Today we’d like to introduce you to Khadijah Johnson.
Hi Khadijah, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
After I graduated from SC State University, I relocated to the DMV and had the time of my life. After living there for a while, I decided to relocate back to my hometown of Charlotte, NC, because the cost of living was significantly less here than Alexandria, VA. Upon moving back home, I knew I wanted to start a business, but didn’t immediately know what. I didn’t want to rush or force anything, the way I did in college with my prior business of selling hair. I wanted it to come to me naturally. Being back in my hometown allowed me to reminisce and think back on my childhood. I realized I’ve been designing homes and creating floor plans since I was a kid and didn’t even know it. I did it through games like The Sims and contests with my cousins to see who’s furniture rearrangement was best. I mean just imagine little kids moving large bedroom furniture around as a game… haha it is so funny when I think about it. Even in college, I enjoyed decorating my apartment and friends consulted me about how to decorate their rooms as well.
In 2018, I first began my business as a furniture restoration company (not an interior design firm), I flipped old beat-up furniture into new modern pieces and sold them on Facebook. As my profits grew, so did the services I offered. My first interior design project was because a close friend believed in my interior design skills and allowed me to decorate her entire three bedroom apartment back in 2019. I didn’t exactly get paid for the service either. She bought two expensive chairs I reupholstered instead and every since then, business has been on an incline! I will say that one of the biggest contributions to my success as a black woman entrepreneur is my addiction to evolving in every way possible. That includes both my business and personal life. Every single day, I strive to be better than I was the day before. I don’t just say it or think it, I do it! I grow everyday. I may have what some may consider “setbacks” from time to time. But I call them “lessons learned.”
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not a smooth road. When I decided to follow my dreams as an interior decorator, I had no idea how much went into managing the business. I thought what most people think. That we simply pick out nice furniture and decor, buy it, and set it up in homes. But how will I account, manage, and track all the items bought? What exactly is my design process? How will I diversify my services and grow my brand? These are a small few of the things I struggled with. I knew I had talent, but I also knew that in order to take on high-end clients, I’ll need more education about the business than what can be found on the internet.
Everyone wants to be a business owner, but are misinformed about how to sustain a business. This is why so many start-up businesses fail today and I didn’t want that for myself. So, I invested in a course to learn the fundamentals of ID and running a sustainable ID business. It taught me so much and it was the best decision I ever made. Although I’m mostly self-taught, investing in a course and having a veteran in ID to consult about the business really helps when first starting out.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about ELEMENTS Interiors?
ELEMENTS Interiors is a Charlotte based affordable but luxury design firm specializing in residential and commercial interior design services known. With a client-centered approach, we view each client and space individually creating a flexible and positive experience. We offer full-design, e-design, a furniture and home decor collection, and reupholstery services.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I always say I had the best of both worlds growing up. One side of my family is book smart, the other street smart. Yes, I went to summer camp and was taught to get an education, but I also know what it’s like to struggle and live in the hood. This contrast is what makes me who I am today and I’m proud of it. Losing my dad to a traumatic accident at a young age could of crippled me, but it made me a very humble and thankful little girl driven to make her daddy proud.
Contact Info:
- Email: ElementsByKJohnson@gmail.com
- Website: www.ElementsByKJohnson.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/ElementsByKJohnson
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ElementsByKJohnson
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC76FwJ_qrRX3yG1hv61SlqQ/featured
Image Credits:
Henry Jones Photography
Freshie Productions
