Johanna Frappier
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My Interview With Johanna
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Johanna Frappier's Interview
Today, I get the pleasure of interviewing Johanna Frappier. Johanna is an extraordinary entrepreneur! A very hard-working woman determined to get her art out to you.
Johanna’s circuit is in a variety of locations and events. Eventually you are bound to run into her yourself, but until then, why not learn more about this amazing woman through her interview?
Tammy: Johanna, a pleasure as always in getting to spend time with you! I find myself seeking you out whenever I attend an event. Your energy and radiant smile are truly addictive!
Let’s start off with, how did you come up with the name of your company - Forest Haunt?
Johanna: I’m a ghost hunter from way back. I am all about that study. Lots of my images have trees, moons, stars. I was tempted to name the company something with the word Halcyon in it because that’s my favorite word - it’s so beautiful.
Tammy: Halcyon denotes a period of time in the past that was happy and peaceful. That’s exactly what your art portrays!
The art process you use for your product, what is it?
Johanna: I use stencils and diluted bleach to create images on T-shirts, hoodies, beanies, kimonos, dresses, handkerchiefs and other cloth. I draw on mylar stencil product and cut out the image with an X-Acto blade.
Tammy: I was always curious how you did it because you can clearly see they are not heat transfers.
What inspires you to create the designs you have?
Johanna: I’ve done work on colored T-shirts, but mostly I work on black. I love the way the images appear. Especially when I do a moon or some stars, it never gets old. For me, it’s literally a magical manifestation.
Tammy: It’s truly amazing how talented you are to make such beautiful designs!
How long does it take to create your T-shirts?
Johanna: Each T-shirt goes through multiple processes over several days. The more images on the piece, the longer it takes. Not only do I bleach the shirts, I also give them a vinegar bath which stops the bleaching process, and makes the cloth softer. I could do layered bleaching all in one day, but it’s a completely different look. It really turns out amazing when you take the time to bleach one piece over several different days.
Tammy: I honestly had never seen shirts done like this before. They truly are beautiful!
What types of shirts do you sell? How about sizes?
Johanna: I will bleach anything that’s cotton, but it’s easier to do flat items. I did some baseball caps but have since abandoned those. Working on a curve gets a different blurred effect. I like my images to be sharper. I’ve had requests for extra extra small up to 5X and try to work with everyone.
Tammy: Running an event is hard enough but often times I see you set up your elaborate set up on your own.
How do you do it and how long does it take for you to set up and take down?
Johanna: Set up and take down is hard work and I almost never notice it since I’m filled with so much adrenaline. This really is the happiest career I’ve had in my life and I’ve had lots of them. I have a storage unit with cases and cases of product that I have to move to my car. Including hanging racks, portable dolly, tables, chairs, and energy source. I put all the hangers in the shirts and all the hangers out at the end of the show because if you leave the hangers in, they will dent the shoulders. I get so excited to see my friends (like you!), and to make new friends. There’s a positive energy at events that’s addictive. I absolutely feed off of it. I admit I am an energy vampire.
Tammy: Aha! The truth comes out! I’m going to have to watch my energy during the show, I seem to run low as it is! Or could it have been you all along? Joking aside, you always seem so energized, I feel as if I feed off your energy! In fact, I’ve happened to be around you when you sold your art to the stars at the con. That in itself is exciting!
Do you find yourself energized by those sales?
Johanna: It’s absolutely amazing to sell to celebrities! The first celebrity I sold to was Grant Wilson at a paranormal event. I did not know who he was, my friend had to tell me. She was very excited. Grant was excited to be at the event as well. He was literally hopping around telling me how much he loves Godzilla and I was like, “yeah man, awesome!” then I started bouncing around!!
Tammy: This is why I love these events! Everyone gets so swept away during our interaction with each other!
How long have you been doing this? Do you find your reputation precedes itself with repeat customers throughout the years?
Johanna: I have been doing this since 2013. I always have repeat customers when I attend the same event year after year. One woman likens my product to collectibles since each item is unique. This year in Salem, I met a woman who said she came up from Florida and couldn’t wait to meet me based on the advertising she saw. Wow, it does the heart good when you hear things like this!
Tammy: I completely agree! Unfortunately, the economy has hit all of us hard. Let alone the pandemic limiting us with events.
Have you had any trouble getting your supplies? Are you set up online?
Johanna: I definitely have had supply issues, but I am quick to communicate with people on Etsy orders. They understand that I absolutely want to get them their piece as soon as possible. I have been lucky to have fantastic customers that have been very understanding when there have been delays.
Tammy: When I see you with your product, you always seem very proud of what you have to offer. Owning your own business can be very stressful.
What is the key for you to get as much enjoyment out of it as you do?
Johanna: My key enjoyment and the reason I’ve been doing this for so long comes from doing exactly what I want to do. I get lots of advice from people and lots of suggestions, most of which I don’t take.
Lots of people tell me to do more children’s pieces but I try to let people know doing children’s pieces takes just as much time and energy as adult clothing but most people don’t want to pay as much for a child’s piece.
People suggest I do sports themes, because that’s so popular. People also suggest I do other colors besides black or other themes, but that’s just not me. I’m only doing this to bring joy into my life.
Tammy: See to me this is where being a true artist comes into effect. Your pieces are unique and not mass produced. Where you can retain control over what makes you happy.
Where can we find you on Social Media? Are there any shout outs you like to give to ones who have helped you along the way?
Johanna: You can find me on Facebook Etsy and Instagram. http://foresthaunt.etsy.com
Anthony Muzikar approached me at my very first event ever and said my products were awesome and suggested the Connecticut Horrorfest to me. That venue has since become one of my number one events. I absolutely appreciate and love the organizers! I will forever be in debt to Anthony and grateful to him. He continues to help me. He’s an amazing person! https://metaldogz.bigcartel.com/
Also, I met Heather Weikel of Skully Kouture maybe two years in and she has become one of the best friends I’ve ever had. She is a kind, upbeat, caring woman. There is no one that doesn’t love her instantly. I’m so proud of her every day. https://skully-kouture.myshopify.com/password
I would also like to thank my children, Lily Frappier and Gwen Frappier for helping me. Especially at events like Salem, which is a beast. I can’t do it without them. I love those girls to the moon and beyond!
Tammy: Johanna, you have quite a list of upcoming events! I will list below, but I have to say it’s quite impressive! Plenty of different events for our readers to see your beautiful art up close and personal. And perhaps, even a chance to hop around with you when you get excited talking about your art, letting them share in the energy that surrounds you!
It has been such an honor to interview you. Thank you, Johanna! I wanted people to see what it takes to create your art. The determination and struggles of getting your art out there for others. But most importantly, the satisfaction and enjoyment your art has given you.
That although owning your own business can be difficult and not easy, it also can be rewarding and worth it! May you continue to share your work with us. You truly are an inspiration to us all!
List of events Forest Haunt will be attending:
MARCH
12-13 WinterCon NYC
https://nywintercon.com/
24-27 The Magickal Marketplace & Psychic Faire, Boxborough MA
https://themagickalmarketplace.com/?
q=about
APRIL
9th Wicked ComiCon, Boston MA
https://www.wickedcomiccon.com/
22-24 Bangor Comic & Toy Con, Maine
https://www.bangorcomicandtoycon.com/
MAY
TBD Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market, New Jersey
http://www.trentonprfm.com/events
JUNE
TBD Salem Arts Festival, Salem MA
JULY
27-28 PARACONN, Ansonia CT
https://paraconn.wordpress.com/
23rd NJ Paraunity Expo, Woodbridge NJ
https://www.newjerseyparaunityexpo.com/
AUGUST
TBD Salem Flea, Salem MA
https://www.thesalemflea.com/
SEPTEMBER
1-5 TBD Dragon Con, Atlanta GA
https://www.dragoncon.org/
16-17 Connecticut Horrorfest, Naugatuck CT
https://www.horrornewsnetwork.net/ct-horror/
OCTOBER
Every Saturday/Sunday Salem MA
Salem Haunted Happenings
https://www.hauntedhappenings.org/
Johanna’s circuit is in a variety of locations and events. Eventually you are bound to run into her yourself, but until then, why not learn more about this amazing woman through her interview?
Tammy: Johanna, a pleasure as always in getting to spend time with you! I find myself seeking you out whenever I attend an event. Your energy and radiant smile are truly addictive!
Let’s start off with, how did you come up with the name of your company - Forest Haunt?
Johanna: I’m a ghost hunter from way back. I am all about that study. Lots of my images have trees, moons, stars. I was tempted to name the company something with the word Halcyon in it because that’s my favorite word - it’s so beautiful.
Tammy: Halcyon denotes a period of time in the past that was happy and peaceful. That’s exactly what your art portrays!
The art process you use for your product, what is it?
Johanna: I use stencils and diluted bleach to create images on T-shirts, hoodies, beanies, kimonos, dresses, handkerchiefs and other cloth. I draw on mylar stencil product and cut out the image with an X-Acto blade.
Tammy: I was always curious how you did it because you can clearly see they are not heat transfers.
What inspires you to create the designs you have?
Johanna: I’ve done work on colored T-shirts, but mostly I work on black. I love the way the images appear. Especially when I do a moon or some stars, it never gets old. For me, it’s literally a magical manifestation.
Tammy: It’s truly amazing how talented you are to make such beautiful designs!
How long does it take to create your T-shirts?
Johanna: Each T-shirt goes through multiple processes over several days. The more images on the piece, the longer it takes. Not only do I bleach the shirts, I also give them a vinegar bath which stops the bleaching process, and makes the cloth softer. I could do layered bleaching all in one day, but it’s a completely different look. It really turns out amazing when you take the time to bleach one piece over several different days.
Tammy: I honestly had never seen shirts done like this before. They truly are beautiful!
What types of shirts do you sell? How about sizes?
Johanna: I will bleach anything that’s cotton, but it’s easier to do flat items. I did some baseball caps but have since abandoned those. Working on a curve gets a different blurred effect. I like my images to be sharper. I’ve had requests for extra extra small up to 5X and try to work with everyone.
Tammy: Running an event is hard enough but often times I see you set up your elaborate set up on your own.
How do you do it and how long does it take for you to set up and take down?
Johanna: Set up and take down is hard work and I almost never notice it since I’m filled with so much adrenaline. This really is the happiest career I’ve had in my life and I’ve had lots of them. I have a storage unit with cases and cases of product that I have to move to my car. Including hanging racks, portable dolly, tables, chairs, and energy source. I put all the hangers in the shirts and all the hangers out at the end of the show because if you leave the hangers in, they will dent the shoulders. I get so excited to see my friends (like you!), and to make new friends. There’s a positive energy at events that’s addictive. I absolutely feed off of it. I admit I am an energy vampire.
Tammy: Aha! The truth comes out! I’m going to have to watch my energy during the show, I seem to run low as it is! Or could it have been you all along? Joking aside, you always seem so energized, I feel as if I feed off your energy! In fact, I’ve happened to be around you when you sold your art to the stars at the con. That in itself is exciting!
Do you find yourself energized by those sales?
Johanna: It’s absolutely amazing to sell to celebrities! The first celebrity I sold to was Grant Wilson at a paranormal event. I did not know who he was, my friend had to tell me. She was very excited. Grant was excited to be at the event as well. He was literally hopping around telling me how much he loves Godzilla and I was like, “yeah man, awesome!” then I started bouncing around!!
Tammy: This is why I love these events! Everyone gets so swept away during our interaction with each other!
How long have you been doing this? Do you find your reputation precedes itself with repeat customers throughout the years?
Johanna: I have been doing this since 2013. I always have repeat customers when I attend the same event year after year. One woman likens my product to collectibles since each item is unique. This year in Salem, I met a woman who said she came up from Florida and couldn’t wait to meet me based on the advertising she saw. Wow, it does the heart good when you hear things like this!
Tammy: I completely agree! Unfortunately, the economy has hit all of us hard. Let alone the pandemic limiting us with events.
Have you had any trouble getting your supplies? Are you set up online?
Johanna: I definitely have had supply issues, but I am quick to communicate with people on Etsy orders. They understand that I absolutely want to get them their piece as soon as possible. I have been lucky to have fantastic customers that have been very understanding when there have been delays.
Tammy: When I see you with your product, you always seem very proud of what you have to offer. Owning your own business can be very stressful.
What is the key for you to get as much enjoyment out of it as you do?
Johanna: My key enjoyment and the reason I’ve been doing this for so long comes from doing exactly what I want to do. I get lots of advice from people and lots of suggestions, most of which I don’t take.
Lots of people tell me to do more children’s pieces but I try to let people know doing children’s pieces takes just as much time and energy as adult clothing but most people don’t want to pay as much for a child’s piece.
People suggest I do sports themes, because that’s so popular. People also suggest I do other colors besides black or other themes, but that’s just not me. I’m only doing this to bring joy into my life.
Tammy: See to me this is where being a true artist comes into effect. Your pieces are unique and not mass produced. Where you can retain control over what makes you happy.
Where can we find you on Social Media? Are there any shout outs you like to give to ones who have helped you along the way?
Johanna: You can find me on Facebook Etsy and Instagram. http://foresthaunt.etsy.com
Anthony Muzikar approached me at my very first event ever and said my products were awesome and suggested the Connecticut Horrorfest to me. That venue has since become one of my number one events. I absolutely appreciate and love the organizers! I will forever be in debt to Anthony and grateful to him. He continues to help me. He’s an amazing person! https://metaldogz.bigcartel.com/
Also, I met Heather Weikel of Skully Kouture maybe two years in and she has become one of the best friends I’ve ever had. She is a kind, upbeat, caring woman. There is no one that doesn’t love her instantly. I’m so proud of her every day. https://skully-kouture.myshopify.com/password
I would also like to thank my children, Lily Frappier and Gwen Frappier for helping me. Especially at events like Salem, which is a beast. I can’t do it without them. I love those girls to the moon and beyond!
Tammy: Johanna, you have quite a list of upcoming events! I will list below, but I have to say it’s quite impressive! Plenty of different events for our readers to see your beautiful art up close and personal. And perhaps, even a chance to hop around with you when you get excited talking about your art, letting them share in the energy that surrounds you!
It has been such an honor to interview you. Thank you, Johanna! I wanted people to see what it takes to create your art. The determination and struggles of getting your art out there for others. But most importantly, the satisfaction and enjoyment your art has given you.
That although owning your own business can be difficult and not easy, it also can be rewarding and worth it! May you continue to share your work with us. You truly are an inspiration to us all!
List of events Forest Haunt will be attending:
MARCH
12-13 WinterCon NYC
https://nywintercon.com/
24-27 The Magickal Marketplace & Psychic Faire, Boxborough MA
https://themagickalmarketplace.com/?
q=about
APRIL
9th Wicked ComiCon, Boston MA
https://www.wickedcomiccon.com/
22-24 Bangor Comic & Toy Con, Maine
https://www.bangorcomicandtoycon.com/
MAY
TBD Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market, New Jersey
http://www.trentonprfm.com/events
JUNE
TBD Salem Arts Festival, Salem MA
JULY
27-28 PARACONN, Ansonia CT
https://paraconn.wordpress.com/
23rd NJ Paraunity Expo, Woodbridge NJ
https://www.newjerseyparaunityexpo.com/
AUGUST
TBD Salem Flea, Salem MA
https://www.thesalemflea.com/
SEPTEMBER
1-5 TBD Dragon Con, Atlanta GA
https://www.dragoncon.org/
16-17 Connecticut Horrorfest, Naugatuck CT
https://www.horrornewsnetwork.net/ct-horror/
OCTOBER
Every Saturday/Sunday Salem MA
Salem Haunted Happenings
https://www.hauntedhappenings.org/
