We’re looking forward to introducing you to Erika Johnson. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Erika, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is a normal day like for you right now?
I start my morning with catching up on messages while sipping a cup of decaf coffee. I have been caffeine free for over two years now. I then clock in for work whether that be my day job or working on art for my business. I run any errands during lunch. After my work day I do some daily cleaning up around my house, cook dinner and end the evening by spending time with my Husband watching a show or listening to music and planning out the next day. This is a more relaxed day. Usually my days are non stop.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Erika Johnson (Eri) and I am an artist based out of St. Louis, MO. My business is Frog’s Breath Oddities LLC, which I officially established back in 2020. I create earthy & macabre handmade art, jewelry, accessories, entomology & taxidermy. I was raised by my Grandparents in a small town down in Arkansas. We had a natural artesian spring in the front yard and a frog pond where we raised hundreds of frogs from tadpoles every year. My Grandparents and I were incredibly close. They taught me to love and appreciate nature and all of it’s beautiful qualities. Along with frogs, we had lots of other wildlife on our property. My Grandfather was an incredible landscaper and created several natural wildlife habitats around the yard. It was really a special little oasis I was proud to call my home. My love for animals and nature from how I grew up is what drove me to be passionate about entomology & taxidermy. When something passes away, I get to create a new life for it to be cherished after its death in a beautiful art piece. I put a lot of love and hard work into my pieces and each piece is unique in many ways. My Grandparents always inspired me to achieve and go above and beyond to reach my dreams. So, in 2013 I took a leap of faith and moved here to St. Louis to pursue an art career. It was honestly a little scary at first being young and not knowing what to expect moving from a small town to a big city, It’s a decision I definitely do not regret and have worked towards my dreams and goals ever since. I went to art school and met a lot of amazing people over the years I’ve lived here. I’ve worked hard to find exactly what I want to do with my artistic talents. That’s when I decided to start my own business Frog’s Breath Oddities and dedicate it to my Grandparents who are the people that have always inspired me the most. They have impacted my life in so many positive ways with their love and encouragement. My Grandmother passed in September of 2017 and my Grandfather followed in November of 2020. I miss them dearly and continue to work hard to accomplish my dreams, continuing to make them proud. Everything I do is in honor of their loving memory.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship with my Grandparents. I am the person I am today because they always believed in me.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You’re stronger than you realize and everything will be okay even if it doesn’t seem like it right now.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Success, happiness, my artwork and the people I love.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people remember me as vibrant, artsy, loving, unique, Halloween obsessed and an achiever that never let anything stand in my way of reaching my goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.frogsbreathoddities.etsy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frogsbreathoddities
- Other: https://linktr.ee/frogsbreathoddities
Image Credits
Erika Johnson
