump, sold off all of my clothing inventory, and now I only focus on the items that I’m incredibly passionate about. I love putting together gift packages with specific focuses for people going through different stages in their lives: divorce, marriage, moving to a new location, starting a new job, people going through a long term illness, really anything you can think of – and I like to follow through with all of my buyers.

How’d you meet your business partner?

My Business Partner is my husband, Nick Johnson. After leaving a turbulent relationship, Nick was a breath of fresh air. I owe so much to him. He supports me, He loves me, he handles things around the house when my focus is on the business. He helps with packing, shipping, etc. He is an artist and even makes thank you cards from scratch. Our goal is to incorporate more of his art into our company at some point. He’s phenomenal. I don’t know anyone else on this planet that could support me better.

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

I have had sales that I’ve hyped up for weeks, and only grossed $50. I’ve had markets where I didn’t sell a single item. I don’t give up. I can’t because this is my dream. Sometimes I think (and I’ve been told) that this industry is over-saturated. That might be true. That might be scary. But there’s only one Green Moonlight Shop. The compassion and true love that I have for my job, for my customers, and for our message, will always shine through. I’ve has MONTHS of late rent payments because my inventory was consuming my financials. That’s difficult on a small business and also on a marriage. I have pulled all-nighters. I’ve lost sleep. I’ve given up holidays. I’ve missed quality time with my friends and family. I’ve missed funerals, vacations, you name it! But, my hope is that these sacrifices now, will provide more time with my family in the future. The beginning is always the hardest.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.greenmoonlightshop.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/greenmoonlightshop/
• Other: Visit us for sales every week on the WHATNOT app. Our username is: greenmoonlightshop