Meet Angela Johnson

We were lucky to catch up with Angela Johnson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Angela, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

I feel like my drive and success came from sheer desperation and realizing that I WAS alone and no one was going to come save or help me.

I remember vividly sitting in my first nursing assistant (CNA) class, I was 18, newly pregnant, had no family to support me, but I was determined that I was going to create a better life for the child in my womb, then the life that was served to me. I sat there never feeling more alone then at that time and deep in my gut I said “Ange, you can change your stars”. I have used that phrase through my CNA class, my nursing prerequisites , nursing program, bachelors degree and masters degree. I would repeat “you can change your stars, because it will change your kids stars too”

So I began. I began by doing 1 thing at at time. Ok sometimes 25 things at a time. But my greatest skill is to just start. You can figure out most of it along the way, as long as you are not afraid to ask questions, look dumb and get laughed at occasionally.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Born into the FLDS polygamist community, I was placed in an arranged marriage with Cade at 16. Choosing to rebel against that life, I found refuge with my Aunt in Oregon, who guided me in transitioning to life outside that world. Together, we found Cade, who had also left the cult. Reuniting, we resolved to rebuild our marriage on our terms.

Our journey together began with the birth of our first child. During my pregnancy, a CNA class sparked my ambition to become a nurse. Despite having no formal education, I persevered, earning my Associate’s degree while Cade worked in construction. Upon graduation, I supported Cade in his dream of becoming a pilot, working two full-time jobs while completing my BSN and MSN online. Cade achieved his goal of becoming a helicopter pilot and now flies for Life-flight.

Nearly two years ago, we relocated to Washington to focus on family and healing. While working full time as a nurse, we decided to launch our own business. After years of infertility, we welcomed our precious rainbow baby, and having a little girl to dress up brought so much joy!
Yet, I wanted more – bright, vivid, colorful, and fun prints. So Glimmers was born.

Glimmers Clothing, our clothing line, is made primarily from bamboo fabrics, offering softness and comfort, coolness for hot months, and warmth for winter. I design the patterns and styles on my iPad, allowing me to create while being a busy working momma.

Throughout our journey, we’ve found hope in small moments, or “Glimmers,” which helped us overcome trauma and build a better life. These glimmers became essential to our healing process, reminding us of life’s beauty despite challenges. Inspired by these moments, we created our brand, Glimmers, to encapsulate this spirit.

Our bamboo clothing line represents my creative outlet, allowing me to design cute, adorable, and comfortable clothes that embody the hope and resilience we’ve embraced. Each piece reflects our journey from adversity to joy, providing comfort and style while symbolizing the glimmers of light that guided us through our darkest times.

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?

My biggest quality I think is: I am not afraid to fail. I have been to the bottom in life and dug my way out of that so I know that it is possible. I am not afraid to ask questions and look dumb. I got laughed at in college when I asked what the holocaust was, of course I was humiliated that I didn’t know what that was, but more then that I turned it into determination that I would be kind, figure out how to educate myself and I would provide a life for my kids that they would have a good education.

I feel like that attitude and determination helped me in developing Glimmers, because my formal education is in Nursing. I have a Masters in Nursing for goodness sake, not fashion design. I used the 3 tips I share below, and just started, asked SO many questions (still do) and I consistently take feedback. But most of all I try to have fun! And enjoy the journey. Life is so preciously short.

My 3 tips are:

1. Start! There is no better time to start a business then now (or 10 years ago) but START! Just take that first step, ask that first question, reach out to that licensing agency, contact that person you are nervous about, JUST START. Momentum builds so get that snowball rolling.

2. Don’t be afraid to look dumb! I know that it is scary and so much easier said then done but I promise you, if you can get passed the fear of looking dumb to others, you will make SO much progress. Other people do not care what you are doing, I promise, they don’t even care what THEY are doing. So put that fear aside and move onward.

3. Take Feedback. But not ALL the feedback. Have your few people that you know will be honest with you and give you constructive feedback and new ideas and reach out to them, encourage and be open to receive feedback, even when its not what you want to hear.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Absolutely! I am looking for Moms & Dads , Grandparents, Aunties & Uncles, and really anyone who loves to showcase bright vibrant fun clothes and also LOVES to be comfortable. I swear once you try our Bamboo lounge pants, you will be HOOKED. I would love it if anyone wanting to collaborate and connect would reach out to me on my socials.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Leadership Development
Empathy Unlocked: Understanding how to Develop Emotional Intelligence

“Empathy is the starting point for creating a community and taking action. It’s the impetus

Productivity
Where do you get your work ethic from?

We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but where does our work ethic

Productivity
Boosting Productivity Through Self-Care

When you have a never-ending to-do list it can feel irresponsible to engage in self-care,