The queer, maximalist, feminist e-commerce strategist
I've spent more than two decades designing things and ten years running my own product brands and retail shops. Now I build Shopify stores for indie shops and makers who want their store to be as bold, fun, and uniquely them as the stuff they sell. I'm a firm believer that "too much" is just the right amount.
How I got here
I studied fashion design at Texas Woman's University while working at a vintage shop in Deep Ellum and as an assistant designer for a women's sportswear brand at the World Trade Center.
Licensed handbags, reconstructed vintage, women's sportswear, fabric and craft products, packaging, branding, websites, and storefronts. I learned exactly what I love, and built my business around only the work that brings me joy.
Folk and Bones started as OKcollective Candle Co., a little candle line my wife and I made at home while working full-time jobs. We grew it steadily through 100+ pop-ups in our first two years and from offering wholesale from the very beginning.
While hunting for a production studio, we were offered the cutest shipping container shop on 9th Street in Oklahoma City. We couldn't say no. We painted it pink and hired our first shopkeeper.
We took over the garage behind the container shop and turned it into a 1,600 sq ft retail space and production studio. We rebranded to Johnny and June in 2022.
We grew to 800+ stockists worldwide, including Whole Foods and a shop at Will Rogers World Airport.
We opened our second shop right across the street in a two-story house and moved our home upstairs. Common Dear was an inclusive, feminist, self-empowerment gift shop.
Next came a plant shop in a lavender tiny house, in a micro park on the same street. Three shops on one street was a literal dream come true.
Now I pour everything I've learned into helping other entrepreneurs launch the shops and brands they dream about. I handle the behind-the-scenes, so they can focus on what they love: building their brands and connecting with their communities.
What I believe
People buy from you because they like YOU. Don't hide who you are, it's what makes you and your business special. Also keep in mind that your business, brand or product isn't for everyone and let that be okay. There are more customers after that one goes and there are shops out there for everyone. Let it roll off your back and move on.
But, you have to give it your all to both build it and keep it going. It helps to have a great partner by your side doing all the things you can't do, don't have time for, or just don't like doing, and if you're a solopreneur, there are lots of creatives just like me that would love to partner with you and see your business grow. Trust when the time comes to ask for help. You can do it all alone but you can't always grow or move forward doing every single thing by yourself.
Shoppers buy from brands that make them feel something. Your online presence should be no different from your in-person experience. It's a mini version of your brand, and it deserves just as much energy as your shop does (but it doesn't have to be YOU doing the work).
It's awesome when your business thrives, but it's also okay when an idea fails or a season feels off. It's all a part of the journey, and I do mean that in the cheesiest way! Let yourself fall, pick yourself back up, and try all over again. It's worth it!
(It's been a wild ride!)
