Community Highlights: Meet StarAndia Johnson of StarAndia J.

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

Hi StarAndia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was inspired by my love of fashion and natural dyes! I enrolled in natural dyes classes at Kent State University in my undergrad years and quickly took a liking to different dye techniques and the array of colors I could get from natural resources already provided to us by the Earth. Dyeing with onion skins is particularly my favorite because of the golden yellows and oranges you can extract from the skin. I also enjoy dyeing with cochineal which is a tiny bug that produces gorgeous hues of pinks. As I was going through these classes for about a year, I decided I wanted to create a clothing business that would highlight sustainable dye practices and create unique pieces that would be one-of-a-kind. I got involved with LauncNet and the program Black Women Bosses at Kent State University and through that program I was able to create a plan of action to launch my business and learn what it takes to be an entrepreneur. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road being a new business owner. Some of the struggles I faced, in the beginning, was truly just getting started. I had sat on this idea for a year and I was trying to figure out what I needed to do to for my business and how others would perceive my business. Would people find my natural dyed garments interesting and cool? Would they be open to learning about my sustainability practices? I just didn’t know. By the time I had launched my business I had overcome this challenge by realizing that there are millions of people all over the world that love the uniqueness of natural dyed garments and there are others who are curious about natural dyes, just like I was when I enrolled in my first class a few years ago! I think there will always be challenges that arise but learning how to not let them overpower you is so important. You have to maintain and open mind, open heart, and be persistent through it all! 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
StarAndia J. specializes in made-to-order and naturally dyed garments. I create unique pieces using an array of natural dyes such as onion skins, cochineal, madder, logwood, pomegranate, avocados, and the list goes on! I also create custom-dyed tote bags and iron-on embroidered patches you can use to customize just about anything in your closet. What sets my business apart from others is that all of my items are unique and although the same dye process is used for all garments, there will always be slight differences and that’s what makes it so special and one-of-a-kind. I am most proud of my Onion Skin Dyed Tees! This tee is perfect for summer and the color is so vibrant! I want readers to know that StarAndia J. is committed to leaving a positive footprint on the environment and believes that everyone deserves an item that is unique to them. StarAndia J. will also be launching new natural dye colors soon and new items, so stay tuned for that! 

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up I was always the quiet/shy one out of my siblings. I was a little shy as a kid and fashion and art were always my outlet. I found that I really enjoyed my art classes and drama classes. I remember wanting to be in plays and chorus. I was always finding clubs/programs to be a part of and I was a Girl Scout up until 5th grade. I was always searching for a way to express myself and trying to break out of my shell by being a part of things at the schools I attended. I was curious about a lot of subjects but the one that always stuck with me was fashion! 

Pricing:

• Onion Skin Dyed T-Shirts: $30
• Bag- O- Patches: $40
• Individual Patches: $5 and up
• Pink Blue Sky T-Shirt: $25
• Pink Blue Sky Tote: $15

Contact Info:

• Email: starandiaj@gmail.com
• Website: https://starandiaj.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starandiaj/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarAndiaJ