What inspired you to pursue Marketing as a Career Path?
I’m from Richmond,VA ,where my Grandmother was able to provide my brother and I with a stable home, while helping us navigate a time in our lives that was filled with adversity. At age 11, I became a member of the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Richmond, which was life-changing for me. I was able to discover that I had a talent for connecting with people, so much so that I was recognized as the 1997. “Youth of the Year” for the State of Virginia. I naturally moved into Marketing because I realized MARKETING IS SIMPLY BEING ABLE TO SPEAK TO CONSUMERS IN A RELATABLE WAY. In this field I’m able to utilize the gift I already have.
That’s an inspiring path for sure! Tell us more about how you were able to develop your Entrepreneurial Spirit to even fathom “ I swear I’m not Fancy”.
Throughout my career, I’ve been able to work at start up companies and even freelance. Those moments allowed me to figure out what path I wanted to take in my own brand. Giving me early thoughts of “I Swear I’m Not Fancy”. I started using #iSwearImNotFancy on Instagram and soon I realized that I was the only person using the hashtag.”. Growing up in such not so fancy background… I don’t necessarily consider myself a “fancy person” …at my core I’m still Steve johnson, III from Richmond and I have access to more experiences now . Which I share with the world.
When did you decide to go “full throttle” with “I swear I’m not Fancy”?
In 2019 my hashtags caught the attention of long time friend and business mogul, Courtney Holeman. (Courtney is a successful serial entrepreneur that has started and scaled multiple multi-million dollar companies in multiple industries.) Courtney immediately saw the potential in the brand and was the first to encourage me to make I.S.I.N.F. a business.
My followers would always ask me to put #ISwearImNotFancy on a Tshirt. A Tshirt line just felt inauthentic to who I am . So in 2023, I decided to leverage ALL of my skillsets to acquire a trademark for “I Swear I’m not Fancy” and officially become a brand. In 2023, Courtney officially joined Steve as a business partner and introduced him to Nicole Hardy and 1925 Consulting. Nicole Tiovanni Hardy and 1925 Consulting to helped bring “I Swear Im Not Fancy” to life.
Paint the Picture for us. What can guests expect at the “I Swear I’m Not Fancy” Launch Thursday, September 12 at Wine Lair?
Attendees can expect an informal red carpet affair boasting a curated guest list of Fashion Influencers , Media Personalities and those in Corporate America . We have partnered with 1925 Consulting and have sponsors like Harlem Standard, Exitoso Cigars and Microsoft for our launch event. Picture “I.S.I.N.F.” themed bourbon cocktails (Courtesy of Harlem Standard) and passed hor dourves. Supporters of I.S.I.N.F. will also soon be able to purchase branded merchandise, with a percentage of the proceeds benefiting Black Mental Wellness Corp.
What is the feeling you want to evoke into people when they walk away from the #ISwearImNotFancy launch event ?
I want each guest to feel that I.S.I.N.F. can be a staple in the event and branding space. I want everyone to feel like we provide experiences and a safe space for self expression that isn’t always necessarily championed in Corporate America. In years to come #ISwearImNotFancy will be viewed as the “Met Gala” that kicks off the Congressional Black Caucus Conference weekend!
What would be some advice you would offer to those that would like to follow in your footsteps?
You have to be INTENTIONAL! With every step ,with everything you do ! Being intentional in everything you do will go a long way in insuring your success ultimately .
