I swear, 2012 is the year of women finding their way. Meet Erika, from the lovely blog Radiant Republic. Not only is she one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet (and I’m pleased to say that I actually will get to meet her, later this May), Erika recently announced she’s launching a business that will allow her to incorporate one of her lifelong passions — working with kids. Between this new venture and a couple other projects which recently brought her out west, this girl’s future is certainly bright! I’ll let Erika fill you in on the rest. Get her BTS right after the jump!
1. Paris. Can you believe I’ve never been? I can’t wait to sip my morning coffee and nibble pretty macarons while overlooking the Eiffel Tower.
2 .The Swiss and French Alps. My fiancé and I plan to ski them for our honeymoon!
3. Mustique. Something about the privacy of the island sounds so appealing. I would love to unplug there with a stack of books and pile of breezy sundresses.
4. The Phi Phi Islands in Thailand. Those gorgeous waters and stunning rock formations seem like Heaven to me.
5. The “Cotton Castle†of Pamukkale, Turkey. The white water of the hot springs looks like a big, pretty cloud!
1. Good to Great
2. Blink
3. Outliers
4. The Tipping Point
Image Credits: Better Homes & Gardens; Thorsten Becker for Decor8; RealSimple
1. A sweet little beach house. Life by the water is so calming and wonderful.
2. Hard at work each morning on my blog and business. (I wouldn’t mind an inspiration board like Holly’s.)
3. Traveling the world with my then-husband and family.
1.Continuing to grow this little blog. One of my goals is to blog twice a day – and I will begin in April! I also plan to offer a new service in the coming months, so stay tuned!
2.Read one business book per month. A family member advised this and I’ve taken this goal to heart! Can you tell from peeking at my reading list above?
The future. 2012 is a very exciting year for us. We have two business launches scheduled for this summer and our Cape Cod wedding in the fall. My mind is constantly buzzing in anticipation of the possibilities the future holds. And I feel so lucky to have the encouragement of my friends, family and the blogging community!
Radiant is my long-time favorite adjective. I had created a list of potential blog names and that word was repeatedly scribbled across my list. At the time of RR’s launch, I was teaching high school social studies. I came home with a stack of papers and the words “radiant†and “republic†serendipitously fell together on my desk. The rest is history!
Image Credit: Erika Johnson
My fiancé, Andrew. For months, he has been tirelessly working to launch his new lifestyle brand inspired by the ski and surf communities. It will go live this summer and I’m in awe of his creative process and fearless approach to the start up. He is my sounding board and biggest supporter – and I’m endlessly inspired by his kick-tail attitude and infinite positivity.
I was so proud to complete my Master of Arts in Teaching at Simmons College last spring. My peers, professors and past students are my sources of inspiration for my new business venture (to launch this summer!) with a strong emphasis on child enrichment. I can’t wait to reveal more on that very soon!
Image Credit: Erika Johnson
Summer weekends spent on Cape Cod are the most rejuvenating. I love salty sunset boat cruises through the harbor with a cooler filled with Sankaty Light. We love docking near our favorite ice cream shop for an evening treat on the way home. What could be better?
I started blogging in January 2011 and I keep doing it because I get a such a charge from the design and blogging communities. I feel constantly inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit that I see on each of my favorite blogs and hope that my blog will inspire creativity in others, too! I am truly blessed to be part of such an energetic, innovative community! So thank you, thank you to each of you for playing a very important role in my life!
I love learning more about Erika! And those Malcom Gladwell books are amazing!! Definitely recommend them! xo
i love erika’s blog and i really love this series — it’s so good to get a little peep into other blogger’s lives :) xx
words cannot express how much i love this series. Erika seems like one of the sweetest girls ever. The advice about reading one business book a month is really good advice. My boyfriend does it and I think that’s why he’s so smart.
Erika sounds so sweet and like she has a lot of exciting things up her sleeve!
in dramatic fashion
Loved learning a bit more about Erika!! I’m embarrassed to say that I tweet with her a bunch but had yet to stop by her blog. Hooked!
Erika is such a sweetheart and one of my favorite people in our little blog world. It was so great to learn more about her! And let’s start a campaign to get this girl to Paris!
V, I’m loving this series! Every Wednesday I’m inspired, motivated and excited! My mind is racing and I’m trying to figure out my new venture. Thank you, V!
Erika, it is a nice change to have someone begin a business inspired by their love of children (as opposed to weddings/lifestyle). Congratulations on your upcoming marriage and adventure!
Victoria, you introduce your readers to the best blogs and ladies! I can’t wait to read more about Erika on her blog! xx
This is a new-to-me blog! She sounds amazing!! Off to check her out!
Loved learning more about Erika! This series is SO great.
Oh my gosh I love her, Victoria. Great feature. I love Malcolm Gladwell and I’d also like to join her in her future house. Haha. So great about her business too! xoxo
Great feature! All the Malcolm Gladwell books are a must read for anyone, especially for entrepreneurs!
<3 Kate
http://www.theforgetfulwife.com
I love these behind the scenes posts. Always great to find new blogs to follow and learn so much about the person behind it! Also love the Malcolm Gladwell books!! xo Patti
aww I love ERIKA of RR! She’s so adorable! Thanks for sharing her BTS with us!! xoxo http://www.brightontheday.com
Erika you are the sweetest. XO XO
Congrats Erika on all of your wonderful success!! I can attest that she really is the sweetest girl you’ll ever meet :)
i seriously love this post because it gives me even more reasons to love erika to bits! she is one of the sweetest people i am lucky enough to know, and she has an amazing eye for style too :)
I love learning more about Erika! It’s very exciting about her new business and I can’t wait to follow along.
It was great to know her! she looks like such a nice and intelligent girl! and I have already voted for her! Thanks for the introduction!