Voyage Dallas

Daily Inspiration: Meet Sara Johnson

Written by Voyage Dallas | View Article

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Johnson.

Hi Sara, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I guess my story starts as a little girl. Of course, I have fond memories of growing up, but some of the most vivid are of interiors. I remember the stainless-steel countertops at my grandmother’s house in Stonington, CT; the oversized swivel chairs in a pink chintz at my friend’s house in a historical area of El Paso, TX; the blue grosgrain ribbon wallpaper in my bedroom. I have always loved interiors and taken a curiosity in decor and architecture.

Fast forward, after college, my husband and I purchased some condos near Southern Methodist University. I renovated the seven units and got my real estate license so that I could sell them myself. After successfully selling the condos, I sold real estate for about ten years. Of course, my most favorite part in selling real estate, was touring homes and how they were decorated. Finally, in 2018, I decided to launch my own design firm.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ve learned a lot along the way. Aside from a big learning curve on the operations side of things, social media has been my biggest challenge. Often described as an “introverted extrovert” it’s difficult to put my work out there. Mostly it’s received well, but I know I can’t suit everyone’s tastes and preferences. I know the number of Instagram followers does not indicate my worth!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a full service interior design firm. My clients hire me to add detail and depth to their homes. I love to add tape trims, contrast cording, wallpaper, etc.- anything and everything to add a layer of texture and color. I love working with old and new furniture pieces, high- and low-priced items, modern and traditional decor. The mix makes it interesting

I have a streamlined process and the client/designer expectations are clear from the start. I am proud to say that a lot of my clients are repeat clients who trust me immensely. Trust is very important in designing a home. The biggest complement I received from a client was that I pushed her out of her comfort zone but she LOVES everything I did!

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Colleagues in my industry have been so forth coming. I reached out to some friends who are seasoned interior designers and people who I admired in the field. I was so impressed with how happy everyone was to help. I still meet with some of those people on a quarterly basis to network, swap idea and trouble shoot. Being is a creative field requires teamwork and collaboration!

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Heacox Creative Heather Talbert Emery Davis

© SARA JOHNSON INTERIORS | BRANDING & WEBSITE BY WOMA DESIGN