10 questions
Story & Photography By Susan O'Connor

10 Questions. To make Johnna Dobbs’ blue eyes sparkle, just ask about her family. Although she is a very successful career woman and serious equestrian, husband Travis and their children, Cooper, 6, and Dylan, 3, are priority number one. Johnna met with Occasions writer Susan O’Connor recently to answer questions about her fascinating, non-stop life.

Johnna and Travis Dobbs work for Mastercraft International, owned by Johnna’s father, Jerry Strickland. The company sells lamps and decorative accessories to major retailers in the U.S., as well as Canada, Mexico, South America, Spain, England and Dubai. The products are manufactured in China, which involves frequent travel for the Dobbs and Strickland.

Working with other creative people in the design process is important to Johnna, and she also markets to high-end retailers.

Though work is central in their lives, the breeding and showing of horses is one of their loves.

Johnna and Travis continue the family tradition with their children, traveling the country to compete in top-level horse events, often catching flights to be back at work on Monday morning, or parking in Wal-Mart parking lots and getting enough sleep to get ready for the workday. And work continues at the shows. Johnna said they always have their computers and Blackberries in tow. She can work a Blackberry from her horse’s back.

You travel the world horse showing, which requires a unique discipline and dedication. How have the lessons you’ve learned positively affected your life?

JD: If you want to be good at something, you’ve got to set goals, have discipline and prepare. And just because you’ve worked hard with your trainer or you think you have the best horse, you’re not always going to win. It’s the same in business.

You’ve worked with your father since you were a teenager. What has he taught you about business that is invaluable?

JD: Always follow through. That is number one. He is so creative and hard working, and he is very determined. He taught me that if you work hard enough and are determined and follow through, you’ll be successful.

You said you wear many hats at Mastercraft International. What is the most exciting aspect of your work?

JD: The creative process of taking the concept of a lamp and seeing it through the design phase to production. Then when I’m in a store and a customer has it in their buggy — knowing that I had a part in making something someone wanted.

As you’ve worked in the creative process of designing lamps and accessories, have you had the opportunity to work with any famous designers in the industry?

JD: Yes. Martha Stewart and Raymond Waites. Waites designs fabric, bedding, wallpaper and accessories that are phenomenal and over-the-top.

What are some of the things you enjoy when you travel to China?

JD: Well, Hong Kong has fabulous shopping, which I love to do. I love to buy for other people so I always make time to bring home something special and unique to my friends and family. Honestly, I try to plan my trips so that I do not have a lot of free time so I can get home to my kids!

You recently helped direct a wedding and describe yourself as a “jack of all trades” always getting into something new. What new projects are on the horizon for you?

JD: Gift-wrapping for people. I love to gift-wrap! Anyone who knows me knows I love unique wrapping paper and ribbons. Right now, I’m putting really pretty broaches in the middle of ribbons on my packages. Three years ago when I returned from China, Travis surprised me with a wrapping room.

You are very active in Jonesboro Junior Auxiliary. What is the most rewarding aspect to you?

JD: For me, knowing I personally made a difference in the life of a child or teenager that I’ve worked with is most rewarding. Every hour that we work and all the money we raise goes 100 percent to the betterment of children. It is not like just giving money to a cause. It is hands-on.

What is your idea of a perfect day?

JD: Anything involving being with my husband and kids. It doesn’t matter what we are doing, as long as we are together.

Did you make a New Year’s resolution?

JD: No, I used to make them and I never followed through and so now, I just try to do things all year long that I know I can follow through with.

What is your greatest hope for your children?

JD: Their happiness and I want them to be confident, with great self-esteem and know they can accomplish anything they set their minds to.

We’ve heard you enjoy cooking when time allows. Who is your favorite chef?

JD: I would have to say Paula Deen. She is Southern! I love to read her cookbooks and the stories she writes. Travis and I actually were on her television show, Paula’s Party, which airs on the Food Network on Friday nights. Trav got to get up and cook with her. She is very entertaining.