Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Johansen.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
At 32 years old, I can honestly say this is the best time of my life. I met my husband and best friend, Lance eight years ago. He has been nothing but supportive of me and my crazy dreams. I am also a mother to three amazing kids. My parents & grandparents have helped me out far more than I could have ever imagined. Without their help, I would not be where I am today.
Four years ago Lance and I found out we were expecting our 3rd baby. I was a mother of two and a full-time admissions counselor for a local technical college. My husband and I were not prepared for a 3rd child. We were struggling as it was with my older 2. But things were the way they were and we had to make the best out of the situation. Nine months later along came Kori, our game changer. Our three bedroom home was no longer big enough. Our cars could no longer fit us all. We were outnumbered. A newborn, a 4-year-old and a 5-year-old were going to be a full-time job in itself. How was I going to continue to work full time while having two kids that were not in school? We looked into childcare options and quickly discovered that I would basically be working full time just to pay for daycare.
After much deliberation, my husband Lance and I decided that the smartest thing for me to do was to quit my job and become a stay at home mom. We took a huge leap of faith and made the change. It wasn’t long after this change was made that I realized I had made a huge mistake. I was bored. I have never been one to not work. I have worked since I was 15 years old. I, in fact, enjoy working. The sense of accomplishment that it gives me makes me feel good. Don’t get me wrong, I adore my kids and absolutely love the time we spend together but it just didn’t feel right, me sitting at home with the kids while my husband worked full time. Sure I was taking care of the house and our family but I knew I was capable of doing so much more. After a little bit of thinking I figured out a way to have the best of both worlds. I am a full-time stay at home mom that runs my own business. I am able to go to every school function. Every soccer practice. I can take my youngest to a mid-day movie. I can go eat lunch with friends during the week. I make my own schedule. I work when I want to. I never miss a thing. I have the ability to be a working mom while not missing out on my kids growing up.
Please tell us about your art.
3 Little Birds Custom Creations is all about creativity. I love taking my customers ideas/visions and turning them into art. Whether it be a family saying, wedding vows, song lyrics, baby announcements, etc. I turn it into a piece of art that can be cherished forever. The majority of my work is done on solid wood and turned in to a sign to be hung inside a home, at a business or displayed at events. All I need are a few words, a picture, a theme, any ideas and I can design something from scratch.
The idea behind 3 Little Birds is to create something personal. Something that people look at and it takes them back in time to a memorable day. A reminder of good times & happy thoughts. I’ve made so many wood signs throughout the years. I’ve made signs that have been given as gifts to those that have lost loved ones. Those celebrating marriage. Those expecting their first child. It’s something sentimental. It makes me happy knowing I am using my talent to create things for people that they will keep forever.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing artists today?
Originality. There are so many people out there wanting to do the same thing as you. It’s very difficult to stand out and stay out.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
You can view current projects and past artwork on our Facebook page.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 281-961-7194
- Email: 3LittleBirdsCustomSigns@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/3littlebirdscustomsigns_britjo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/3littlebirdscustomsigns/
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
