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

Hi Teresa, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m of Native American heritage, Choctaw, and inherited my mothers turquoise jewelry collection. I needed a safe way to travel with and carry my heirloom squash blossom necklace. I designed, and filed for a patent on a squash blossom necklace case. As a travel nurse, I began to design travel accessories that I needed, adding western flair.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I was invited on my first ever girls trip in 2019. I didn’t have nice luggage so I took some vintage pieces, added old tooled leather belts and some western flair and got lots of compliments. Other ladies wanted me to revamp their sentimental luggage, cases that belonged to their mother or grandmother. I loved breathing new life into that old luggage that had been carried by their loved one. I carried my cherished turquoise jewelry in a bag, which wasn’t safe. I designed a jewelry case that would secure your jewelry and keep it safe when traveling. I then recognized the need for a safe way to carry your jewelry and grew from there.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The stockyards. I love and live the western lifestyle, so many different things to see and do in Fort Worth. I would start with the Cowgirl Hall of Fame, watch the cattle drive on Exchange Street, dinner at Joe T Garcia’s, then two-stepping at Billy Bobs.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ve devoted my life to raising my children, and to the nursing profession. At 47 years old, I remarried the most loving supportive man who supports and encourages me and all that I do, without him I would have never had the courage or confidence to even try to start a business. My mother, a true artist, instilled my love of design and “making beautiful things.” I am blessed with a loving family.

Website: Vintagecowgirlcases.com

Instagram: @vintagecowgirlcases

Facebook: Vintage Cowgirl Cases

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