We’re looking forward to introducing you to Christen Johnson. Check out our conversation below.
Christen, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is a normal day like for you right now?
A typical day for me begins with prayer and journaling. I like to capture my current thoughts, set intentions for the day, and reflect on anything from the day before that stood out. After that, I move my body—either with a gym session or, if the weather’s nice, a walk or jog outside.
Once I’m back home, I make breakfast and officially start my workday. I usually prepare my to-do list the night before, but I’m always adding new priorities as the day unfolds. My daily work involves editing and creating content, sending and scheduling emails, attending meetings, and maintaining client connections.
I make it a point to pause for lunch, then wrap up the day with dinner while watching a favorite show or listening to a podcast. Anything I don’t finish goes into my planner for the next day, keeping me organized and on track.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Christen Johnson, founder and Style Savant of SCB Luxury Styling — a personalized styling firm dedicated to helping aspiring sophisticated women in transition align their purpose with their presence. Since 2014, I’ve been empowering clients to embrace their unique body shapes and personal aesthetics by curating wardrobes that reflect their true selves with confidence, authenticity, and grace.
What makes SCB Luxury Styling unique is our holistic approach — styling isn’t just about clothes; it’s about mindset, self-expression, and stepping fully into your power in every room you enter. I combine a deep understanding of fashion with faith-inspired principles, helping women build timeless, functional wardrobes that serve their lifestyle and goals.
Alongside SCB, I’ve created community-driven platforms like Black Women Who Style and Project Style University to uplift Black women in fashion and mentor the next generation of stylists.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding my reach and my signature programs that blend style transformation with personal growth, empowering more women to show up as their most confident, purposeful selves.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
Honestly, my relationship with God has profoundly shaped how I see myself. Even though it might not seem obvious now, I used to be very shy and afraid to fully be myself. I often felt misunderstood and like I had to constantly over-explain who I was. But as I’ve grown, faced life’s challenges, and learned from those experiences, my confidence has steadily grown, and the fear of being misunderstood has lessened.
Knowing God and understanding how He created me gives me a sense of invincibility. While I still feel fear at times, I’ve learned to move forward despite it — doing the things I’m afraid of, trusting that everything will work out as it should.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Oh yes, I can recall multiple moments when I almost gave up. When I first transitioned into personal styling and was trying to find my footing, when all my consistent clients suddenly disappeared, and even when I had no job and no money to keep my business running, I felt ready to throw in the towel.
Mentally, I may have wavered, but I never truly felt right about closing my styling business for good. Deep down, I always knew this was my calling—to serve the people who needed me most. I trusted that my clients and new opportunities would come, and they always did.
I believed that if God placed this desire in my heart to keep going, then stopping simply wasn’t an option.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
There are many misconceptions, but one of the biggest lies is that you have to move to a big city to be a successful stylist. I believed that myself for a while. However, once I realized that technology allows you to make an impact and help clients worldwide, my perspective completely shifted.
I live in a small city where fashion isn’t the main focus, yet I’ve been able to build a profitable network and business here. Part of that success comes from being one of the few Style Savants in the area, but it also comes from growing in a community where everyone knows everyone, so word of mouth truly works.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
Yes, absolutely. In 2022, I had consistent clients every month, and the money was flowing easily. But despite that, I didn’t feel fulfilled. My work started to feel less rewarding, and honestly, I questioned whether I was truly making a meaningful impact.
That experience became a turning point. I was led to rebrand and rebuild the foundation of my business. I shifted away from offering surface-level services and began focusing deeply on creating transformative experiences for my clients. That change completely revitalized both my passion and my business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sophisticatedchicbrand.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scbluxurystyling/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christen-johnson-980b2585/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christen.johnson.7927
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsamINVYbkWAo-yqwf2I86Q
- Other: https://www.threads.com/@sochicchris
Image Credits
Reward @visual_reward (denim outfit photos)
Elena Felton @belleimageryportraits (all other photos)
