Meet Clarice Johnson

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

Clarice, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

That’s a great question! Honestly, finding my purpose became crystal clear when I was pregnant with my first child. I had this overwhelming feeling that I didn’t want to climb the corporate ladder anymore. I craved flexibility and the ability to be more present for my family. So, I took a leap of faith and started a screen printing business from home. While the financial security of my corporate job kept me there a bit longer, that initial spark ignited my entrepreneurial journey and solidified my desire to eventually work solely for myself. It’s been a challenging but incredibly rewarding path, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m currently pouring my heart and soul into N17 The Lane, a sports bar and gastropub in Culver City. What started as a way to create the perfect spot to watch sports with my husband has evolved into a thriving business and a true labor of love. We’re all about elevating the sports bar experience – think delicious, chef-driven food, craft beers, and a vibrant atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. Right now, we’re super excited about two big things: First, spreading the word that we’re THE place for Tottenham Hotspur fans in LA to catch all the soccer action! And second, we’re expanding! The space next door will be transformed into a versatile event venue perfect for everything from milestone birthdays and engagement parties to corporate gatherings and unforgettable watch parties. I’ve always been drawn to building things from the ground up, and this expansion allows me to tap into my creative side once again. I can’t wait to design a space with an amazing vibe where people can celebrate life’s special moments.

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?

Looking back, three things were absolutely crucial. First, self-motivation. I’ve always thrived working from home, even before it was the norm. While some struggle with distractions, I find it incredibly empowering. No commute means more time and flexibility to focus on what matters. Second, my accounting background. Starting with accounts payable in college and eventually becoming a fractional controller gave me a rock-solid financial foundation. Understanding numbers, managing budgets, and making smart financial decisions has been essential to keeping my businesses afloat. And finally, mastering the art of multitasking. As an entrepreneur, you’re a jack-of-all-trades! You have to be resourceful, adaptable, and willing to tackle whatever comes your way. My advice? Cultivate self-discipline, embrace lifelong learning (especially when it comes to finances!), and don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty. Those skills will take you far.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did was instill in me the value of hard work and financial responsibility. They didn’t hand me everything I wanted; I had to earn it. Working through high school and paying my own way through college (with all the student loans that came with it!) taught me firsthand how hard it is to make a living. That experience fueled my desire for a stable career path, which led me to accounting. But entrepreneurship is also in my blood – my dad owned businesses ranging from a donut shop to a The UPS Store. Seeing his drive definitely planted the seed for my own ventures. Ultimately, my parents gave me the tools and the mindset to create my own success, and I’m incredibly grateful for that.

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