Meet Heidi Johnson | Nonprofit founder Storyteller Believer in Good

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

Hi Heidi, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The process of starting a nonprofit or a business that serves humanity’s problems is not the typical series of events that occur in starting a for-profit business. In 2002, when we started a nonprofit to provide chaplains of all faiths to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, we were presented with a problem and set out to create a solution, which we did. The process always begins with a dream, a vision, and a goal. The next step is creating a plan and building a team and community. That process made me wonder who were these modern-day heroes who set out to solve humanity’s problems and start nonprofits? From that question, the Charity Matters platform was created to share the stories of innovators, entrepreneurs, and inspiring modern-day heroes who set out to solve the problems of humanity with their incredible journeys of service.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Charity Matters shares the stories of innovators, entrepreneurs, and inspiring modern-day heroes who set out to solve the problems of humanity with their incredible journeys of service. What sets us apart from others is our singular mission to spotlight amazing humans who are changing our world. We are really excited about our new Charity Matters Podcast and bringing these conversations to life. Starting out in the software business and ending up in the nonprofit space was not the journey I had planned. Life is a journey and nothing is worth having is ever easy. So many challenges in being an entrepreneur and learning as you go. Persevering and believing in yourself and your mission was the key to working through endless obstacles and challenges.

So many lessons learned along the way but the two lessons are consistency compounds, keep going, keep working and it will come together over time. Lesson two is that people are good. Charity Matters is a place for all of us to be reminded that ordinary people do extraordinary things and never ask for anything. Charity Matters is a place to be inspired and renewed by innovators and entrepreneurs who are changing the world.

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.
Actually, I just did this last week with a girlfriend from out of town. I live in Pasadena but love for people to see other areas of LA when in town. I like to start with a dinner home after someone has been traveling it’s nice to stay put. Day one begins with coffee and breakfast from Little Flower in Pasadena followed by a late lunch at the Ivy. So girly and always joyful. Then dinner in Eagle Rock at Little Beast, so cozy and great comfort food and ambiance. I love to hike, so hitting the trails in Malibu is always so fun. My favorite lunch spot is Taverna Tonys in Malibu, their grilled octopus is unreal! Then Malibu shopping is always fun with stops at Surfing Cowboys and Barefoot Dreams. Sunday hiking in Griffith Park with a late brunch lunch at Alcove in Los Feliz. Then it’s time to head to Venice for a little Abbott Kinney shopping. This followed by a late Sunday at the Venice Whaler to grab a few drinks and catch the sunset. Order some Killer Shrimp to go and that is one perfect LA Day. Other stops for guests are walking the Huntington Library gardens followed by breakfast at Julienne’s in San Marino. A drive-thru of Hollywood followed by dinner at Cleo. If it’s summertime a trip to Manhatten Beach, a Dodger game, and a night at the Hollywood Bowl. There is always so much to do and so little time!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This is a shout-out to all our modern-day heroes who set out to improve the world with their incredible journeys of service. We have 30,000 nonprofit organizations in LA alone and all of these nonprofit founders, volunteers, and donors who work tirelessly to help others deserve a shout-out and support. These people are my heroes and daily motivation to be and do better.

Website: https://charity-matters.com/

Instagram: @CharityMatters

Twitter: @Charity_Matters

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Charity-Matters/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRuUTnx6rIA