Meet Tatiana Johnson of Eyepissglitter in Nashville

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

Tatiana, 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’m not bungee jumping off the stratosphere in Las Vegas. I’m DJing at your favorite festival, lounge or now virtual event or teaching the art and skills of furniture design and upholstery with my home decor line, EYEPISSGLITTER. Before that, I found myself at Middle Tennessee State University, pursuing journalism. During that time I created my own school organization and magazine. Culture Shock Mag that later turned into a television show, Culture Shock with Tatiana and radio show, Culture Shock Radio. One of my biggest moments was interviewing Nicki Minaj in Queens, in front of Dunkin Donuts and interning for Zac Posen during New York Fashion Week. The writing grind was real and helped me to get my own column for MTVUK, called Tatiana’s Culture Shock. There I put the UK audience onto American artists. But my writing grind didn’t stop there. After graduating from Middle Tennessee State University I moved back to New York and after interning, landed my dream job at The Source Magazine where I served as Editor.

I didn’t let the art of designing get away from me though. My first big gig was making clothes for Dipset when I was in 9th grade. Remember the bandana pants and shirts, I made those along with my friend Mike and my Grandmother. Living back in New York (I’m originally from NY, Mount Vernon to be exact) I still wanted to pursue design and not just fashion but interior design. While working at The Source I took classes in upholstery. I remembered a bunch of skills from my Grandmother because it used to be a weekend thing for us. Sewing since I was four, I was always interested in the construction of furniture. I later moved to Phoenix Arizona to pursue interior design.

Speed it up I’m back in Tennessee because both my Mama and Grandmother got sick with cancer. During that time of being a care taker I designed furniture for the house, and started home staging. This helped because I couldn’t do traditional work because of doctors appointments for my Mama and Grandmother. After they passed it was hard on me, but I found my love of design and music come together once again. Next thing you know I’m DJ’ing. It started with a few house parties, then I was taking real gigs. From Basement East, to Dream Hotel, to Gaylord Convention Center, to the Indiana Music Festival to local lounges, and clubs DJ Crop Top Tot was born.

From there I found myself at the Country Music Association as Digital Project Manager. Coming from the beginning of the blogging era and my love of music I felt at home. I was able to utilize my experience in event planning and love of tech and music in one place. Putting together the biggest country music festival in the world, CMA Fest was one of my proudest moments. From getting the app together to helping to plan events throughout the festival it was a dream come true. Soon after I was at Eventbrite as Client support. Helping clients plan events and utilize the platform to their advantage. During that time I also made a film, ‘Be Dangerous… It’s Careful Out There’ named after my motto. It featured 11 women including myself that I felt embodied the motto. The ladies were all minority women entrepreneurs that shared their stories rocking the EYEPISSGLITTER t-shirt.

But now I feel like I’m doing all of that and more on a bigger scale. As Digital Support at iHeartMedia I get a mixture of all genres. Executing campaigns for the Rock, Pop, Hip Hop, Talk radio and Country stations I am able to see what works for certain audiences and what doesn’t. With that I was able to start my own social media agency, Made You Look Studio Inc. where I specialize in startup bars and restaurants.

With the pandemic I’ve had to evolve even more and really use my skills but it has opened up so much for me. I am now bringing EYEPISSGLITTER Home Decor back. I get commissioned to upholster couches and chairs so often it was a must. I am now creating pillows, candles and mixtape that will provide the vibes for each collection. It’s my way of fusing my love of music, tech, and interior design together. Oh, and I wrote a coloring book. 🙂

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s been a curvy road I would say. I’ve always been told I can do what I want, with no limits. But there has been so many times I’ve wanted to quit. Seeing my Mama go through cancer and pass away was hard. During that time I kept creating but kept a lot to myself. But I’ve always been consistent with my writing. I’ve kept a diary since 1995. I’m now using some of those stories for my book. Like Snoop and DMX said, write your pain. Besides that the working in Country and being a lover of Hip Hop was interesting I would see things in Country that they didn’t do in Hip Hop and vice versa. But it’s all about who you know but your attention to detail and wanting to get stuff done. I’ve always been the type to get things done no matter what. Also, being a woman DJ I wouldn’t say a struggle but a surprise on others because I would get comments like, you’re actually a good DJ. I used to take it personal, but I’m like they don’t know, but now they do.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about EYEPISSGLITTER – what should we know?
EYEPISSGLITTER is a lifestyle brand that specializes in vibrant home decor and custom upholstery. My most known pieces are the Gucci Mane pillow. The design/graphic was created by artist ThePrblms. I featured it with handmade/hand sewn by myself on laptop cases, pillows and pouchettes. I also created a Cardi B print that I did an entire chair with as well as pillows and laptop cases. What sets me a part is the not only the handmade part but I’m one of the only reupholsterers and Black women reupholsterers in the city, plus I teach upholstery as well.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Definitely have to give a huge shout out to DJ Jazzy T, she convinced me to DJ again. I used to DJ in college but she told me it was a must to do it again. Plus myself, Jazzy T and Carlisa were supposed to DJ together, kind of like SWV of DJing. I’m still waiting on that. Plus I have to shout out Janiro at the Southern Entertainment Awards, Gary, Breezye, DJ Crisis, AG, Dolewite DJ Cwiz, DJ Wally Sparks, Cory Sparks amongst others that have always encouraged me.

Pricing:

• Handmade Pillows are $70
• Be Dangerous T-shirts are $20

Contact Info:

• Website: eyepissglitter.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/eyepisslitter
• Facebook: facebook.com/eyepissglitter
• Twitter: twitter.com/djcroptoptot

Image Credit:
Green hair photo taken by YoBreezye.

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