The Artist’s Interview: Alexa Johansen, Writer, Founder, and Publisher at GoldScriptCo
Interview with Kimberly Phinney
The Way Back to Ourselves is proud to present:
T H E A R T I S T ’ S
I N T E R V I E W
with Alexa Johansen, writer, founder, and publisher at GoldScriptCo
Kimberly: Hi, Alexa. It is so amazing to finally connect with you! We connected early on in my writing and publishing journey. You were so gracious and informative, and even though our timelines didn’t line up, I knew you were someone I wanted to stay connected with and work with in other ways in the future. We are sort of walking similar paths, and I immediately resonated with you as a kindred spirit.
Just so our readers can get to know you a little, do you mind giving us your elevator speech? You know, a quick one-minute rundown about you and what drives you?
Alexa: Hi! I’m Alexa. I’m a Mexican-American poet, artist, business owner, former educator, and first-generation college student with a Ph.D.! I’m eight-years married to my best friend and biggest supporter, Matt. I love the mountains, rock climbing, my church community, and dark chocolate. Most of all, I really love Jesus.
Kimberly: Wow, Alexa, our elevator speeches sound almost the same... I have to laugh… You know, poet… former educator… artist… business owner… doctoral studies… and most definitely the mountains, dark chocolate, and Jesus… Just switch out Mexican-American with Irish-American!! Haha!!
Anyway, as you might know, a staple that has sort of become tradition here at TWBTO is the 6-word memoir challenge. At this moment in your life, what 6-word phrase best captures YOU and why?
Alexa:
“Giving my best and that’s enough!”
This 6-word phrase captures me best because I constantly need to remind myself that I am authentic, intentional, and thoughtful in how I show up in any given space; therefore, however I show up is simply more than enough. On the days when I feel tired or overwhelmed, I still show up with 100% of what I have to offer. And, on the days when I’m feeling great and energized, I’ll show up with 100% of what I have to offer that day, too. Even though those 100%’s look different, it’s still the best I have to offer. And, it is enough.
Kimberly: Ohhh, I love the wisdom in this! I wish I knew this sooner. I think I would have been much kinder to myself!
So, I know our readers are going to be extremely interested in your story as a writer and as someone who also helps other writers’ dreams come true with your editing and publishing company, GoldScriptCo.
I’d love to hear about your journey from writer and academic–since you have your Ph.D.—to publisher. How did your business happen and then evolve to where it is today? And how did your doctoral studies and accomplishments prepare you for the work you do now?
Alexa: Fabulous question(s)! I’ve been writing short stories since I could pick up a pen and write full sentences on my own, and I’ve been writing poetry since the fourth grade. Ever since I could read, I’ve always had a book on-hand—whether a fiction novel or a textbook. My identities as a writer and academic feel intertwined, which may be reflected in my degrees: my Bachelor’s is in English Literature and Creative Writing, my Master’s is in English Literature, and my Ph.D. is in Higher Education.
Ever since I was in kindergarten, I aspired to be a teacher. (Okay, fine, there was a brief moment when I was eight years old and told everyone I wanted to be a professional jump-roper… but when that faded away, it was straight back to being a teacher!) I started teaching at the university level at age 21. For those seven years I worked in higher education, I was truly living out my lifelong dream. I taught rhetoric, writing, public speaking, and critical thinking courses. I directed a First-Year Seminar program at a Christian university. This is why I pursued a Ph.D. in Higher Education – I wanted to continue to climb the ladder in higher education, while contributing to the research that provides insight on how we can support accessibility and equity for all students from all backgrounds. “Passionate” doesn’t even feel like a big enough word for how I (still) feel about students who choose to pursue postsecondary education.
When I left higher education, I didn’t have anything lined up. Can I be honest?
Kimberly: Absolutely, tell us everything. We welcome authenticity here at The Way Back to Ourselves, and we honor your story.
When God told me to leave higher education, I asked Him this question in November 2020: “Do I put my two weeks in now? Or, do I wait until the end of the semester? Or, do I wait until I have something else lined up?” God immediately and clearly responded, “Maybe, definitely, and don’t you dare.”
I asked, “Um… excuse me?” And He spoke again to explain, “Maybe put your two weeks in now. I’ll leave that up to you. Definitely leave by the end of the year; ensure this is your final semester of teaching. No more. And, don’t you dare wait until you have something else lined up; that’s not the point in trusting Me!” Yes, my jaw dropped. The next day, I put my two weeks’ notice in for the director (staff) position, and wrapped up my teaching (faculty) position in December 2020 by seeing through the final two courses I was teaching.
Kimberly: Some of this story hits me, having had a major upheaval in my life with my illness and losing my job. I, too, for very different reasons had to take a leap of faith in trusting God in this newfound wilderness I was in. But I do know one thing for sure now: When God asks us to let go of something, He always gives us something else to hold—and often, there’s something else is greater!
So, tell us more!!
Alexa: GoldScriptCo was born on May 11, 2021. Let me be completely transparent with you: I never wanted to be a full-blown, full-time business owner. I didn’t think I had it in me! To build something from scratch? Learn the ropes of marketing? Business and economics? Managing a completely different level of finances? Keeping up with social media? I was an English major, for goodness’ sake. I was also too terrified to go all-in financially. My husband and I married in our early twenties when we were barely getting started in our chosen career fields; we didn’t have extra funds for taking chances like this! Yet, God paved the way, and my husband reminded me at every single step that God’s way is our only way.
GoldScriptCo began solely as a publishing company. Again, it was certainly not my idea; it wasn’t even on my radar. Yet, God placed very specific people and circumstances upon my path in His perfect timing—and it all led me to suddenly owning a publishing company. I’m still in awe of God’s ways.
I’m also still in awe of my husband’s unwavering support and fearless trust in God’s provision. I would have let fear hold me back from taking this immense leap of faith if it wasn’t for God’s guiding voice, Scripture’s steadfast truth, and my husband’s reassurance. (Not to mention his complete willingness to work extra hard as our sole income earner while I built my business from the ground up!)
Today, GoldScriptCo is no longer solely a publishing company. It’s not even primarily a publishing company! My two more expansive services include writing coaching (for authors and students) and professional editing (for authors and businesses). I also offer ghostwriting, as well as consulting for authors who want to pursue publishing, but are unsure of the terrain and options.
I have a long list of how my experience as a professor and my doctoral studies prepared me for the work I do now, but I’ll touch on just three: accessibility, individuality, and creativity.
In terms of accessibility, my Ph.D. curricula was heavily justice- and equity-oriented. We studied the barriers that hindered students from being able to access education, and then studied the barriers that hindered them from thriving in education. I apply that eye for accessibility issues to my own business structure, the services I offer, and the way I aim to develop supportive relationships with all writers.
This, then, brings me to individuality. As a professor, especially in my later years of teaching, I stepped away from the “usual” way of running a classroom and began to implement more flexible and individualized approaches to learning. For example, I changed the final exam from being a research paper, to being a research paper, or an individual presentation, or a group presentation. One size does NOT fit all – not in learning, education, and growth. Thus, I apply a thoroughly individualized approach to each of my working relationships with writers.
This, then, brings me to how I apply creativity in managing my business and work relationships. Being a professor and researcher (doctoral student) in higher education kept me on my toes at all times. Between the students’ developing needs and growth, as well as the larger ever-changing discourse of education and technology, I found that it was best to remain nimble and creative in the way I navigated classrooms (the ones I taught in, and the ones I learned in). Thus, I apply creativity through attentiveness and curiosity. I aim to be creative in the questions I ask, so that I may challenge writers to consider perspectives they haven’t yet thought of, and to go deeper in their work and goals in new ways that they, perhaps, didn’t realize was possible!
Kimberly: I have to say a big YES to all of this. I relate with your story and journey SO very much and have found myself in a similar journey and space. Everything in the teaching world and my previous businesses (tutoring/educational services and then a boutique photography business) prepared me for what I do now—but I still am in academia, working for a university out of Chicago.
So, given all of that, what is your most practical and sacred advice to anyone who wants to make their creative dreams and talents a full-time gig? This might be for the hopeful full-time writer, editor, artist, dancer, etc. What mindsets and habits should we nurture within ourselves to help make these dreams come true?
Alexa: Goodness, I’m sorry if this is cheesy, but the only answer I feel certain of is this: Pursue and nurture your relationship with God. Only God will be able to nudge you in the direction of your true calling. Only God can anoint the path upon which you’re heading. Only God can provide you with a clear “yes,” “no,” “not yet,” or “not in this manner.”
Practically speaking… I’d say nurture your prayer life. That’s practical, isn’t it? Pray and bring your requests, questions, fears, and dreams to God. Then, quiet yourself to listen for Him and His response.
Also, practically, take one chance. Do something a little scary. (When you read that last sentence, what immediately popped into your mind? Do that.)
It’s okay if it’s something small—like investing in one session with a writing coach, or one new dance lesson, or sending one networking/inquiry email to that person or business you’ve dreamed of partnering with. You don’t have to commit all at once. Just ask yourself what feels a little scary and find a small way to push the envelope into that new unknown.
Kimberly: I love that! I always tell myself, my clients, and TWBTO community, “Just do the next small thing.” That is so doable! And it really pays off over time!
So, that being said, what is your best advice for burgeoning writers who are hoping to write and publish their work one day with a publisher like yourself? And, if a writer were thinking about submitting to GoldScriptCo, what kind of things are you currently looking to publish?
Alexa: My advice is threefold: (a) write!, (b) contact me, and (c) believe in yourself and your worthiness to pursue this. So, first, write! Even if it’s one word a day. (Yes, I’m serious. Start with one word a day. It’s so attainable. Then, it might turn into 2, 3, 46 words per day!) Truly, even if it’s two seconds’ worth of writing down one single word in a journal or Notes App, commit to yourself and your goals in an attainable way.
Second, contact me! I offer free 45-minute consultation calls for all writers with all types of projects and goals. I’d love to hear more about your current writing projects (or future aspirations) and would be happy to share more details about the services I offer that most spark your interest.
Lastly, believe in yourself. Your writing is worthy of pursuit. You will never regret investing in yourself, your goals, and your passions. I’ll say it again: Your writing dream is worthy of prioritizing and pursuing. Even if it’s one small step (like emailing me to ask about a free consultation call) after another small step (to then actually booking a call)!
Kimberly: That’s great and very actionable advice! Okay, so it’s clear you have dreamed BIG dreams and have made them happen. What personal history or experiences stoked those dreams and the required courage in your heart to make them happen? Was this something you always saw yourself doing? Did your parents or family culture help facilitate your ambitions?
Alexa: It’s funny – I vividly remember telling my cohort classmates in my master’s program that I never wanted to get my Ph.D. (I was wildly burnt out from classes plus working two jobs) and I never cared about being published (I was simply happy enough just posting my poetry on Instagram). And I’d tell plenty of people that I never wanted to start or own a business. (Many people would encourage me to start a small business to sell my artwork or typewriter poetry.) All three “nevers” have been achieved. But only because God opened the doors for me and showed me His way.
So, when did I have to tap into courage? In every moment I was reminded that God’s in charge, and He has a way of asking me to step into my “nevers” anyway.
(Spoiler alert: I always end up so grateful that He’s the one in charge and that His ways and plans are perfect for me, even when I don’t understand at first.)
Kimberly: That’s so good. You are making me think about all of my “nevers” and how wrong I was—again and again—about my life. God really came through to make a way in my wilderness and surprised the heck out of me with dreams that came true after being many years deferred. Bottom line (as you said): We have to TRUST Him.
Another great questions for you: How do you balance life as an artist (you write, paint/draw, and embroider beautifully) and a businesswoman caring for so many? I think many creatives can relate as they try to balance the real-life grind of work and family with their hopes and creative process.
Alexa: Okay, here’s something I’m excited to share with everyone: I started hosting “Artist Social” gatherings at my house. This is a key component in my efforts to stay consistent in making time for my own artistry. I have many artist friends here in Los Angeles. I simply invited the most local artists over to my house for dinner one evening and said “BYOA” (bring your own artwork!). The idea was that we’d share a meal, work on our own current art project, and connect over the highs, lows, and woes of pursuing artistry.
We now meet on a monthly basis. Our Artist Social gatherings are not only a highlight in our lives, but they’re a sacred space where we can share, hold space for each other, feel more known and understood as artists, and be held accountable to creating something beautiful at a table full of other creatives. I love that the rest of my life stands still while I soak up hours of artistry with these incredible women.
Kimberly: I can’t believe I’m saying this, but you make me want to live in L.A. just so I can be a part of this tribe. If only I had a personal jet!! Amazing!!
Alexa: So, I suppose my advice for balancing life, business, and art would be this: Find your people. Find others who also long for a time and space where they can put their life on pause to pursue a few hours of artistry and community.
For me personally, “balancing” my life as a businesswoman and artist isn’t ever going to look like a perfect 50/50 split in how I plan my time. It actually needs to be inconsistent, more like an ebb and flow. Instead of striving for a balance, I instead merely strive to listen to my soul and honor any moment when I find myself longing to create.
When I feel the need to write poetry or make art (and it really is just that – a need), I aim to hold myself accountable to answering that need by gathering artists around my table for a meal or closing my laptop and unwinding with a craft. But it’s not daily; it’s not even weekly. And yet, sometimes, it is daily or weekly. Does that make sense? The point I’m trying to make is – for me, it’s soul-led. It’s not structured or forced. I find a way to honor my creative longings and artistic needs when they tug at me, and that is enough to keep me alive.
Kimberly: That is exactly right; I see you completely. This is the same way I move, make, and create. I have learned to loathe forced structure and timetables after 20 years in teaching where every minute was accounted for. Now, as I heal and grow and go in God’s new direction for my, it’s all about listening to my body and soul. I have a running list of things I need and want to accomplish with deadlines attached, but I work on what is calling me when it’s calling me the best that I can. And I leave room for wonder and rest because I have to now. I nearly destroyed myself before my health crisis because I didn’t listen to my body and soul; in a lot of ways, I was a productivity robot doing whatever others demanded or expected of me. It’s really sad. So, I love what you share here quite a bit. It’s soul-wise.
Okay! A very important topic: It’s clear you are a woman of faith, and GoldscriptCo is a faith-based business, which is wonderful. What role does your faith play in your life, art, and company’s mission? How can other faithful creatives bring themselves and their faith into the spaces they inhabit?
Alexa: My faith drives everything. I pursue my relationship with God above pursuing anything else. When it’s time to take on a new writer for coaching, or sign on a new book for publishing, or make a decision on behalf of my company, I ask God first.
My life is not about me. My business isn’t actually mine; it’s been entrusted to me as long as God wants it to be.
Remember, GoldScriptCo wasn’t even my idea; it was God’s – thus, I bring every detail back to Him. If other creatives are looking for new ways to bring their faith into the spaces they inhabit, I’d encourage them to simply speak the truth. The truth is that, if we’re paying attention, God is in everything. Here’s what it looks like for me: When I enter a space (full of believers or not), I talk about God as casually and assuredly as I do anything else. If someone asks how my day is, my answer won’t be “Good, thanks”; it’ll be something more like “It’s been lovely! God really spoke to me in my prayer time this morning. I’ve been questioning this aspect of my life, and I feel like I got clarity in these ways… What about you? How is your day going?” My husband likes to point out that I do this effortlessly, as though it’s completely normal (to just talk about God like He’s here in the room with us… because HE IS). My husband also likes to point out that the way I communicate tends to spark curiosity or questions in those I’m talking to.
So, to other faithful creatives: Simply be a little more honest. Speak a lot more truth. Be a bit bolder about it. Try including some more details about the way God is showing up in your life and is all up in your business!
Kimberly: I love your call to truth and boldness! I am right there with you. It’s so refreshing to hear!
When it comes to the intersection of life, faith, and art, what is the most important advice or insights that you would like to share with our readers before you go? Feel free to deep-dive and take this question wherever you’d like.
Alexa: I’ll share a very specific intersection that I was faced with when it came to navigating life, work, faith, and artistry. In 2019, I remember sitting through a supervisor training session at the university I was working at. The facilitator read a poem about a farmer who suddenly passed away, which resulted in his spouse and children finding poetry he had written. They had no idea he wrote poetry! A question dawned on them: Was he a farmer who wrote poetry? Or a poet who farmed the lands?
This changed everything for me. It provided me with words to describe the tension of the intersection that I felt caught up in daily. I wrote in my notebook, “Am I an educator who writes poetry and makes art on the side? Or am I an artist who has a gift in educating?” I knew I was living out the first reality. And I knew I had it wrong.
I knew that the truest, most authentic version of my soul was to live as an artist and to apply my gift in educating others. When God called me out of my career in higher education, I knew it was my once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to flip my identities into their rightful places. Now, artistry is completely centered in my life and identity. And, through GoldScriptCo, I get to apply my gift in educating, supporting, and platforming other creatives, too.
So now, I turn the question to anyone reading this: What does your version of this question sound like? How does your body, mind, and soul respond to the very asking of this question? Bring this question to God; what does He have to say? What version of your prioritized identities is most authentically “you”?
Kimberly: I couldn’t love this more and just LIVED out this reversal!! Wow, this interview has been such a blessing and encouragement to me. I just know it’s going to bless others, too!
So, before we go, what exciting projects do you have coming up that you’d like to share with the readers about and how can our readers connect with you? Any websites, socials, or podcasts we can find you at?
Alexa: GoldScriptCo will have a booth at the LA Times Festival of Books at USC this April 20-21! I’ll have many of my authors present to sign their books, and I’ll be so happy to meet with new authors to discuss how my various services might support them and their goals.
GoldScriptCo will also be releasing another publication this summer! Keep an eye on our Instagram for announcements.
Instagram is the best place to stay updated with our services, events, and publications: @goldscriptco
Our website also includes detailed information (as well as the opportunity to sign up for our newsletter or to book a free consultation call with me!): www.goldscriptco.com.
Kimberly: Alexa, thank you so much for sitting down with us! What a treat it has been. Looking forward to connecting next! Maybe at a future Poetry Hour?? God bless!
Learn more about Alexa and GoldScriptCo here: GoldScriptCo
Alexa Johansen
Alexa Johansen received her Ph.D. in Higher Education from Azusa Pacific University. She holds a M.A. in Literature from Loyola Marymount University and B.A. in Literature and Creative Writing from CSU Long Beach. Alexa has been writing stories since she could spell and poetry since the fourth grade.
Alexa belongs to a multicultural Mexican-American family. Though raised in northern California, she has grown roots in southern California over the past fourteen years. When Alexa is not at her editorial desk or art table, you'll find her hiking or rock climbing in the mountains with her husband.
She also laughs really loud.
Contact Alexa through her website (www.goldscriptco.com) or Instagram (@goldscriptco).
Photo Credits:
PhD regalia photo: credit goes to Jones Crow. Photo of Alexa on mic at Village Well bookstore: credit goes to Luigi. All other photos of Alexa: credit goes to Bailey Yettaw.