Interview with Pamela Johnson

I have known this marvelous person since our days at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, Arkansas (WAY back in the day, lololol) She is a burst of energy and has always been an absolute PLEASURE to be around. This lady has a story to tell and she tells it on her blog. Please read and enjoy!

SoBeautyMarked: What made you decide to pursue your brand?
Pamela Johnson -  By the end of 2015, I had gone through some major transitions in my life. In looking at these various situations – job loss, divorce, ended friendships – I realized that in each, I was made to feel as if I were not enough. Not beautiful enough, not gifted enough, not giving enough. Finally, I realized that I am enough and I began to dream. What if I embraced all of who I am, all that is beautiful and tragic about my life, and what if I became myself, unapologetically? And that’s exactly what I did!

SBM: What/who influences you? What/who doesn't?
PJ -  I am influenced by many things. I love books, art, music, and poetry. That often influences my writing. I also looove fashion. I’m influenced by street style more so than high end fashion. I suppose that’s because I’m not easily influenced by things that are out of touch with my reality.

SBM: Where did your passion for writing come from/begin?
PJ -  I’ve been writing since I was very young. Instead of being outside with the other kids, I could often be found in my room reading a book or writing in my journal. I wrote my first short story at 11, and it was sadly deleted because our old-school PC was…well, old.

SBM: What was the biggest struggle with developing your blog? What was the best part?

PJ - The biggest struggle is building your influence. The funny thing is, I thought the starting process would be the most difficult, but instead it’s been staying in the game. When you work for yourself, you are the boss. But you’re also the marketing department, finance department, the creative director, the researcher, writer, editor, and content creator. You have to continuously update your content to stay relevant and build your influence. Now, looking back, the best part of developing my brand was the starting process. I designed my logo myself, researched html coding and web templates for days, had a lot of sleepless nights developing ideas…and it’s been 100% worth it. Building influence has been worth it, too, but it is definitely hard work!

SBM: What about life inspires you?

PJ -  Freedom. The freedom to love yourself, know yourself, and choose for yourself absolutely inspires me and drives me. No one else is responsible for my life or my heart any longer. I am. That is both empowering and terrifying at times.

SBM: How do you advertise your brand?

PJ - Social media is so clutch! Ha. But, for real, utilizing these platforms helped me to increase my reach from local to international. I’ve had conversations with women from all over the world and it’s been so eye-opening and rewarding. My blog is www.unapologeticallypam.blogspot.com

SBM: To what do you attribute your success?

PJ -  Losing. I attribute the success I currently have to having lost everything. If I hadn’t gone through what I’ve gone through, I wouldn’t think the way I do now. I wouldn’t value myself as I do now. And when you can’t values yourself, it’s hard to value others. That’s why I care so much about what I do. Loving myself has helped other people. Isn’t that something? I wouldn’t trade it for anything and I don’t take it for granted, ever.

SBM: How do you handle life with so much negativity?

PJ - There are a lot of things to be angry about – injustices, racism, sexism, abuse…sometimes I get lost in my frustrations about it all. But, I bring myself back by remembering where I’ve come from. I don’t like what I’ve been through, but I’m so thankful for where I am now and the people in my world currently. Plus, I have to give a shout out to my partner. He is everything. He’s listened to every idea, every frustration, wiped every tear, and he’s been my rock in all of this. He is an incredible example of God-love. He’s the real MVP.

SBM: If you had any advice for someone starting their own business, what would it be?

PJ -  I think there are a few essentials to starting out. 1) Develop an idea. 2) Research what’s already available on that subject/topic. What’s great about it already? What’s missing? How can you add to it? 3) Just do it! If it’s passion and it’s within your abilities to do it, just go for it. 4) Once you do it, network. Get to know others in your field. Even if you struggle talking to others (sometimes, I know I do), the advantage of knowing somebody that knows somebody can go a long way when you’re starting out!

SBM: Describe your brand in THREE words:

PJ - Becoming Myself, Unapologetically