Meet Erin Johnson

We recently connected with Erin Johnson and have shared our conversation below.

Erin, we are so deeply grateful to you for opening up about your journey with mental health in the hops that it can help someone who might be going through something similar. Can you talk to us about your mental health journey and how you overcame or persisted despite any issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.

Mental health challenges are something I’ve faced, and I’ve learned that the path to healing and strength isn’t always linear. There were days when it felt like nothing was going to get better, and I questioned my resilience. But through it all, I discovered that persistence doesn’t mean always feeling okay—it means showing up for yourself, even when it feels hard. I reached out for help, even when it felt uncomfortable. I learned that it’s okay not to have all the answers and to permit myself to not be perfect. Some days, it was simply about taking things one step at a time—whether that was getting out of bed, making it through a tough conversation, or just giving myself the space to feel what I was feeling.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Hey everyone! I’m Erin Johnson.
I am a certified veterinary assistant and worked as a surgical technician at the shelter. Working as a veterinary assistant was more than just a job—it was an experience that shaped my patience, compassion, and ability to think on my feet. Every day brought something new, from assisting in treatments to comforting nervous animals. One of the biggest lessons I learned is that animals may not speak our language, but they communicate in so many other ways. I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.
Now, I have a new focus, my business Finessed Creationz. Here, I am all about blending art, innovation, and personal expression to create something truly unique. I take pride in every step of the process to ensure that what I create is a reflection of quality and creativity. At Finessed Creationz, it’s not just about what I make; it’s about the experience I provide. Whether my customers are looking for a one-of-a-kind item or seeking to collaborate on a special project, my mission is to create pieces that resonate with my customers in a way that feels authentic.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Learning to prioritize and be intentional with my time has helped me balance personal growth and family life. There are a few key qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge that truly shaped my growth and progress. Time Management, adaptability, and patience. Whether it’s with myself, my spouse, or my kids, learning to slow down and trust the process has been huge. Sometimes plans don’t always go as expected, but staying flexible has kept me moving forward. I am grateful for the growth and excited to keep learning.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

Right now, I’m facing an unexpected challenge—healing from a broken ankle. It’s tested my patience, my routines, and my ability to ask for help. Simple tasks can take longer, and I’ve had to adjust my expectations, both physically and mentally. But this challenge had a way of teaching me things I wouldn’t have learned otherwise. I’m learning to slow down, accept support, and find new ways to stay productive without overdoing it.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @e_johnsonblaq
• Facebook: Finessed.Creationz