A talent that led to an idea, rooted from passion, guided one SMU student to launching her very own business.
AJ Johnson was sitting in her apartment one gloomy day in Dallas, TX. Like most college students, Johnson began thinking about what she can do to make some money as a junior in college. Always wanting to create something and share it with the world, PrettyonPaper was started.
PrettyonPaper is a stationary company run right out of Johnson’s apartment here in Dallas. 
From designing general Holiday cards to personalized cards, Johnson truly does it all. So, how is this now 21-year-old entrepreneur so successful? Besides her knack for art and creativity, Johnson thanks social media for boosting her sales.
Johnson says sales for PrettyonPaper come from Facebook, Instagram, Etsy, and of course, word of mouth.
“My success on Facebook comes from me posting pictures on my page. Friends from high school and college text or message me their orders, and the sales go from there.”
As for Instagram, Johnson says it takes more than just posting. “I like to follow a lot of design type of people on Instagram. That way, PrettyonPaper becomes a brand that is known not only to my friends, but to outside people as well.”
With 408 followers on Instagram, PrettyonPaper is definitely making its mark. 
As a young communication professional, Johnson understands the “rules” of Instagram for a business. Posting on average three times a week, Johnson says it keeps her followers engaged and up-to-date. Around the Holidays, posts become more frequent.
PrettyonPaper’s Instagram page is clean, consistent, and inspirational. Followers can easily get in the Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter spirit, as well as everything in between.
And of course, Etsy is predominately where Johnson see’s her biggest success in sales. Etsy is a peer-to-peer e-commerce website focused on handmade or vintage items and supplies, as well as unique factory-manufactured items. Here, Johnson is able to display all of her sets of stationery with prices to follow.
While PrettyonPaper continues to be successful and grow, Johnson focuses on spending time with friends as she nears her end at Southern Methodist University.
Hoping to be an inspiration to other artists with big hopes and aspirations, Johnson sure has made her entrepreneur mark at a young age.
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