Meet Shaun Johnson

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

Hi Shaun, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I used to see risk as something dangerous, to be avoided at all costs. Like many, I thought risk meant danger, and danger meant failure. But my entrepreneurial journey changed that perspective. Leaving a well-paying job to start something completely different, like an online dessert business, felt like a huge risk. But it was also a necessary step to pursue my passions.

I even dabbled in the stock market, with small amounts—never more than $200—while learning through online resources. This taught me that taking risks is crucial for higher rewards, whether in business or life. The key is to take calculated risks.

Over the years, I’ve transitioned from desserts to event production and now to graphic design with SJC Graphic Design & Digital Solutions. This might look like random decisions, but these are skills and passions I’ve always had, guiding me toward what felt right. My faith has played a significant role in these choices, helping me discern which risks are worth taking. Understanding that risk and faith go hand in hand has changed my approach to business and life, making even the smallest choices more meaningful.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve held many jobs since I was 12, by choice—don’t come for my mama, lol. From food and beverage to hotel hospitality, real estate to supply chain logistics, I’ve explored a range of industries. While some judged me for not sticking around where I wasn’t fulfilled or thriving financially just to maintain a cute resume, these experiences have equipped me with a unique skill set that sets me apart from my peers, especially my age group. I often see my lack of a college degree a weakness. But unlike most of my college-educated peers, I’ve gained real-life experiences—both good and bad—that have shaped me into the leader I am today. These challenges taught me to persevere through entrepreneurship and handle multiple tasks simultaneously, which I suppose I could attribute to my assumed adult ADHD.

At the heart of everything I do is art—whether it’s music, painting, graphic design, fashion or animation. I’m a creative at my core. We thrive on freedom and a little bit of chaos. Craving a lifestyle like this isn’t easy, but who really wants the ‘easy life’? I prefer a life with ups and downs, where the ups outweigh the downs simply because I took risks that others wouldn’t. For example, some peers are ahead of me because they’ve taken risks like becoming influencers and monetizing their personalities. I admire their courage—it’s a nerve-wracking, no-turning-back scenario that we all need to prepare ourselves for.

While I might sound vague about my future, media is definitely where SJC and I are headed. We’re focusing on less administrative support and more creativity, passion, and transparency. That’s where I find my peace of mind, and at SJC, “peace of mind is invaluable.”

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.
I love a beautiful restaurant with an experience: great food, even better atmosphere, and drinks to bring you back. Here are a few of my favorites from over the years:

Sea Salt & Bonton for my seafood cravings

La Parilla is a go to for margaritas and a good time (w/ a meal on the side 😉 )

Char & K-Pot for my Korean BBQ

Applebees & Chili’s for my affordable chill spot (don’t judge me)

Anytime someone comes to town, I love for them to experience Osha at the Brookwood!

Oh, and I cannot forget Egg Harbor Cafe!

I also love nature – which is actually very new for me. A friend and I recently went to Whitewater where they, or God, has some of the cleanest water around. Such a great time, but I love anywhere with a challenging hike and waterfall!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout definitely goes to my aunt, Vaneshia King. A few years ago, I was struggling with whether to leave my dessert business behind and dive into something I felt more passionate about. It was during the holidays back home in Southeast Georgia when my aunt asked me to plan and coordinate not one, but two of the biggest events I’d ever taken on—outside of my hotel leadership experience, which I typically had the backing of a full team of professionals.

These events had 200 guests for brunch and over 200 for an evening party, all on the same day, with just three hours to flip the entire venue. Honestly, I was terrified. I wasn’t as prepared as I would have liked to be, and it was my first real test of leadership and delegation in years. This experience forced me to evaluate my strengths and weaknesses and taught me more about myself than any other job ever had.

It led me to an internship with one of Atlanta’s top corporate event production companies and eventually inspired me to create SJC Graphic Design & Digital Solutions. Without my aunt’s faith in me, I would have never taken the leap into such a competitive, often female-dominated industry.

And if it weren’t for the support of my mom, stepdad, two of my siblings, and a close friend, I wouldn’t have made it through. That event was a success, but more than that, it was a turning point. It showed me what I was capable of, even if balloon decor isn’t my calling! My aunt’s belief in me set the stage for everything SJC is today.

Instagram: @sjc_digitalsolutions and thepickyartist__

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjcgraphicdesign/

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

Other: YouTube and more coming soon!

Image Credits
FeFe Jackson, FeFe Jackson Photography Shaun Johnson, SJC Graphic Design & Digital Solutions Taj Jackson, Rapping with Mr. Jackson