Not only is Miss Melissa Johnson one of the sweetest girls around blogland, she’s also so full of inspiration, of experience and creativity it’s hard to wrap my mind around it all. After peeking through her blog, Best Friends for Frosting, I have no doubt that you’ll see exactly why this girl right here is making waves. Captured by the talented Rachel Valley, there’s more in the gallery!
SMP: Some words you live by?
For success in anything in life, you must bring your whole self to the table. If your dream job does not exist, create it!
SMP: Any guilty pleasures?
Eating ice cream or candy in bed while watching Hallmark movies. Chick Flicks. Kate Spade. An expensive pair of boots. Karaoke apps on my iPhone. Very expensive desserts. Simply going out for an extra long dinner to catch up with a girlfriend.
SMP: What did you think your dream job was before your dream job found you?
In high school I wanted to be a psychologist, but then I realized that I was more fascinated by that idea rather than passionate about it. After high school I was certain I wanted to own my own bakery. I worked at 3 different bakeries just to get experience to open my own. Let’s just say it’s not as glamorous as it looks!
SMP: What’s your favorite quote that describes your creative process?
“For success in anything in life, you must bring your whole self to the table.” I am a huge fan of blending passion and personality. I think it’s a huge part of branding, especially when you’re blogging or Youtubing it up. There is only one version of you, and no person can be replicated. Shine from the inside. You will always be your own best asset that will set you apart from the others.
SMP: If you had the opportunity to get a message across to a large group of people, what would your message be?
If your dream job does not exist, go create it! Look within yourself and unlock your own inner-potential, whether you’d love to sell a product, start a blog, or even start a YouTube Channel. Love what you do and do what you love. It will make you a better person. The fun part about infusing your job with passion is that it usually never feels like “work” and people will feel that positive energy.
SMP: If you could do it all over again, would you change anything?
Everything has been such a valuable learning process for me. When I first started blogging, I was obsessed with getting good press coverage, so I would scout out other publications with large followings and pitch grand ideas. Generally the ideas would get approved, and before I knew it, I was consistently producing all of my best work solely for other publications rather than my own blog. Honest to goodness, I would end up creating and collaborating on gorgeous spreads that a lot of heart and soul went into. I then realized that I was displaying my mediocre work on my own blog, but my best work- some that went viral- would be on other people’s blogs. Starting this year, I’ve learned to weigh my opportunities and only create limited original content for other publications that truly meet my aesthetic. I now take the time to make sure I feature a majority of my best work on Best Friends For Frosting in order to showcase my creative ideas and to better connect with readers.
SMP: What is one piece of advice you would give to a blogger just starting out?
Make sure that whatever you do bounces back to yourself and your brand authentically. Do what YOU love. Take time to find your own unique voice. I know, it’s a hair awkward at first but you will get there. Also, collaborate, collaborate, COLLABORATE! Whether it’s local or online. I think hitting the pavement and collaborating with local creatives and go-getters has been one of the most valuable parts of my creative process. When you have a handful of talented people who share your style in one room, magical things are bound to happen.
SMP: What is your favorite item in your home?
We celebrated Best Friends For Frosting’s re-launch party at West Elm this summer, and I also styled a brunch table incorporating their products-including their famous flamingo print. Hundreds of people attended the event. Our Editor flew in from Washington, and one of our contributors even traveled from Canada. Pinch me! That night, I promised myself I could splurge on one sentimental item that I will hold on to forever. Of course I went for the flamingo print. It’s not only cute, but it’s also a visual reminder that hard work pays off.
SMP: What’s your best tip for balancing work and personal life?
Have set office hours and be sure to always respect those boundaries. If you work from home, make sure your office does not feel like you’re at home. If your office has laundry hanging out or meets the same aesthetic as your home, you’re going to feel like you’re at home. I think a very minimalistic office can really help set the tone for focus. Basically, make sure your office feels like an office and not another room of your home. It does wonders for productivity.
SMP: What was the tipping point in your business that made you feel like your blog was going to thrive?
A huge tipping point was feeling the support of the community – whether it be a blog we featured an exclusive interview with, receiving submissions, getting press, or collaborating hands on with others. Best Friends For Frosting has built a thriving community and I am so grateful for that. A recent big, exciting tipping point was that I was selected by Delta Faucets to be their brand ambassador. They had me do 20 back to back live television and radio segments from a production studio in Hollywood. And I just got word that my entertaining tips will be shared in 50 national publications this winter!
SMP: What is the hardest lesson in business you’ve ever learned?
Before I launched Best Friends For Frosting, I helped my husband launch an art / music / fashion website. We actually ended up spending more than $10,000 on unnecessary legal fees to start up our “corporation.” It was an expensive, valuable lesson that we definitely learned from.
SMP: Stranded on a desert island question… what’s the one cocktail you would take with you?
I’ve never met a Cherry Shirley Temple I didn’t like.
SMP: What color do you think will stand the test of trend time?
Gold will never phase out. It’s classy, yet it’s such a traditional color. And you can spice it up with a splash of color too!
SMP: One thing every style savvy homeowner should have?
A dining room table- but you have to love it! I grew up with a family that made sure we connected and had at least one good meal each day sitting around the dining room table. Some of the best conversations and best news was shared at that table. This furniture piece can potentially hold a lot of sentimental value and hopefully be passed down through family.
SMP: If you could buy yourself a single gift of any cost, what would it be?
My dream home! If I said fully furnished, would that count as a second gift? If not, let’s go ahead and kill two birds with one stone while we’re at it!
Photography: Rachel Valley | Makeup: Jenifer Haupt | Design, Styling & Blog: Best Friends For Frosting | Location: Ricks Dessert Diner
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