At Home With Create & Cultivate Founder Jaclyn Johnson

Rip & Tan: Where did the idea to launch Creative & Cultivate come from? What did you feel was missing in the space for female entrepreneurs?

Jaclyn Johnson: The idea for Create & Cultivate came from a lack of resources. When it started as a side project in 2011, there were no media or events speaking to millennial female founders.

I decided to create that space thinking that there might be a few other women seeking the same resources—and it turns out there are a lot of us! I felt that real talk advice through the lens of being a working woman truly didn’t exist.

Now, there are so many resources for women in business and I am so thrilled for the next generation of women to have this type of access! 

Rip & Tan: What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned throughout your career?

Jaclyn Johnson: So many! But if I had to boil it down I would say (1) Your reputation is your resume, always be a pleasure to work with and this will take you very far. (2) Your network is your net worth, especially these days relationships are everything! (3) Get it in writing—handshakes don’t make deals, signatures do! 

Rip & Tan: What’s one piece of advice you would give your younger self?

Jaclyn Johnson: Invest in yourself! I put so much energy into my business and along the way, I sometimes forgot about myself and my needs. It’s so important, especially for all of the small business owners out there, to take time for yourself and work on yourself—even if it’s just something small. 

Rip & Tan: How do you make space to rest and recharge from your day-to-day?

Jaclyn Johnson: I am not great at slowing down, so for me, I love to cook and workout! Especially over the past year, my morning workouts and evening meals are the perfect time for me to relieve stress, take time away from screens, and learn a new skill. 

Rip & Tan: What were your points of inspiration when it came to designing your home?

Jaclyn Johnson: So many pins on Pinterest and hotels I have stayed at! I really loved the Spanish-style elements of the home and I wanted the inside to be modern and warm yet feel like a hotel.

I wanted the palettes to change room-by-room, giving each space its own personality and vibe. Some areas feel like Napa Valley, others Palm Springs, and others like Tulum—however, the overarching theme is cozy, modern entertaining. 

Rip & Tan: What are some of your favorite places and pieces in your space? Care to share where you sourced your go-to pieces from?

Jaclyn Johnson: My favorite spaces are the kitchen, outdoor fireplace, living room, and primary bedroom. The kitchen has a beautiful pink tile backsplash from Fireclay Tile and lots of items from CB2.

I have a lot of items from flea markets that I have accumulated over the years, but some of the most special pieces I have are from the NOPO, which curates collections from artisans all over the world. 

Rip & Tan: From the pops of color to the elements of texture, how did you work to strike a balance between modern and feminine?

Jaclyn Johnson: I wanted to have the house be modern with feminine elements, so each room has little moments that provide a feminine touch. Take, for instance, the pink backsplash in the kitchen or the teal accent chair in the primary bedroom. I was hoping for a 70/30 balance and I think we achieved that! 

Rip & Tan: What does living well mean to you?

Jaclyn Johnson: Waking up and looking forward to your day. Life is so short and we have to cherish every minute of it. Especially after this last year, I don’t take anything for granted.