About Bright Grain

My name is Sierra Johnston, and I’m the founder of Bright Grain Woodworking.

I was born and raised in Oregon, where my professional journey began in the sciences. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Zoology from Oregon State University, followed by an associate’s degree and certification in Veterinary Technology from Portland Community College. For nearly a decade, I worked as a veterinary technician—a career rooted in care, precision, and compassion.

In 2018, my husband and I moved to Colorado. After years in a demanding field, I began to feel the deep weight of burnout and compassion fatigue. I knew I needed something to restore balance and reconnect me with joy. In 2023, I took a leap and enrolled in the “Introduction to Woodworking” course at Red Rocks Community College. That single class changed everything.

From the first cut to the final finish, I was hooked. Woodworking sparked a creative energy I hadn’t realized I was missing. I found myself loving every part of the process—imagining designs, working through challenges, and ultimately turning ideas into tangible, beautiful objects.

Eventually, I reached a turning point: either keep woodworking as a personal outlet or take a risk and turn it into something more. With the unwavering support of my amazing husband, I decided to go all in. Bright Grain Woodworking is the result of that decision—a place where science meets art, and a love of craft becomes a way of life.