Hi! I’m Ann Johnson, but everyone calls me Liala (long story, I’ll tell you over coffee sometime). I’m a Program Director & Digital Marketing Specialist at Nest-Egg Digital and currently live in Haymarket. Raised in Northern Virginia, I grew up calling both Lake Ridge and Centreville home. I’m a George Mason alum and a proud member of the Alpha Xi Delta sorority. Outside of school, I stayed connected to my roots through the Ukrainian-American community: Saturday school, summer Scouts, church events, you name it! My heritage is a big part of who I am, and it’s shaped my values, work ethic, and the way I connect with people.
I’ve always been a bit of a multi-passionate explorer. Over the years, I’ve dabbled in everything from sales and retail to veterinary work, property management, and even served as a cheetah interpreter at the National Zoo (yes, really!). I’ve worked with kids, studied psychology, and worn more hats than I can count — but it wasn’t until I landed in the world of marketing over 20 years ago that I truly found my calling. They say “love what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life,” and that’s exactly how I feel about the work I get to do every day.
About Liala Johnson
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I married my college sweetheart, back when all-nighters meant cramming for exams, working on cars, and pulling off last-minute event plans…not chasing or chauffeuring kids. Fast-forward a bit, and while some of those late nights still happen for similar reasons, we’re also raising two amazing kids here in the Haymarket area. I grew up in a vibrant Ukrainian household with two older siblings who taught me to love hard, play hard, stand my ground, and, most importantly, live a life full of laughter. Family has always been my foundation, and I’m grateful every day for the chaos, humor, and heart that comes with it.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
While I’ve already touched on some of my career and volunteer adventures, one constant thread has always been my love for animals. Working with them was my first passion and while my professional path took me into the fascinating world of marketing, I still find time for animal-focused volunteer work. I’m hoping to carve out more time in the near future to jump back in at the zoo and support a local sanctuary. Professionally, though, marketing truly has my heart. I got my start at AOL (yes, back when “You’ve Got Mail” was still a thing and the OG of Instant Messaging), implementing banner ads for a wide range of brands. From there, I moved on to Sprint, where I worked on a team managing monthly marketing efforts for product launches, pricing updates, and all things accessory-related. After taking a break to be a full-time stay-at-home mom to our two incredible kids, I returned to marketing with Nest-Egg Digital and that’s when everything really clicked. Working directly with businesses has been the most rewarding chapter of my career. There’s something magical about helping someone bring their vision to life and then watching that strategy translate into real, tangible results. It’s personal, impactful, and never boring
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Don’t wait for the “perfect time.” Jump in, heart first! Life rewards action, not hesitation. So many people get stuck in what I like to call procrastination perfection: waiting so long to make something just right that they either stress themselves out doing it last minute… or never move forward at all. Spoiler alert: perfection isn’t the goal, progress is. I’ve worn a lot of hats over the years, and the one thing that’s stayed true is this: you don’t have to have it all figured out to move forward.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Honestly? Hopefully doing more of what I love: creating, connecting, and making an impact. I see myself continuing to help businesses grow through marketing, maybe mentoring others who are just starting out, and hopefully carving out more time for personal passions. I don’t have a rigid 10-year plan. The best things often happen when you stay open to the unexpected. As long as I’m still growing, laughing, and making a difference, I’ll consider that a win.
Liala Johnson & Our Community
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Olde Dominion Tavern is hands down my favorite! Their cocktail menu is fantastic and unique, the food never disappoints, and I’ve hosted several events there and they always nail it. As a self-proclaimed coffee snob, I’m also all about discovering new spots, and 1971, Doppio Bunny, The Culture Cup, and Erin’s Elderberries are definitely high on my list. There’s something special about supporting local and finding those hidden gems in the community.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I’ve been in NOVA for 43 years, long enough to see it grow and change! Anyone else remember Disney trying to come to Haymarket???
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
You’ve got to be kidding me! There are so many amazing people I’ve met over the years, it’s impossible to pick just one. This community is overflowing with incredible, selfless, and influential individuals who are authentically themselves and truly thrive on helping others and giving back. One person who stands out is Renee Forand-Small, who completely flipped her life to devote herself to helping unwanted or endangered farm animals. She runs Hope and Serenity Farm Sanctuary, where she provides care for these animals during the remaining days of their lives. She’s created a truly welcoming environment, giving everything she has to ensure these animals get the best life possible.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Tacket’s Mill in Lake Ridge holds a special place in my heart. It used to be such a vibrant spot, bustling with seasonal activities and full of life, with every shop brimming with local businesses. It was the perfect place to stroll, meet shop owners, and soak in the community atmosphere. Over time, many businesses closed, and it felt like a ghost town for a while. I’m so happy to see that businesses are starting to come back to the area. And I can’t help but wonder, does Santa still make his yearly helicopter entrance by the water?
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love how perfectly situated we are: so close to the city, the mountains, and the ocean. In just two hours in any direction, you can be off on an amazing adventure. But what really stands out to me is the energy and activity right here within our community. Whether it’s the vibrant local businesses, the amazing people who give back, or just the feeling of being connected to so much, there’s a true sense of community that makes it such a special place to call home.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Hands down, Robert Duvall. I’ve seen him at one of my favorite restaurants (which happens to be his favorite too), and while I never wanted to bother him, I can’t help but think how amazing it would be to sit down for coffee or a meal with him just to pick his brain. I’d love to hear about his career, his experiences, and how he decided to settle in our area. As for where we’d go? Well, I think I’d keep that secret. I don’t want to risk anyone showing up and interrupting our conversation! On that note…anyone have any connections 🙂
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Ugh, I’m all over the place! I’m totally hooked on true crime shows. But then, I can also veg out to some Real Housewives drama with the best of them! When it comes to shows I could watch on repeat? Grey’s Anatomy, Sons of Anarchy, and Friends are definitely at the top of the list. I mean, who doesn’t love a little bit of medical drama, biker life, and ’90s nostalgia?
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I can’t swim! It’s one of those things that catches people off guard, especially since we frequent lakes and oceans often. While I dip my toes in the water, can doggie paddle like a champ, I’m all about staying on dry land!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A perfect cup of coffee, a great conversation, and a day with no laundry! That’s a solid 10 for me! Oh, and of course, any time spent with family or friends, where whole belly laughter is included.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
I’m constantly inspired by those who live with purpose and a commitment to making a difference, no matter how big or small. They remind me that every action, no matter how small, has the power to change the world. But above all, my family inspires me every day. My husband, kids, and siblings are a constant source of strength, love, and encouragement. They remind me that growth comes not just from professional success, but from being present, loving deeply, and never taking anything for granted. They inspire me to be better, every single day.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Love, laughter, and memories.