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

Hi Tracy Photojournalist, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Well, the thought process behind starting my own business derived from my genuine love for people. As a photographer/visual storyteller, I have done photoshoots for lots of women from all different types of backgrounds. One of the attributes that I have come to love is the strength and resiliency of women. It’s the fact that one would never guess that many of these women had experienced, at some point in their lives, heightened adversity. This is because they do not wear the pain and disappointment of the past on their faces. I really admire this type of beauty. Thus, I created a quarterly magazine called Haute Pink Mustard Seed Magazine. This magazine honors resilient women who have overcome heightened adversity and rose from the wreckage, beautifully. I get to travel all over the world and photograph strong, resilient women- something that I really enjoy doing, and highlight their stories of triumph at the same time. Hence, this love and respect drive my thought process behind the creation of Haute Pink Mustard Seed Magazine.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a Visual Storyteller through the lens of photography. I travel the world and photograph resilient women to feature in Haute Pink Mustard Seed Magazine. I am proud to be celebrating a successful one year upcoming anniversary this July 2020. Although Covid-19 shook up the world, we are grateful to be still standing. We are looking forward to see what blessings year 2 holds. Now, it hasn’t necessarily been easy to get to where I am today, but the key is to keep pushing through. Learn from mistakes and don’t be afraid to take risks. In addition to all the money and time it often takes for a thriving business to sustain, I’ve learned that not everyone is willing to share their resources or blueprint with you. For instance, finding a mentor within the magazine industry remains a challenge for me; especially when they realize that I am the creator of my own magazine. When I am seeking to be a student it seems I am often classified as a competitor. I eventually learned that I would have to chart my own path and create my own blueprint in order to truly set Haute Pink Mustard Seed apart. I prayed, studied, prayed some more, conducted research, saved my money, believed in my dream and published my own magazine. This is why I admire Voyage Magazine so much; they truly do support and give a voice to creative independent artists, and I truly do appreciate them for sharing their platform. I’d like for the world to know that the art of manifesting your dreams is a real concept. Every stumbling block you can think of in life I’ve likely gone through. I say that to say, if I can do it anyone can do it! And, when you do what you love creatively, the money will follow. Haute Pink Mustard Seed Magazine was created to honor women- the strongest, most understated species in the world. We are always looking for resilient women to feature. If you or someone you know has an incredible story of resilience, we’d love to hear about it! Please visit our website at www.hautepinkmustardseedmagazine.com.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting for a week this what it would look like: Monday evening arrival where we catch up, laugh and relax over dinner. Tuesday morning meditation/affirmation hour before breakfast at Milk and Honey in College Park. Tuesday midday bargain shopping excursion with beauty naptime afterward. Tuesday evening dinner at Slim and Husky Pizza Bar. Pizza and margaritas before heading home for girls chill time. Wed morning meditation and affirmation before breakfast at Atlanta Breakfast Club. Wed midday photoshoot tours of my bestie at historical landmarks in Atlanta (AUC, Auburn Ave trolley ride, King Center, Little 5 Points). Plus some souvenir shopping before lunch at Soul Vegetarian Restaurant in the West End before a power, beauty nap time. Wed night we can hang out at Camp Creek Parkway where there is entertainment, shopping and lots of food choices. Thursday morning meditation and affirmation before heading over to take a hike up Stone Mountain with smoothie/snack afterwards. Thursday afternoon pedis, manis then lashes. Thursday evening dinner and drinks at the Negril Village. Then, maybe to Sky Lounge for cocktails and mingling. Friday morning meditation and affirmation before breakfast inhouse. Friday midday community service handing out lunch bags or necessity packages to homeless women downtown. Friday afternoon visit to the Shrine of the Black Madonna cultural center then to Dekalb Farmers Market for fresh, exotic fruit and veggies before nap time. Friday night we get dolled up to go to Suite Lounge. Stop for lotto tickets on the way home. Saturday morning meditation and Affirmatiom. Reflection over a nice healthy breakfast at home, before my bestie prepares to head back.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
You bet! There are definitely people who have been super supportive in helping me get to where I am today. My parents, Joe and Mary Ann, have always had my back. They’ve encouraged me to chase my dreams and know my worth even as a child. My children, Dee and Rachel, are my biggest cheerleaders. They love seeing me win! Anytime I have a chance to grow, they are right there rooting me on. My siblings, Robin, Jonathan, Sugar Ray and Tito have all been such a great support. Whether it was adding fresh ideas or donating finanxially to the cause, they’ve remained solid. I’ve had several mentors throughout my life, and I am truly grateful for the seeds that each of them have sowed into my life. Ruby Pace Byrom was one of the greatest. Although she recently transitioned from her earthly existence, her spirit of mentorship will last forever. My team at Haute Pink Mustard Seed has been great! They believe in the mission and they work hard to help make it happen. All of the women that we have had the opportunity to feature deserve credit as well. Without their bravery, none of this would even be possible. My closest friends have always encouraged me to achieve my goals, big or small. Each of them have been a listening ear, a sounding board, and donor. My Facebook friends have even been incredibly supportive as well. Haute Pink Mustard Seed continues to grow because of them. I love these people and want to shout to them all out for their contributions!

Website: Www.hautepinkmustardseedmagazine.com
Instagram: @HautePinkMustardSeedMagazine
Facebook: Tracy Photojournalist Johnson
Other: Info@hautepinkmustardseedmagazine.com

Image Credits
Photography by Tracy Photojournalist Johnson