Today we’d like to introduce you to Akina Johnson.
Hi Akina, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started creating with my mother from a very young age. She spent her free time crafting, so trying various new craft projects was the norm. My love for creating continued as I studied fashion design in college. I worked many years in luxury boutiques where I could surround myself with the finest fabric and designs.
I always dabbled in hand-dying then one day came across the ancient art of Japanese dyeing, Shibori, I was immediately hooked. Fascinated with the ability to create such amazing designs with fabric and dye. A friend of mine asked if I could make her pillows and the rest is history.
I started creating home decor and then kimonos. In love with the idea of a lifestyle collection surrounding around the home. Pillows, napkins, blankets, and loungewear full of color, inspired by living on the coast. The tropical plants, blue water, and sandy shores all flow into my collections from ocean blues to sandy neutrals.
I also specialize in creating custom pieces. Color matching and original designs made to order. Giving the customer the flexibility to create their own collection or pick from one of the Studio’s many designs. “You dream it, I’ll create it” is one of my favorite mottos.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I have been lucky to have many connections from my years working in retail. But getting people to understand the time and effort that goes into my pieces could be called “challenging”.
Stores are flooded with “tied dye” goods. Many are actually printed or imported to obtain a low retail price. All of my goods are dyed by me and most are made in the U.S., so I like to think of them as art and/or “slow fashion” (not sure what slow fashion would be called in home decor).
Many people do not think twice about spending good money on artwork to hang on their walls, but considering soft goods/home decor as the artwork is a different mindset.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am not your typical tie-dyer. I mainly use the ancient Japanese technique of shape-resistant dying.
A method of folding, binding, and clamping to achieve very specific controlled designs and patterns. I am inspired by the South Florida lifestyle which comes out in my color pallets. Coastal blues, sandy neutrals, and shell-inspired designs.
I also do a lot of custom orders. Color matching and creating unique custom designs. From home décor (pillows, table linens, blankets, curtains, and fabric by the yard) to custom silk kimonos and loungewear.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Leaving the (financial) comfort of a 9-5 job to sell your own art is always risky. It took many years of trying to create art to sell before I found my niche.
At one time I worked many different part-time jobs to give myself the flexibility to come and go as I please while trying to work my way into “self-employed”.
Not for the faint at heart. It can be stressful at times but I find that living in the moment and not getting too caught up in future worries is the key… along with good financial planning.
Pricing:
- Pillows $205-$325
- Linen Napkins Set $98
- Silk Kimonos $325-$545
Contact Info:
- Website: studioakina.com
- Instagram: @studioakina
- Facebook: @studioakinadecor
