Cookie Johnson

Interview by Trisha LaNae’ (owner & publisher)

CJ by Cookie Johnson is the jean apparel line started by the wife of basketball great, Earvin “Magic” Johnson.  We will only make mention of her husband this one time because we believe Cookie deserves this entire article to reference her entrepreneurial endeavors (smile).  We love the idea of having Cookie Johnson as our feature this month because her business totally encompasses innovative entrepreneurs.  Coming out of the world of domestic bliss, Cookie decided to start her jean apparel line because she had a hard time finding jeans that fit her body type.  CJ by Cookie Johnson caters to the curvaceous woman of today.  The average woman is not a size 2 like we see most often in print publications and we applaud Cookie for providing a fashion line that celebrates true beauty.  We also loved the idea of Cookie taking ownership of a fashion dilemma and turning it into a business that could benefit other women as well.  We look forward to what other ventures Cookie has in store and we hope that you enjoy the Q & A where she discusses her business. 

TL: Hello Cookie, how are you?

CJ: Happy New Year!  I am very well and excited to have the opportunity to share more about Cj by Cookie Johnson with your readers.   

TL: Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to speak with BSM!

CJ: It’s true that my schedule has gotten busier over the past two years, but the best part of this new venture is being able to speak with and to women – real women – who are our reason for creating Cj by Cookie Johnson and it is well worth all time.

TL: After reading your bio I must say that I was very impressed with your fashion resume; I had no idea that your background in fashion was so extensive. 

CJ: Not many people are aware of my fashion roots.  Often times, when one’s partner is a well- known figure, you become more recognized as their spouse than as an individual.  But it is my wonderful beginning at Michigan State University – where I received a degree in Retailing of Clothing and Textiles – my experience as a buyer in a department store and my days working with sales reps that has helped in the development of this brand.  This 360-degree view of the industry was invaluable.

TL: You basically saw a need for a market that was otherwise being ignored by mainstream designers, aside from wanting the perfect fit for yourself, what was the defining moment that motivated you to create CJ by Cookie Johnson?

CJ: Technically, there were two defining moments.  The first came in a dressing room, where despite daily workouts and a healthy diet, I was once again leaving not only empty handed – but frustrated.  Thankfully, I had enough self-esteem to know it wasn’t me, it was the denim industry – however, not all women realize that fact!  The second moment – the moment that turned the dream into a reality – was meeting the “Jean Genie” himself, Michael Glasser.  It only took a meeting with Michael to see our vision was the same and that together we could do something very different from what was currently available. 

TL: Many denim lines have claimed to offer the same results, but have failed miserably. What sets your brand apart from others?

CJ: Cj by Cookie Johnson is designed to fit, flatter and forgive.  We pay close attention to the subtle curves of a woman’s body from the top of her waist to the bottom of her ankle – and we do it with style.  It is not enough that it’s just “not a Mom jean” it needs to be more.

TL: You offer an all-star line-up of styles – boot cut, straight leg, boyfriend, high-waist, and legging. What has been your most popular style and what can we expect to see in the future?

CJ: If the criteria that you use to consider a style as popular, is that Conan O’Brien ‘spoofed’ it on his show – then, it would be our Love Boyfriend Jean.  Conan and Andy did a really fun segment about our fit just after our Oprah segment.  This spring, we have many new styles that we are introducing, but I believe that our Felicity Flare will be the stand out piece.  They look great on everybody.

TL: I love the fact that your denim line offers quality denim at an affordable price, was this something you thought about while creating your line?

CJ: My partner, Michael is known for introducing quality denims to the marketplace – yet, we both knew that no matter what we do, it needs to be fit for the body and for the pocketbook.    

TL: Your fan base is very impressive, who are your #1 star clients?

CJ: I am so happy with the response from the Hollywood community and appreciate all of our celebrity fans.  It is thrilling to see someone whose work you admire, wearing a piece of my work.  And the fact the Oprah loves them is not so bad!   However, the #1 star clients of Cj by Cookie Johnson are the real women that I hear from at in-store personal appearances and on the street.  They are the ones that I work tirelessly to please – and they are the ones that will determine the future and expansion of this brand.

TL: How did you come to work with denim legend Michael Glasser, whose credits include 7 for all mankind, Citizen of Humanity and current owner of Rich & Skinny, how has your working relationship evolved during the process of creating your brand?

CJ: A mutual friend, Eula Smith, introduced Michael and I.  Immediately, Michael believed this to be a good idea, but it wasn’t until our first in-store appearance that Michael realized the brand’s full potential.  The very vocal testimonials from women, as they proudly came out of the dressing room – some of them with tears in their eyes – were enough to show Michael that what we were doing wasn’t just another denim line.  We were designing a movement. 

TL: Starting a clothing line today has become quite common.  What steps have you taken to ensure that CJ by Cookie Johnson will be around for many years to come, and what advice would  you give to those looking to start their own clothing line?

CJ: At Cj by Cookie Johnson, we work hard to create items that are the future classics – meaning that yes, we offer trend driven seasonal pieces, but we do them in a way that makes them your ‘go-to’ jeans for a long time to come.  My advice to someone starting their own line is similar to our design approach in assuring we stand the test of time – be sure to partner with someone seasoned, who understands that basis of a solid business, but that still has vision.

TL: You came out of “retirement” — from being a busy, full-time mom – to pursue your dream of fashion, what do you find most challenging about being a career mom, and what do your kids think about your new career?

CJ: In my mind, all moms are full-time moms – the career just gives you another thing to balance in a day. My children are old enough now that they have their own interests and enjoy their own personal time. I am happy to say that they are very proud of my new career and more supportive than I could have asked for them to be.  My son just started attending college and my daughter has quite the passion for fashion too.  This year, she was chosen to be on Seventeen Magazine’s Style Council. 

TL: With the New Year, what can we expect from CJ by Cookie Johnson?

CJ: Continuing our commitment to bringing women nothing but the best for their body, this Spring, Cj by Cookie Johnson is introducing in another set of superior fabrics. Among the contemporary fabrics is the Ultra Luxe Stretch Denim that adds interest and romance to debuting styles like the Felicity Flare and the Serene Straight High Rise. We are also, showcasing flowing; Lightweight Tencel in the Honor Wide-Leg, drawstring trouser and our new Supersoft Stretch Sateen brings a sleek, feminine sheen to the classic chino fabric.

I’m proud of the wide array of styles that make up our classic collection, but Cj by Cookie Johnson is expanding our designs offering new collection that includes sexy sateen skirts, chino crops, zip leggings, knee shorts and more.

TL: Well Cookie it has been a pleasure speaking with you, but before we close out the interview please tell our viewers where we can find CJ by Cookie Johnson, and how we can get updates?

CJ: It has been my pleasure, thank you.  Your readers can find the jeans online at www.cjbycookiejohnson.com or at prestigious retailers Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor and boutiques nationwide.  Also, for updates follow us on Facebook!

TL: Well there you have Beautifully Said viewers another great interview with another amazing person and until next time “Please allow your words to be Beautifully Said”

Thank you Cookie! In addition, BSM would like to wish you continued success.

CJ: Thank you 

Beautifully Said would also like to give a special thank you to Dana Sarbeck – WILDFIRE PR

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