About Mimi Johnson

Unlocking Creativity. Building Communities. Elevating Brands.

Mimi Johnson, affectionately known as Mimi J, is a beauty industry veteran, communications strategist, and creative director with a gift for turning ideas into movements. With over 15+ years of experience, Mimi has worn many hats: from celebrity makeup artist to founder, to marketing and communications leader. Today, she helps brands, creatives, and communities shine through storytelling, strategy, and unforgettable experiences.

A Journey of Bold Pivots

Mimi began her career as a sought-after makeup artist, working with celebrity clients like Academy Award-winning costume designer Ruth Carter, entrepreneur and style icon Angela Simmons, and numerous personalities across networks such as VH1 and Bravo, including hit shows like Real Housewives of Atlanta. Her artistry placed her at the intersection of beauty, culture, and entertainment—helping to shape unforgettable on-screen and red-carpet moments.

Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to launch The Glamatory, a boutique cosmetics brand and beauty studio that became a hub for artistry and innovation. After successfully building and scaling the business, Mimi made the intentional decision to close The Glamatory and shift her focus to larger creative ventures and brand partnerships—proving that every pivot is a platform for growth.

Building Movements

In 2017, Mimi founded Grind Pretty, a media and lifestyle brand dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs. Grind Pretty has grown into a vibrant community, featuring a magazine, membership platform, and the annual Grind Pretty Fest, a multi-city experience that combines entrepreneurship, beauty, music, and culture. Over the years, Grind Pretty has partnered with household names like Cantu, African Pride, and Wells Fargo while distributing over $40,000 in grants to women founders.

Leading in Communications & PR

Today, Mimi serves as Communications & PR Manager at the T.D. Jakes Foundation, where she helps amplify the Foundation’s global mission to advance education, workforce readiness, and community transformation. Her role allows her to merge her expertise in communications, brand storytelling, and event production to impact audiences worldwide.

Creative Direction & Consulting

As a creative director and marketing consultant, Mimi collaborates with beauty, fashion, and lifestyle brands to bring bold ideas to life. From product development to campaign execution and experiential events, her approach fuses artistic vision with business strategy, helping brands not just look good, but connect deeply with their audiences.

The Heart of It All

At her core, Mimi is a community builder and philanthropist. She is the founder of Grind For Good, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting underserved entrepreneurs and caregivers, with a special focus on women balancing business and caregiving responsibilities. Beyond her professional pursuits, Mimi proudly embraces her most important role—as an Autism mom to an amazing teenage son, who inspires her resilience, creativity, and commitment to making the world a more inclusive place.

Let’s create something powerful together.