Meet Erin Johnson of harris lane

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

Hi Erin, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Erin Johnson. I’ve been creating for as long as I can remember. 

I am an Ohio girl, born and raised in the suburbs of Columbus. 

I am mama to Kole (22), Lanee (21), Abbie (16) & Brody (14). 

Although they make me pull out my hair, I wouldn’t have it any other way. 

My husband, Sean, is a patient guy. Lucky for me because my creative mess often takes over. 

In 2002, I began to teach papercrafting and worked as a designer for several scrapbook companies/magazines. I’ve even designed and written my own idea book. 

In 2008 I started fourmunkees and started selling my goods at some of the best-juried craft shows that Columbus had to offer and sold at two brick and morter stores. My focus was on children’s clothing, dresses, tee shirts. Bibs, blankets, plushies. 

In the fall of 2014, I was given the opportunity to sell some of my items at a local store in CW. The things I started creating were a tad out of my comfort zone which pushed me to learn new things and work harder. I was often asked If I can “make this” or “make that,” to which I always say, “let me see what I can do!” In the spring of 2015, I was asked about signs and lettering, and that’s how it all began. 

In 2018, we decided to open our own brick-and-mortar. The shop is a reflection of all the things we love. Home decor, gifts, clothing, jewelry, and accessories. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Our biggest obstacle has been Covid and the shutdown in 2020. We were closed for close to 3 months. The first week of the mandate, I buried my head full of fear. I woke up one morning and thought to myself, I gotta get it together, I can’t let my girls see me fail. We began to go “live” on Facebook and selling our items via the internet. We were never busier. We had never worked harder, but it was a game changer for our business. The support we received, customers shopping small was what kept us open. 

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
harris lane & co. is a small shop that prides its self on fantastic customer service, reasonable boutique pricing, and one-of-a-kind finds. 

The majority of our items are “found.” 

We thrift, garage sale, flea market, and attend estate sales to find unique items. We do offer wholesale items such as cards and gifts, but the majority of our inventory is curated one piece at a time. 

The best compliment we can receive is that we’re so friendly and welcoming. 

How do you define success?
Success is welcoming the same customers to our shop week after week. Knowing they come to see us and new arrivals/finds is such a huge compliment to the work that we do. Receiving a text message looking for a unique item because they “knew we’d have the right gift” is the biggest reward. 

Contact Info:

• Website: harrislaneco.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/harrislaneco
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harrislaneco