Meet Kari
Hi, I'm Kari Johnston! I was born and raised in Clark County, Ohio. I went to Tecumseh High School and then got my BA in Sociology from Wittenberg University. I live in Springfield with my husband Paul, my son Noah (a Springfield High School Wildcat!), and my two dogs.
I was a "corporate girl" at a Fortune 500 company for the majority of my adult life. I worked at Assurant for over 14 years before starting my entrepreneurship journey. What began as painting furniture in my yard as a therapeutic hobby turned into selling paint, painted furniture, and teaching workshops at Village Chic Boutique in South Charleston, Ohio.
Now I'm a retail shop owner, a marketing and business consulting services provider, and an Airbnb host! If you'd like to follow along with my multi-passionate life, you can find me on Instagram or TikTok at @rosecitykari.
My Entrepreneurial Journey Begins
Rose City Boutique
In 2020 (yes, mid-pandemic), a fateful series of events resulted in us purchasing 115 E. Ward Street, the home of The Guitar Attention Center for 25 years. I opened Rose City Boutique as a means of connecting local artisans with customers who love and appreciate art and handmade products. To date, you've supported the dreams of over 40 makers by shopping here!
Diving In to Help More Artists
Rose City Consulting
In 2022, I started Rose City Consulting to support creative people in more ways. I began offering marketing and operational services to help artists spend more time doing what they love - creating! It's so rewarding to leverage my corporate experience to help artists grow their businesses.
Content Curator
Turquoise Iris Journal
In 2023, I was invited to become a Content Curator for The Turquoise Iris Journal. If you are inspired by creative people, I'd encourage you to subscribe - there are digital and printed options, depending on how you like to read. I will have articles in the upcoming Spring and Summer volumes. You can also find me within their blog.
Plus, I have appeared in three episodes of the Paint Talks Podcast - available to listen for free below!
Kari's Guest Appearances
Paint Talks Podcast
As a Content Curator for the Turquoise Iris Journal, I've have the pleasure of being a guest on Dione Woods's Paint Talks Podcast for three episodes.
I'm an AirBnB SuperHost!
If you're looking for a peaceful getaway in Ohio, check out the properties I manage below.
South Vienna, Ohio
Seven Pines
This spacious home marries the best of modern amenities with quiet, beautiful country views. Its convenient location allows for a quick jaunt to any event at Wittenberg University, Cedarville University, the Clark or Madison County Fairgrounds, or any stop along I-70, Route 4, or Route 40 across Southwest Ohio.
Hamilton, Ohio
West Side Manor
This home is perfect for large groups or multiple families who are heading to the area for sporting events at the Spooky Nook athletic center or to Miami University for Homecoming or Graduation. In less than 2 minutes, you’re in Hamilton, but when you’re at “home”, you’re tucked away in a quiet neighborhood.