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

Hi Johnna, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind the success of my brand is authenticity. I’ve found that when I show up as my truest self and share what’s on my heart, it resonates with my audience more than any aesthetic or trend ever could. I’m so grateful that I’ve cultivated a community that appreciates that.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a digital content creator with a focus in the faith and lifestyle spaces. While I’ve always loved to share and encourage others, it was when I began to break free from the fear of opinion and judgment that I truly began to see my personal brand flourish. We live in a world where it is so easy to conform to what we “think” we should say or do online, and where fear can often keep us from expressing ourselves fully. This mindset kept me in a box for longer than I wish it had, but ultimately, I got to a point where I knew that I had something to say, and it didn’t matter what others thought about it, so long as I stayed true to myself.

If there’s anything I could offer to someone looking to branch out in the content creation space, I encourage you to 1) DO IT. and 2) Be more concerned with sharing from your heart than you are with keeping up with a trend. The engagement will come. The followers will come. But they will STAY because you have something valuable to say. Focus on the people and the connecting, and let the rest flow from there.

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?
Oooh, this is a good one! If my best friend is coming, here’s a few must-hit spots!

La La Kind Cafe – Stop here for coffee and grab a Lavender Bloom Matcha Latte, and “The Queen” Avocado Toast.

Food Hall at Legacy West – Come for lunch (and some shopping) and checkout a ton of food options! Also a great place to catch a game on the huge projector out on the patio.

Drake’s – Go for dinner and get the Ozzie’s pizza (just trust me ok?) and strawberry cake for dessert.

Waterproof at the Statler – Come here for a drink and a stunning view of downtown (rooftop of the Statler Hotel).

Bowen House – Great for date night or dinner for two!

Klyde Warren Park – Go for a weekend stroll, and check out the community events that are often hosted here (yoga in the park, anyone?)

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my tribe, and most importantly, the foundation of my faith. I’ve been blessed over the past several years in business as well as within my personal brand to be surrounded by mentors, friends, and thought-leaders that are always challenging me to dig deep within and show up as the best version of myself. SHOUT OUT to each and every one of them! However, it is my faith in God that keeps me rooted and able to maintain true authenticity and integrity in the digital space, and I truly wouldn’t be able to connect with my community without that.

I would be remiss not to shout out some of the books that have forever changed my mindset as well! A couple of these include: Atomic Habits by James Clear, To Hell with the Hustle by Jefferson Bethke, and Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, by Carol Dweck.

Website: johnnanichelle.com

Instagram: @johnnanichelle

Facebook: @johnnanichelle

Youtube: youtube.com/johnnanichellewilks

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