We’re looking forward to introducing you to Johanna Miller. Check out our conversation below.
Johanna, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Homeschooling my kids! I never intended to be a homeschool mom and I definitely didn’t understand how much of a change staying home with my kids would be. I’m glad I didn’t understand exactly how much it would change my life because I might have been too scared to make the leap if I knew how hard it would be; and then I would have missed out on the most precious, life-changing, and beautiful work of my life. I never even thought about homeschooling until my oldest boy was born and then a subtle shift started that gradually revealed to my husband and myself that we were becoming passionate about teaching our kids at home, building a family on our personal values, and supporting our kids in becoming the best versions of themselves they can be. While it was not my dream before, it’s absolutely become something I’m passionate and excited about now.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Johanna, an indie dyer with a passion for rich, complex colors. I spent 15 years as a licensed hairstylist, specializing in vibrant hair color and intense corrective color services. Though a knitter from my teen years on, I had never tried my hand at dyeing until my husband encouraged me to give it a go; and I quickly fell in love with the dyeing process. My goal right from the start was to create the colors I dreamed of, but often couldn’t find in skeins or braids of fiber. I use layers of rich color to build dimensional, complex colorways that invite you to take a journey in your crafting. Over the 9 years I’ve been in business, I’ve become known for glowing, saturated colors that you won’t find anywhere else: exceptionally deep, rich colors, stunning, complex neutrals, and vivid, unique color combinations. My skeins tell a story, whether they whisper or shout; and each one is a unique masterpiece that will inspire you to create your own magic with your hands. I believe the art of creation is a divine, sacred act, full of joy and wonder. I draw inspiration from a lot of sources: vintage films, art, music, dance, nature, my garden, science, literature, and much more.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My marriage is most influential. My husband and I met in high school and have been married for 14 years, together for 20. During that time, we’ve both grown a lot and changed a ton. I’ve always been a bit of a perfectionist, too hard on myself and others, a hard worker who often slips into workaholism, a creative who constantly fears following her passions because I’m afraid of being “irresponsible”. My husband has led me on a journey in our marriage of learning to question things I just took for granted, being brave enough to follow truth no matter where it leads, and living a real life of mistakes, passion, and curiosity, not just following a formula for comfort and what others consider “success”. Not only was he the first person to suggest I try dyeing yarn, he has always been my biggest cheerleader and support, believing in me when I doubt myself, encouraging me when I’m scared or angry, and walking with me through so many painful and joyful moments in life. He consistently sees me as successful, and he has shown me how to have more compassion on myself. Because of him, I’ve realized that while I always thought I was a rule follower, that when I’m not coming from fear, I’m a wildly creative, brave person who will sacrifice comfort to chase authenticity and truth. He’s shown me that I can forgive myself for mistakes because I’m not done becoming who I’m meant to be yet.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have been several! I almost gave up more than once after having children. When my first son was born 6 years ago, I was shocked at what a huge change motherhood was for me. I went from working in a salon outside the home and dyeing yarn late at night and on my days off at home to suddenly being home with my son all the time, trying to find a way to dye yarn and handle all my business things while sleep deprived and adjusting to life with a new baby. It wasn’t even the newborn days that almost did me in; I expected things to get easier within a few months and boy was I wrong! Just as I was finding my groove and deciding to keep my business running, baby number two came along and then I had 2 kids under three, a traveling husband, and a one woman business to run. After my second child was born, internet business was shifting rapidly, and sales were down, social media strategies were changing so much, I couldn’t keep up, and the grind of being on the internet everyday was really hitting me, so I took some time away from my phone and computer. With my responsibilities growing, my stress at an all time high, and sales low, I started telling my family and friends that I was going to have to close my yarn business. However, I had made a commitment to a yarn shop, so I decided to announce my closure after my next show. That show was a run away success, and I found new motivation to revamp some systems, and with a few changes to my workflow, some extra support from family, and a new mindset about what success looks like for this season, I decided to stay in business and give myself permission to just go slower. And I’m so glad I did…things are looking brighter and more exciting now that I’m allowing myself more space and time to create a business that supports me instead of pushing myself chasing other people’s ideas of success.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My family, first and foremost. I’ve always been devoted to my family but that’s become even more foundational to who I am since having my kids. My husband and kids, and our families are the most important people and the things that really ground me and motivate me. I am blessed to have incredibly supportive families, and even when we differ in our beliefs or lifestyles, we all truly love and support each other. The one thing I hope my kids remember about me is how much I was there for them and truly enjoyed them.
I think my friends would also recognize that creativity is as essential as air and water to me. I have to be creating almost all the time, but I enjoy changing up the mediums. So while dyeing yarn, knitting, and spinning are one of my favorite outlets, I love finding new ways to express my creativity through dress, gardening, cooking, decorating my home, celebrating the seasons, making crafts, and teaching my kids. I think creation is truly the most sacred joy we get to experience as humans and it shows up in so many areas of our life if we will just recognize it and be brave enough to follow the muse.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
I believe it would be my personality and joy in what I do. I think I’m very good at getting passionate about things and spreading that joy and excitement to others. I’ve always loved sharing my passions with people and I get a thrill from inspiring people to find their own creativity and joy. I’ve noticed a lot of dyers and professionals in the fiber industry talk about being more introverted and struggling with the social aspect of their jobs; I have always been pretty extroverted and absolutely LOVE to meet customers in person. I get so much life and motivation out of in person events and I seek out opportunities to connect with other fiber artists and inspire each other.
I’ve always tried to build a business where my customers get to know me, the real me. I don’t have a fake online persona and I really think I’m the same in person as I try to be online. I let people see little peeks of my everyday life and hear about my joys and struggles because I like to build a base of fans who feel like family. I value authenticity and want my customers to get to know me and feel my passion in every product they purchase.
One of the most common bits of feedback I get from customers is that they love reading my email newsletters because it feels like a chat over tea with an old friend: conversational, real, and vulnerable. And that’s how I feel when I write them: I’m inviting my fans into my world and I take it very seriously that their support is the reason I get to live my dream and do what I’m meant to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.potionyarns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/PotionYarns/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PotionYarns/
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