Where I’m Coming From
Compiled by Forrest Preece
Laura Villagran Johnson, VP, Client & Community Relations Director at PNC Bank
- What’s something about you that not many people know?
Many people don't know that I love to cook! Even on a busy day, it calms me. I love trying a new dish, a new cuisine!
- What was your first job?
In college, I was a lifeguard at Schlitterbahn. It was a goal I had as a kid, but the real thing was a lot harder work!
- If you could have dinner with three people – dead or alive, at any time in history—who would they be?
This is less about people and more about a time. While reading Just Kids by Patti Smith, I think a dream would be a night in the late 60s/early 70s in New York City in the art, music, and entertainment scene. A night at the Hotel Chelsea with a mix of Patti Smith, Andy Warhol, Janis Joplin, and others.
- If you had to pick three musicians for a playlist, who would they be?
Oh, I have playlists for every mood that weave through most genres. I enjoy a 70s mix with Fleetwood Mac, 80s synth, emo indies of the early 2000s, Americana, and the current pop ladies like Chappell Roan. My husband and I also have a vinyl collection of over 600 discs. Every day, different albums take a spin. Recent listens include David Bowie, Lana Del Rey, Father John Misty, George Michael, Charley Crockett, and Glass Animals…
- Favorite book and TV show?
My repeat-watch show is The Good Place. It's comedy, but also, oddly, it really raises philosophical life questions. It's a good one.
- Most powerful movie you have seen.
A while back, I went through the AFI Greatest Films list. There are so many I love for so many reasons. Some Like It Hot and Gypsy were favorites when I was a kid. Watching Fight Club changed what movies could be. I watch Pan's Labyrinth at least once a year. It really is beautiful and powerful to me. My comfort movies are the Harry Potter series.
- What makes you happy?
Happiness comes from friends and family, sunshine, music, life at an unrushed pace, and a simple, flavorful meal.
- Favorite place in Austin?
My favorite spot in town is Barton Springs! Whenever I'm there, I remember how lucky we are to have such a gem in our city.
- Favorite restaurant and watering hole
I have to go to Canje at least every four to six months. I dream about their Roti and West Indian Curry.
- Which living person do you most admire?
I admire my grandma, Elisa. She's always been the strong matriarch of the family. I've learned so much from her throughout my whole life.
- Best advice you ever received?
The best advice I've received is to live life with childlike wonderment. There is so much beauty and fun in the world each day if you keep your mind open to it.
