Homes of St. Augustine 002
I still remember the first time I met Johney and Emily so clearly. They were so cool, I was actually a little intimidated! Right away, we made plans for them to come over and hang out.
The first thing Johney said was, “I’ll pick up Chinese food on the way.” We didn’t know it then, but these two would become such special people in our lives. They’re some of the most creative souls you’ll find in St. Augustine, Florida. Johney directs films (like, really cool ones), and Emily runs her own creative agency, Somebody Creative Co., where she helps people and brands connect their vision with other creatives.
This series is all about showcasing the people and homes that make up St. Augustine. While this place is amazing to visit, it’s even better to stay and build a home, rooted in community.
"The Homes of St. Augustine" is a series dedicated to showcasing some of the amazing individuals who call this place home. We’ll explore their unique designs and homes transformed into vibrant, colorful sanctuaries filled with life.
Tell us a little bit about yourselves?
J - I was born in Flint, Michigan…yes, you can drink the water again. I think baths are underrated. Most recently I’d love to learn how to rope cattle from a horse.
E - I’m Emily— a creative till I die, animal enthusiast, and forever trying to figure out what shoes to wear.
What do you both do for living?
J - Film Director
E - I own an independent creative production agency called Somebody Creative Co. The heart behind my business is to be a one-stop-shop for creative solutions—film, graphic design, photography. All of it. I have the networking and ability to bring something to the table.
What does “home” mean to you?
J - Home is a vibe with other people that agree on the same vibe, and the only place you want to be when your stomach hurts.
E - Anywhere that Johney is.
How would you describe the vibe of your home?
J - Safe, connected, sure, & a place that both Emily and I can be ourselves implicitly.
E - All of the art displayed through our home is all local artists, that’s really important to us. You’ll find artists featured like that of Jenna Alexander, Marc Galassini, Michael Slayton, Allie Crum, and so many more.
Some of the furniture features include an authentic Japanese table, a piano bought off Facebook Marketplace that is carved with words and drawings by the children of a lovely Russian family, a hand me down couch with a cigarette burn, macrame plant holders from Johney's mom, and the most expensive rug I've ever seen (which our landlady had lying around in her garage) in our bedroom.
Our space really feels like both of us- the quirks, the artistry, the bird feeders, the guitars hung on the wall—all of it.
We really have cultivated a safe and healing home.
What are some things you enjoy most about living in Saint Augustine?
J - Since traveling more for work, I find myself saying that St. Augustine is the best “home base” for me. Something about the creativity, the beaches, the people, all come together to create such a valuable and supportive community that isn’t like anywhere else.
E - There is a community of innovative young creatives that forms the heartbeat of this city. I have loved meeting so many different people who have moved here from different places finding their creative adventures here.
Can you share with us some of your favorite places to go in town?
J - The Floridian is a date repeater for us. Sunday, of course. Black Fly actually has underestimated pizza. I wish Epic movie theater was better, but we still go. Any / all of our friends homes for late night yappin. And my mom’s house.
E - I am very food motivated— some of my favorite restaurants are Sunday, The Floridian, Blackfly, HotBox, and Tacos My Blessing.
Oh—and the beach.
