An Inspired Chat with D. Johns

D. Johns shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi D., 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: Have you stood up for someone when it cost you something?
Every single day of my life. Every day of my life as a queer, black, educated woman I stand up for minorities, for human rights, to coexist and it’s not always met with understanding and compassion. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. We are in a trying time in America where all seems to want to be swept under the rug — but I believe in addressing the mess. And sometimes, because of my outspokenness, it can and has cost me jobs, cost me my livelihood, cost me my sanity. But, I’ll continue to stand up for everyone who looks like me, who doesn’t look like me, who needs a voice when theirs isn’t loud enough because the cost is peanuts in comparison to feeling imprisoned and powerless against a society built to shut me up.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
To sum it all up — I am a quintessential creative. Your favorite Artist’s artist. A creative blend of the sureties that I can in fact make it with just enough insanity to believe it. I am both in front of and behind the scenes, whether that means I am holding a camera, a microphone or paintbrush either encapsulates me. My brand is my story. I started as a girl often hearing hard no’s and creating avenues of soft yes’s. OoohShePaintin’ is a brand that not only says I am but I CAN and that’s the message of empowerment I hope to convey to the world. Growing up in Washington, D.C. , I didn’t go to the school of arts, I was just your average kid with dreams to make it big. In my own way. I push every envelope even in design as I’m big on colors, contrast and just originality. Currently working on two very special limited edition clothing lines coming within the near future. Exclusively dropping November of 2025.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My relationship with my mom actually helped how I see myself. She’s been so instrumental in helping to make sure I know who I am. She’s spoken life into me. She’s supported my decisions and most importantly given me the space to grow to be my own person without trying to indoctrinate me. We’re both water signs so we have a totally balanced and reflective relationship. She reminds me who I am every day. She speaks life into me every day and tells me I can do this. That I’m already doing this. It’s quite empowering to have a mother who still shows up and shows out even when you’re an adult. She set the bar so high that anything less than what she provides, I know in my heart is NOT for me. In my next life, I would absolutely choose her to be my mother again and I think that speaks to my heart.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You are CAPABLE. There are so many people who see you and know what you hold and they want what you have. They want your energy. Your smile. Your happiness. Your ability to pivot and make things shake. Your hustler mentality. They want your unwavering faith and they try to deter you. DO NOT LISTEN TO THEM. YOU ARE EVERYTHING YOU THINK YOU ARE.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely. There is no guess work with me. I’d say I’m absolutely rough around the edges. I cuss like a sailor but my heart is pure. I am the girl who’s down for Brunch, church, the cook out, the lounge. The everyday multi-purpose friend. Kind and light and love. Full of fun and just wanting to be free and I express that without feeling convicted.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Procrastinating! Complaining! So many things. Perhaps, this is exactly the way I need to start living my life. Because we never know.

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