Page 34 - 2017-01-02

Channon & Daniel johnsTon
DOWNTOWN SPACE FOR “HUE” AND “RELIEF” BY NICK MAY PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNAH DEAN
Daniel and Channon Johnston are locals. Like, woven-into- the-fabric locals. When they say they’re from Panama City, they mean it. They are able to chronicle their early years, sta ng one of the beach’s famous summer tourist a rac ons or working at their family’s legendary barbecue joint.
Daniel, who grew up skating the sidewalks and alleyways along Panama City’s Historic Downtown corridor, is the founder and owner of Relief Skate Supply (previously located next to C&G Sporting Goods). It’s a retail store, specializing in skateboarding gear and everyday apparel.
His wife, Channon, started Hue; a full-service salon and boutique that also o ers massages and facials, in addition to specialized hair services.
Together, Daniel and Channon own and operate Main Street Buildings, overseeing the rental of a set of newly-renovated apartments, located just above where their businesses now reside, at 229 Harrison Avenue. The Johnstons hope to see downtown populated with homes and “mom and pop” businesses like their own one day.
PC Living: How did the two of you meet?
Channon: [laughs]
PC Living: Why is she laughing?
Daniel: She laughs at everything.
Channon: We met through friends, eight or nine years ago. PC Living: Do you have any kids?
Channon: Yes, a seven-year-old boy named Jack.
PC Living: Do you have any special traditions or rituals for Valentine’s Day? Channon: We normally just go to dinner the day before or the day after. Daniel: We skip the madness.
PC Living: What was your rst job?
Daniel: Well, my stepfather started Smitty’s Barbecue, so I worked there helping with catering when I was eleven, and then I started working at the restaurant every week when I was 12, until I was about 17.
Channon: My rst job...my parents opened up this business on the beach, called
34 • January - February 2017 • www.PanamaCityLiving.com