The fact that you're here and want to know more means so much.
I'm Stevie J., and Billie Jean is my passion project.
I once heard that the things you love as a child are actually indicative of the career you should choose as an adult. My favorite things were always art, fashion, and video production. I contemplated a career in broadcast communications, and if it hadn't been for my introverted nature, I just might be your local TV news reporter. Instead, I graduated with a degree in visual arts communications, and that put me on the long (sometimes really long) winding path to where I am now. Over the past 20 years, I have worked for my local Borough and Chamber of Commerce planning community events; a large community foundation where I managed digital and print projects like annual reports and liaised with advertising agencies, designers, and photographers; and now work for a non-profit agency that provides services for adults with Intellectual Development Disorder. I have always found a way to use my art and my communication skills to help people, and build relationships; but it wasn't until I created Billie Jean that I felt I truly started tapping into who I am as a person, and finding my creative voice and place in this life.
Having nieces and nephews with dynamic personalities- that I adore more than anything in this world- inspired me to create custom denim jackets to showcase each of their unique likes and interests. I made all three of them (there are now six) a jacket for Christmas in 2017, and the rest, as they say, is history. Well, maybe not history. It took me awhile to find my niche, and it also took a lot of encouragement, and faith from friends and family. In a few short years, I have had the unique opportunity to sell my work in Jeppie, Ribbon Bridal, and Cord + Iron; as well as to showcase some pieces at New York Bridal Fashion Week, the Rock Steelers Style Fashion Show, and in Table Magazine.
I have partnered with my husband, artist Allen Johnson, to create locally sourced, sustainable, hand-carved accessories for Billie Jean. Allen has experience in lost wax casting, and creating amazing pieces of jewelry, as well as writing and producing his own music. He dabbles in various other artistic mediums such as block printing and digital print and sticker design.
At the end of 2023, we launched Rebel Goods in partnership with Cord + Iron. Our online storefront currently offers curated vintage home and interior decor, and we plan to add vintage inspired pieces and art as well as interior design consulting focused mostly on small, local businesses in 2024.
I don't know where this road will take me, but I'm here now, and I'm having fun. That's all that matters.