Meet Charmaine Johnson | Founder of the Cut GSO & Multidiscipline Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Charmaine Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Charmaine, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started The Cut GSO because I saw how many barriers existed for emerging artists—especially those who are Black, Brown, queer, or neurodivergent. Galleries, grants, even basic networking felt gatekept unless you had the ‘right’ connections or aesthetic. Instead of waiting for someone to open the door, I decided to build my own damn house. The Cut GSO is that house: a space where talent—not privilege—determines who gets seen and celebrated.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is rooted in truth, storytelling, and community. Through The Cut GSO, I create spaces where raw creativity thrives—whether that’s through photography, curating showcases, or capturing the essence of movement in my community. I photograph everything from buildings to protests, blending structure with emotion to document moments that matter. I’m most proud of building something that uplifts other artists while staying true to who I am.

The journey here wasn’t smooth. I’ve had to navigate limited resources, skepticism, and burnout, all while being a Black autistic woman in spaces not always built for me. But I learned to create my own space. I stayed consistent, adapted when needed, and kept showing up even when it felt like no one was watching. That grind taught me that showing up for yourself is the biggest flex.

What I want people to know is that The Cut GSO isn’t just a brand—it’s a movement. It’s about visibility, opportunity, and art that reflects the real world. It is where artists connect, grow, and reclaim their space. And at the heart of it all is my daughter, Skylynn, who reminds me every day why I keep going!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to visit Greensboro, I’d show them exactly why this city has so much heart. We’d start with a relaxed walk through Barber Park to soak up the vibe, then hit up Scuppernong Books downtown to browse, sip something warm, and maybe catch a live reading or event. Downtown Greensboro is always buzzing—whether it’s a pop-up market, art walk, or random creative moment, there’s something electric about the energy there. I’d take them to check out some of the murals and street art, then swing through places like the African American Atelier or the Elsewhere Museum to get a taste of the local arts scene.

A little vintage shopping and thrift store hopping are musts, too. If the timing’s right, we’d catch a poetry night or an indie show in the evening either at Common Grounds or pool at Chandler’s

Of course, I’d bring them into my world with The Cut GSO —show them how the community shows up for local artists and the kind of passion that exists here. We’d grab food from places like Crafted, Dame’s Chicken & Waffles, or Jerusalem Market, and spend some time relaxing at LeBauer Park or people-watching downtown. Before they head out, I’d make sure they left with something handmade or uniquely Greensboro—maybe a local print, a zine, or even a photo I’ve taken myself. This city has a quiet power to it, and I’d want them to feel that for themselves.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout time!
I want to give a big thank you to GTCC for being a foundation in my journey and helping me push forward as a student and creative. Huge love to the Greensboro Arts Hub and Roch Smith—your support and belief in community-driven art has opened so many doors.
Most of all, I dedicate this shoutout to my daughter, Skylynn. She’s the light behind everything I do. Her curiosity, joy, and endless energy remind me every day why I keep showing up and building something better. She keeps me motivated, grounded, and dreaming big.

Website: https://www.thecutgso.org

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-cut-gso?trk=public_profile_topcard-current-company

Other: Check out our Podcast Called Jointly Speaking: Rolling Through It All 🙂 : https://open.spotify.com/show/7xzCREw7FcMzabjVbpYd3Y?si=46a08eb63a2a496d

Image Credits
Chamaine Johnson – ( Well, me, all my work)