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

Hi LaShara, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Balance is always changing and it looks different all the time. There may be a moment where I am able to work out 3-5 days a week in the mornings and be able to make time to read and cook dinner every night. Then business may get crazy busy all from a post someone shared and I may have to cut back on the gym and I may be too tired to read my favorite book. I think the most important aspect of balancing is really about what is more important to you. Balancing my businesses and my primary job is a challenge that I have seen many entrepreneurs face and hopefully in due time I wont have to worry about that anymore.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
All my experiences are what have molded me to who I am today, As a creative I have learned how to reinvent myself. Through watching others, networking and allowing myself to dream I have started a a business that is continuously growing with no real guidance. I would ask myself what could I do? What can I give to society? I have 7+ years in the non profit sector and I knew that what I was doing was good work and impactful but I knew I had something powerful and great to contribute. After evaluating my life, skills. awards and contest I’v won and praise Iv been given I realized that my voice is my power. I started a blog in 2016 and through that blog came my podcast and now I put on Podcast summits in the bay area. I am very servant minded which has allowed my to take a hobby such as juicing and turn it into a business offering healthy alternative food choices as wells and health and life coaching. This journey hasnt been easy as I still work full time and I would battle self sabotaging but Iv pushed through because Im trusting the process. I want the world to know my voice and know that I am always going to use it to support my community.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would have to take my friend to the wine country visiting my favorite wineries, taking tours and visiting the shops. Then to see as many historical landmarks such as the golden gate bridge, Lombard St, Pier 39 the MoAd museum and places where I have lived and business I patronize. We would have to have some of the best soul food in the bay are at Marshawn Lynch’s restaurant Rob Ben’s. The best part of my mini tour would be the opportunity to show my friend all the black owned businesses that are thriving and that I have an amazing network of people who are doing very well and giving back to their community.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to shout out my therapist Ms. Camara who helped me clear the fog in front of me to really believe that I am powerful. I was moving and making some progress but I would always get pulled down by my past traumas and it was through her support that I am able to not be identified by what has happened to me but by who I truly am and my skills and talents. My church family and pastor Dr. Coleman have been a family and support like no other, encouraging and supporting me. Lastly my cousin who thought enough of me and supports me for this amazing referral. I love and appreciate them all.

Website: lashara-lashawn.com

Instagram: Officiallytoojuiced

Linkedin: La Shara Johnson

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