Conversations with Amber Johnson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Johnson.

Hi Amber, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have always loved to create and make, resulting in my getting a degree in Product Design. In 2019, I created my first product (outside of personal projects), Root Vases, which are cylindrical glass vessels with a cork top designed for low-maintenance, hydroponic plant care. My sister let me have part of her table at farmers’ markets, which is where I started to sell the Root Vases to test proof of concept. They did well, so I decided to make it a business and I have been going ever since.

I recently rebranded and changed the name of my business from Autumn Journey Design and Decor to Original Remix. After several years of growth and growing pains, I wanted my name to align better with the vision of where my business currently is and how I see it in the future. Original Remix comes from my creative design process of taking ordinary objects and “remixing” them into something fresh and new.

Even though I’ve been doing this since 2019, I only recently quit my full-time job (in 2022) to give this my full-time focus and pursue my dream of doing my creative work as a living. I’ve also expanded my product line to include live plant jewelry and am currently developing several more products that will be launching soon.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Entrepreneurship is not a smooth road, and there have been many struggles along the way. Part of the struggle is having to wear so many different hats. Think of a typical business and all the departments required to keep it successfully running.

When you are doing your own business, you are in every department; administrative, customer service, marketing, accounting, generating leads, maintaining different revenue sources…. not to mention making the product. This can be very overwhelming and I look forward to the day I can “hire out my weaknesses” to focus more on my area of strength, which is creating and developing new and unique products.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My business currently consists of home goods and jewelry with an emphasis on plants. One of the things I’m most proud of is my partnership in selling my Root Vases in local West Elm stores. West Elm is one of my favorite stores, and I was able to sell as a local maker in the Boulder location from 2020-2022. I still occasionally sell my products in the Denver location and am thankful for this ongoing partnership.

Another thing I’m excited about is my Live Plant Jewelry Line. I officially launched it in the summer/fall season of 2022, and a post of a customer wearing the Live Air Plant Earrings went viral. It happened at a time when I was questioning a lot of things about my business. It was nice and affirming and helped me see I’m heading in the right direction and to continue to just put one foot in front of the other.

What sets me apart from others is the uniqueness of my designs.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
In addition to making and selling plant-related products, I also host terrarium-building workshops called “Plant and Sips”. If you have a corporate event, party, or any type of group-related activity you would like to do, the workshops are a great way to collaborate with me and my business. I also do custom live succulent plant walls, so if this is something you are interested in, I would love to hear from you!

I truly appreciate the support the Denver community has given me throughout the years and am grateful we live in a community that truly supports small businesses and shopping locally.

Contact Info:

• Website: originalremix.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/original__remix/ 

Image Credits
Blake Jackson Photography