Meet Silvana Johnson

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Silvana Johnson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Silvana below.

Hi Silvana, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

Growing up, I struggled a lot with self-esteem and feeling secure in who I was. I often compared myself to others, not knowing how to truly value or love myself. Over time, I realized that confidence comes not from comparing myself to others but from learning and growing each day. As I matured, I began to understand that self-worth is about continuous self-improvement rather than external validation.

Having God in my life has been a tremendous source of strength and clarity for me. My faith has shown me that I am created in His image, with a unique purpose that only I can fulfill. This realization helped me see my own value, not defined by others’ standards but by the love and intention God placed in my life. Today, I feel confident in a healthy way, knowing that my worth is intrinsic and my journey is uniquely mine.”

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 create coastal-inspired handmade jewelry that captures the essence of the beach, using natural gemstones, freshwater and saltwater pearls, and seashells. Every piece is carefully crafted to reflect that coastal, breezy elegance that feels timeless yet fresh. What excites me most about my work is how each design comes to life through unique materials, particularly the gemstones, which are always the main character of my pieces. I love that my jewelry can make women feel beautiful, like they’re on an unforgettable vacation, wherever they may be.

Beyond creating, I also partner with local boutiques and enjoy selling my jewelry in person. Meeting customers face-to-face and sharing the story behind each piece adds a personal connection that I value deeply. It’s rewarding to see people resonate with the coastal lifestyle and the love I put into each design.

I have some exciting new plans for the brand, including expanding into more in-person events and building out my partnerships with local boutiques. I’m also working on launching some new products that will align with the coastal aesthetic and my goal of creating pieces that evoke a sense of tranquility and beauty. For anyone who loves jewelry that feels connected to the natural world, my designs offer something unique and meanigful.

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 qualities or areas of focus have been truly impactful in my journey: finding a niche, staying authentic, and actively seeking exposure.

First, focusing on a niche has been essential. When I started, I quickly realized that my jewelry resonates most deeply when it reflects my love for the coastal lifestyle. This focus has given my work a distinct identity that connects with people who love that same coastal, natural vibe. My advice to anyone starting out is to identify what truly inspires you and lean into that, rather than trying to create something for everyone. Authenticity speaks louder than trying to cater to every trend or audience.

Second, staying authentic to my style has been key. I’ve learned not to compromise on what I want my designs to represent, even if it means a slower build initially. Find what makes your work unique, and trust that there are people out there who will resonate with it. Authenticity has a way of attracting the right audience naturally.

Lastly, getting exposure has made a huge difference. Partnering with local boutiques, participating in events, and showing my work in person have all helped me reach a broader audience. My advice here is to be proactive. Don’t wait for people to find you; reach out, attend local events, and showcase your work in every setting you can. Gaining exposure, especially through local collaborations, is crucial in building momentum and credibility.

For anyone just starting, I’d say focus on developing these areas. Find your passion and stay true to it, work on creating a brand that feels real to you, and don’t shy away from putting yourself out there. Each of these steps has brought me closer to building a brand that I am proud of and that resonates with my audience.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

“When I feel overwhelmed, I try to prioritize and focus on the most important tasks first. It’s easy to feel pulled in a hundred directions, but prioritizing helps me break things down and stay grounded. I believe in taking action where I can, even if it’s just small steps—it reminds me that progress, however slow, is still progress.

For the things that feel out of my control, I find peace in giving them to God. Trusting Him has been an anchor in my life; I remind myself that for Him, all things are possible. This perspective helps me let go of the unnecessary worry and refocus on what I can do with a clear mind and heart.

My advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed is to take a step back, make a list of what truly needs your attention, and do what you can. For everything else, release it to God and trust that He’s guiding you. Embracing both action and surrender can bring a balance that makes even the most challenging moments feel more manageable.”

Image Credits

Chelsea Barret