About Landria

Meet the Woman Behind The Sassy Olive

Where It All Started: From Frustration to Inspiration

Before The Sassy Olive, Landria Johnson was a University of Michigan student and server at a local restaurant in her hometown. Frustrated by headbands that wouldn’t stay put, she decided to make her own. With her grandmother’s guidance, $42 worth of fabric, and a sewing machine in her parents’ basement, she created her first headbands—just for herself. But when her coworkers started asking for them, something clicked. This was more than just a DIY project—it was the beginning of something bigger.

The Hustle: Growing a Business While Earning a Master’s Degree

Balancing graduate school, a growing Etsy shop, and weekend craft shows wasn’t easy, but Landria made it work. What started as a hobby business on a ping-pong table turned into a side hustle that helped pay her way through school. While studying Hospital and Molecular Epidemiology, she spent her weekends selling headbands at local markets, meeting customers face-to-face, and refining her product. The demand grew, and so did her dream.

More Hustle: Hitting the Road, One Craft Show at a Time

Before The Sassy Olive had a storefront, Landria was on the road nearly every weekend, selling headbands at craft fairs and markets all over Michigan. Setting up a tent at sunrise, braving unpredictable weather, and talking to customers face-to-face—this is where she truly built the brand. Every market was a chance to refine her designs, learn what customers loved, and introduce more people to the handmade headbands that actually stay put. It was exhausting, it was thrilling, and it was the foundation for everything that came next.

Taking the Leap: The First Brick-and-Mortar Store

The day after earning her Master’s of Public Health, Landria moved back to Allegan and opened a tiny 200-square-foot storefront—the first home of The Sassy Olive. As demand exploded, she expanded into the upstairs apartment for extra storage and production space. But even that wasn’t enough. Within six months, she was already working with city officials to update zoning laws so her business could continue to grow.

A Love Story (With a Side of Pink Lights)

Shortly after she opened her first retail store, Landria met Parker—and he quickly became one of her biggest supporters. The moment that sealed it? He lit up the Allegan bridge in pink just for her. From that point on, he’s been by her side, helping in ways big and small.

Behind every bold idea and business milestone, there’s been a whole crew of love and support, making The Sassy Olive what it is today.

Bigger, Bolder, and Completely Unique: The Sassy Olive Today

By 2018, it was time for a major upgrade. Landria purchased a historic 12,000-square-foot building in Downtown Allegan, allowing her to expand retail, grow production, and hire a team. But she didn’t stop there. In 2020, she bought a dye sublimation fabric printer, meaning The Sassy Olive could print all its own designs in-house. Now, she creates patterns from scratch on her iPad, bringing bold, original prints to life.

Beyond the Business: Creativity, Community, and Change

Landria built The Sassy Olive not just as a brand, but as a movement—one that champions inclusivity, self-expression, and community growth. She’s been featured in news outlets, podcasts, and TV segments, not just for her business success, but for her commitment to Allegan, small business advocacy, and social change. Whether she’s mentoring young entrepreneurs, painting murals downtown, or organizing community events, she’s proving that success isn’t just about business—it’s about making a difference.