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

Hi Sherri, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I believe I was born with an entrepreneurial spirit. I became a personal trainer and worked in a women’s gym. My first company was called Risrap. The risrap was a denim wrist cuff made from recycled jeans, which had a hidden pocket to hold small jewelry or a locker key when exercising. It was challenging to find reliable manufacturers to produce the cuffs. So I pivot by jumping into creating a legging brand. My original vision for Risrap was to start creating accessories and clothing targeting women’s needs for their gym experience. Due to my profession, I wore leggings every day; and I wanted to design premium quality leggings with pockets. I also wanted women to feel comfortable, confident, and cute when they stepped into the gym or out on the town. w29 Activewear are my go to leggings.

My mother passed away at the age of 29 from a brain aneurysm. Her name is Wanda. Naming the company in honor of my mother is so personal to my soul. She instilled determination in me no matter the circumstances and focus, and it has been the driving force to create W29 Activewear.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As an entrepreneur, I wear many hats. When I started my fitness profession as a personal trainer, I never intended to work in the fitness industry. My husband supported my dream to return to college to get my business management degree. It was so worth it! It was worth all the challenges I faced as an adult learner and raising my two boys daily. The only employment I could find after receiving my degree was working at a women’s gym due to its flexible hours, which allowed me to pick up my children after school.

I have been in the fitness industry for over 13 years and love it! Having the privilege of helping women discover their inner strengths has been so meaningful to me. I post myself exercising daily on my IG to help motivate people to move their bodies at least 30 minutes a day to start. #just30mins

I started W29 Activewear with no knowledge of the apparel business. I was truly blessed to have met people along the way who taught me about the apparel industry. There was a period when I could no longer focus on W29 Activewear due to life and family experiences. I doubted if I should start working on my business again, but my family kept motivating me to keep going. I had to remember making mistakes helped me learn and to make better choices.

One of my other passion is cooking. I became a vegan seven years ago, so I had to learn how to cook without using animal products. It has been fun and educational to share what I cook in the kitchen with our Facebook audience on UnchainedTv. I am a co-host of “PlantBased in the ‘Burbs vegan cooking show. The show’s premise is to help people move towards having more plants on their plates.
What I learned about myself is that I am resilient, persistent, and constantly evolving. I know it’s cliche, but you must believe in yourself and your purpose.

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.
A lot has changed since the pandemic, and more places are hosting events in Los Angeles now. I’m a very spontaneous person. So planning out a whole itinerary is not my thing. I listed some places I would visit. I love being active so hiking, playing Pickle Ball and other physical activities. We would visit Malibu Beach, Venice Beach, The Getty, Rodeo Drive, The Hollywood Sign, and a trip to Santa Barbara and Hollywood Bowl.
Restaurants: Nic’s on Beverly, Plant Food and Wine, Crossroads, El Cocinero, Triple Beam Pizza, and Donut Friends.
I would host a dinner and have friends hang out at my home with great company, food, and drinks.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

I want to shout out those who shaped me but are no longer here—first, my mother, for bringing me into this world. Secondly is my grandma Marietta Pinner. She was a dynamic, strong, and loving woman who stepped in to raise my sister and me after my mother ( her daughter) passed away. She taught me so many life lessons. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without my grandmother’s influence.
My mother-in-law Lydia Johnson became my confidant and gave me sound advice when needed. I am thankful for having these women in my life.
Having a supported family is everything to your success. My husband, Charlie Johnson, is my biggest champion. He is very loving and supportive. When I doubt myself, he is there to encourage me to keep going. Lastly, my two sons, Devin and Chase, motivate me daily not to give up and tell me, “Mom, you can do anything .”

Website: www.w29activewear.com

Instagram: @sherrisheree. @plantbasedintheburbs

Linkedin: Sherri Johnson/W29Activewear

Twitter: Sherrisheree1

Facebook: Sherri Johnson Plant Based In The’Burbs

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