Creatives Q+A with Johnson Vann Interiors
In this series on The Southern C, readers get to “meet” many of the interesting and creative entrepreneurs we know online through our social network and also in “real life” at The Southern C Summits. These individuals are the CEO’s, founders, creative directors, artists, designers, makers and doers that are shaping our landscape with their vision and ingenuity.
Meet Adrian Johnson and Bethany Vann, principals of of Johnson Vann Interiors. This full-service design on St. Simons Island, Georgia, is the collaboration of two seasoned designers. Boasting a wide range of clientele including high-end residential, hospitality and commercial projects, Johnson Vann is making their mark on the design world project by project. With an impressive eye for attention to detail, impeccable taste, and industry insight, this design duo creates seemingly effortless, yet strikingly memorable spaces. Offering their clients expertise in every aspect of the design process from initial floor plan creation and finish selections to upholstery and accessory selections, their style is recognized as a noteworthy mix of traditional elements with a fresh perspective.
#TSCSummit attendees will get to experience the creative talents of Adrian and Bethany firsthand as they stay on property at either The Cloister or The Inn at Sea Island as they have been involved with design elements at both. They have also designed the stage setting for this year’s Summit. We got a sneak peek and it’s sure to be stunning! In the meantime, get to know these ladies better…
(photo by Kelli Boyd Photography)
What did you want to be when you grew up and how has your background influenced your work?
We actually both wanted to be interior designers from a young age! We both worked for interior design firms in high school and college, which further cemented our desired career path.
Favorite business tool(s)?
In this age of technology, it’s ironic that our favorite “tool” is our old-school, reliable day planner. We are “paper” girls and we love how these help us keep track of everything from design meetings, installs and even our children’s schedules.
Where do you find inspiration?
Without question—travel. Whether we’re traveling professionally for site visits or personally, every experience and every moment is pure inspiration— different styles, textures and unique color combinations. As we spend greater time on hospitality design, we now take note of every detail in the hotels we visit. While most of the world seems to be looking down these days (at phones, etc.) we are often found looking around with eager eyes!
The rare day off – what do you do to unwind?
We are so blessed to live on the coast! It takes just a few minutes to get to the beach or to the boat. It’s our favorite place to relax and play with our children.
Best business advice or motivational quote?
“Trust your instinct.” Sometimes it’s easy to do, and other times it isn’t quite so cut and dry. Regardless, we’ve learned our first instinct never fails us!
For motivation- you can often find us singing Drake’s “Started from the Bottom Now We Here.” HA! It gets us pumped-up and inspires us to keep going! It also makes for a good laugh!
Five Favorites
Book—
The latest interior design coffee table book or cookbook! We are currently crushing on Mark D. Sikes Beautiful. It’s no secret we love blue and white! We also love Ina Garten’s Cooking for Jeffrey. We are long-time Barefoot Contessa fans!
Movie—
We both fell for “The Hundred-Foot Journey” is such a beautiful and inspiring film. The storyline is a terrific one of following your passion. And, it’s all about food—one of our very favorite things!
Song—
It’s so hard to choose just one and it often depends on the day or the time of year. But, typically it’s anything with a good beat. You might be surprised that Adrian loves a DJ remix and Bethany loves a good rap song!
Drink—
Lily Bolinger once said “I drink champagne when I’m happy and when I’m sad. Sometimes I drink it when I’m alone. When I have company I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I’m not hungry, and drink it when I am. Otherwise, I never touch it — unless I’m thirsty” — and we couldn’t agree more!
Indulgence—
A say at the spa … especially after a long install!
About the designers:
Adrian Pressley Johnson
Adrian, originally from Marietta, Georgia is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a Bachelor’s Degree from the distinguished Lamar Dodd School of Art. As an active mother of three, ages 4, 6, and 8, Adrian offers her clients an unparalleled combination of polished taste, an appreciation for the practical, and a keen eye for elegant details.
Bethany Cassell Vann
A native of Perry, Georgia Bethany earned her Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from Auburn University, which boasts the No. 1 design program in the country. As a licensed interior designer (having passed the NCIDQ in 2009), Bethany seamlessly balances the joy of raising two children , ages 2 and 4, with her design skillset. She offers clients thoughtful concepts that are fresh, bright and thoughtful.
Whitney Wise Long, co-founder of The Southern C and The Southern C Summit, loves to connect with Southern entrepreneurs and learn more about their creative endeavors.
This Q&A series offers her the perfect opportunity to do so!
For more of Whitney’s Southern Creatives Q&A’s click the names below:
Chris Hutcheson and Christie Shepard
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Eager to meet this talented team!