Edith Johnson
About Edith
Edith Johnson, affectionately known as Edee, is the founder of Sunrise Books, a children's bookstore located in Northeast Portland, Oregon. A Portland native, Edee holds a bachelor's degree in finance from Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina. Her passion for storytelling and community engagement led her to establish Sunrise Books in October 2022, creating a space that fosters joy, play, and authentic connections among families and young readers.
Before opening the brick-and-mortar store, Edee operated as a pop-up, bringing storytimes to various neighborhoods and cultivating a love for reading across the city. Her dedication to community has been recognized through initiatives like the Merchant Maverick Opportunity Grant, which she received in 2023 to support and expand Sunrise Books.
Beyond her role as a bookstore owner, Edee is a mother of three and a lover of Afro-Cuban jazz, cupcakes, and Marvel movies. She continues to inspire and connect with the community, emphasizing the importance of stories in bringing people together.