The Coy Collection began from Johnson's need to fill a creative void and wanting to challenge the rhetoric of the "starving artist." She took it upon herself to create a safe space to find herself as an artist. And eventually . . . the smile mug was born.
Originally, the smiley face was just the easiest and most simple way to spark joy in people's lives, but Johnson quickly realised that it was much more than just reminding people to smile. It was something she deeply connected with her experiences teaching elementary and middle school art. "My pieces represent the smiley stickers we don't often receive as adults," she told POPSUGAR. "I want my work to give permission and allow the owner a chance to take a nostalgic ride and find comfort in knowing amidst the chaos that they are doing a good job! It's the teacher in me to cheer everyone on. This makes my inner child VERY happy!"