Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen KJ Johnson.
Karen, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
When I think about my journey, it wasn’t how I planned it. I had designed a blueprint to become a professor at the University of Texas at Austin, but, became a certified Change Facilitator & Corporate Trainer. Now, I was absolutely fine with my profession because it aligned perfectly with my natural gift & passion for teaching. But, you see God had a different plan that He began to put into motion. It was October 2015, I had just finished wrapping up my class and I received a phone call. The individual on the other end gave his name & organization. He stated that I had been recommended to be a guest speaker at his conference. You see, I had never spoken on a stage outside of Corporate walls, and yet, here I was being asked to speak on a national stage in Bloomington, Illinois to a group of individuals who were studying to become Professional Speakers. And oh, let me just add, the host & organizer of this conference had never heard me speak LIVE nor had he heard me via a recording. He not only was the host but a Master Speaker Coach, who had been mentored by the one and only, Les Brown and had never had a guest speaker conduct any of his workshops. And here he was asking me to come and be a part of making a difference in these aspiring speakers’ lives. I stepped outside my comfort zone, stood on faith and it led me to the next several steps in my life. Those steps led me to become a Master Brand Strategist, teaching others on connecting their why to their purpose and unlocking their brilliance from within! Oh, what a fun, exciting & challenging journey it has been! It’s not until we take action that the vision for our life is brought into focus.
It’s because of the rerouting in my personal journey that I teach the Spiritual “I” Eyewear (Inspire, Impact, Influence & Imprint) as the pillars that stands on the foundation of your brand. You see, the things we do and say are not for us, but for us to ignite a spark or stimulate an urge for others to want to do something differently in creating a better tomorrow. Our actions and language should trigger a divine movement of one’s intellect and/or emotion that promotes a positive change.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
One thing I know for sure is life is jam-packed with challenges, struggles, and pain. I’ve been broke. I’ve had absolutely no customers. I’ve wondered how I was going to pay my bills. I’ve questioned if I was really called to do this work. But, I’ve learned through the years that in order to be the brilliant brand God has called me to be, I will have to go through the FIRE. Everything I go through, it’s part of the process to get me to my NEXT.
It will take sacrifice. It will take discipline. It will take commitment. It will take dedication. Yes, challenges, struggles, and pain are a part of my journey. How do I deal with them? Sometimes, I cry… for a moment. Sometimes, I feel sorry for myself… for a moment and sometimes, I question God… for a moment. But ALWAYS, I humble myself, pray, and get my head back in the game. You can’t win if you are sitting on the bench (crying, feeling sorry for yourself & questioning God is all sitting on the bench). I know it’s all working for my good. It doesn’t always feel like it! (smile). But, I know no weapon formed against me shall prosper.
Please tell us about KJ Strategy Design Studio – what should we know?
KJ Strategy Design Studio is a faith-based brand development studio, (Boldly Representing Authentically the Name of the Divine Father), dedicated to helping the creative entrepreneurs, small businesses & non-profits build a powerful brand of higher purpose.
We educate, guide, and engage the creatives through innovative and thought-provoking sessions to construct a personalized brand strategy designed for growth. We help you gain focus through development of your Spiritual “I” Eyewear (Inspire, Impact, Influence & Imprint) by bridging the gap between your why and purpose, unlocking your brilliance, resulting in you becoming the powerful BRAND God has called you to be.
We offer custom brand strategies, brand identity, graphic design, social media planning, website content & concepts, and marketing solutions, but, we dive deeper because as a faith-based brand, you serve both naturally and spiritually. You serve as a double-dosed blessing to all encountered. You have a responsibility to inspire others to want to be better, impact others to make a positive difference, influence behaviors for good and then leave a lasting imprint that reminds them to create a better tomorrow. We provide a holistic solution for your brand.
We have received numerous awards, accolades & nominations for our work, including being named as one of the Top 25 Purpose-Driven Women to Watch, Best Trainer, nominated for Influential Phenomenal Woman Award, You Inspire Me Award and was recently honored & awarded as one of the six Dallas women entrepreneurs at the Annual Making History in Heels event for outstanding achievement as a women-owned business.
I’m excited to announce in 2020, I will launch the Brand I Collection!! It will be one unlike no other. It won’t be about designer clothes, red bottom shoes, million-dollar homes or fancy cars. The Brand I Collection will be about elevating your brand to a higher business of purpose, living a Godly lifestyle that boldly represents authentically the name of the Divine Father! It’s going to serve at the essence of your core, emotionally connect & make a strong statement, visually as well as intellectually. The Brand I Collection, consisting of active wear, jewelry, and other accessories will be cohesive and compliment each other, creating a pattern that ignites humans to walk in their divine purpose toward their God-given destiny! The Brand I Collection will ignite your creative energy, create clarity, and remind you to live in your unique brand style that’s been designed by God.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I am truly blessed to have a group of people that have demonstrated support in many ways. My family, my son, Chester, always cheering me on! My clients are the absolute best clients ever! They are allowing me to partner with them to elevate their brands to a higher business of purpose. My mentees are amazing! The inspiration & encouragement are beyond anything I could ever ask for! I have some amazing fans… Wow, Wow, Wow!
I could go on & on, but would run out of space! (smile!) You know who you are! I love you and thank you!! May God continue to bless all of you!
You are all Brandtastic!!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kjsdstudio.com
- Phone: 469-734-4448
- Email: kjsdstudio@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/kj_strategy_design_studio
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/kjsdstudio
Image Credit:
Karen KJ Johnson, Carlos Moreno
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