Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Johnson.
Hi Julie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
We have been part of downtown Corvallis for over 45 years, proudly serving generations of women looking for something unique when it comes to clothing, jewelry, and accessories. When Regina and I (Julie) took ownership six years ago, we were honored to become the next stewards of a beloved local business and proudly maintain the deep roots in our community. We didn’t want to reinvent The Golden Crane. The charm, the warmth and history stayed, but we wanted to continue its evolution and reach the next generation of women who would fall in love with our shop. Ever since we have broadened our offerings to include more sustainable brands, women-owned business, and we carry some amazing local creators and artists. Our approach has always been to stay personal; we want to take the time to get to know our customers, understand their style, and find that perfect little something that makes getting dressed feel joyful!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like many small businesses, we have faced our share of challenges. We took ownership of The Crane six months before the pandemic started; we had to adapt quickly while also finding our footing as owners. And from there we always seem to be facing new challenges like navigating the continuous changes of a retail environment. What has really saved us is the community and their support. Every time a customer chooses to shop local (whether in our shop or not!), an amazing artist shares their work with us, or someone just walks through our doors they become part of that community and our story. We are so grateful for that.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We specialize in our thoughtfully curated clothing, accessories, gifts and jewelry. Our collection reflects a creative spirit, craftsmanship that is built on longevity, and individuality. Many of the brands we carry are from women-run businesses, ethically produced, handmade or independently designed. I am particularly proud of our jewelry selection; we offer distinctive pieces that are truly wearable art. We want to create an experience when you shop here; shopping should be joyful and comfortable. We don’t want our customers to feel like transactions, but relationships that are built over time and sometimes generations. The community and warmth of our shop is something that cannot be replicated online. We’ve worked to create a space that encourages and builds individuality, and we want each of our customers to feel that. I would love for your readers to see for themselves that The Golden Crane is more than just a boutique. It’s a place where people can discover beautiful things, connect with their community and leave feeling seen and maybe a little more confident. We are always competing with a bigger store or fast fashion; but we stand firmly in our belief that there is tremendous value in personal service, in building meaningful relationships and offering thoughtfully chosen goods that carry their story to you.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Julie: I have always been drawn to poetry and some of the writers I return to are Paul Eluard, Delmira Augustini, and more recently, Anne Carson. Though they all have very different voices, what I find drawn to is their own unique ability to explore beauty, longing, and to explore what it means to be human. Poetry is a beautiful reminder to me to slow down and truly experience a moment or the small details that are so easy to let pass by. I feel like this is reflected in The Golden Crane. Whether it is a piece of hand-crafted jewelry, a unique garment, or a conversation with a customer I am drawn to connection and individuality.
Regina: I really enjoy reading music biographies and memoirs. Learning about a musician’s early life and upbringing, challenges they’ve overcome, what sparked their inspiration, and their rise to fame. I’m currently reading Stardust: The David Bowie Story which I recently stumbled upon in a thrift store. Stop in and chat about music with me any time!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thegoldencrane.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegoldencrane/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegoldencrane
