Meet Adrian Johnston | Boy Mom, Oil Wife, Country Singer/Songwriter & Boutique Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Adrian Johnston and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Adrian, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Oh work/life balance is a constant struggle! Being a new mom, I am constantly reminded that I can’t just up and accept a show or event without making sure I have child care confirmed, or that it will work around nap time, ha! I used to be able to go out on the road for weeks at a time, and now that is not an option. Even the simplest things like trying to answer emails during nap time is a struggle! Mom’s are truly amazing. I’m so lucky though, that between my music career and owning a boutique, that both are flexible enough for me to dictate my schedule and bring my son along for the ride! Not many people have that opportunity to be a full time mom, and a full time career gal!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Finding a voice in the masses is hard, and I think what I have tried to do over the years is write and record songs that speak to the true nature of what a girl has to say! I think when you try and write a song that you THINK everyone else wants to hear, you aren’t being true to yourself and your art – and the listeners can tell! I have tried to be myself, whether I was encouraged to do that or not, and I like to think that’s why I have been able to continue down this road. Also knowing that it’s okay to do OTHER things that can compliment your art, but are still true to you! When I opened my store some people were confused but, clothing and style is a huge part of the music industry as a whole, and I have been styling my shows for years! Now to be able to host events at my own store, I am able to marry my two worlds! Who doesn’t love shopping, champagne and live music?!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh gosh, my Dallas go-to’s really depend on what mood I’m in! I could easily go have a hamburger and a cold beer at Adair’s Saloon while listening to a live band, or spend an afternoon drinking Mambo Taxi’s at Mi Cocina in Highland Park Village while window shopping. The thing I love most about Dallas is there is a little something for everyone! Now my days or more centered around a morning trip to the Dallas Arboretum with my son, but I like to think I am still cool enough for an evening at Adair’s!! If anyone makes it out to our small East Texas town, they would see me having brunch at 1852, a stroll through the historic General Store and then of course a girl’s afternoon at my shop SHEALITY.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have been so blessed with not only a supportive husband, and family, but the industry people that have taken a chance on me. When you jump into the music world, unfortunately, a lot of times it is sink or swim and major competition. So, finding the people who truly allowed you the opportunity to work alongside them, before you were “qualified” or had the years of experience was what gave me the chance to hone my craft and learn! Everyone from my first producer, Zac Maloy, who worked with me on my first 2 albums, along with teaching me the true craft of songwriting! To more recently my friend Josh Abbott, who took time during COVID to write and record a duet with me for this new record. It’s people like them that have taken the time from their hugely successful (and busy!) careers to give me a portion of their time, which I am SO grateful.

Website: www.SHEALITY.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adrianjohnstonclose/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AdrianJohnstonOfficial

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN_gntxpU1B8ltDG1KmdN6w/videos

Image Credits
Twinty Photography Lindsey Steele Photography