Anne (Catherine) Johnson is the owner and founder of Anne Cate, a Made-in-America accessories brand and manufacturing firm specializing in skyline silhouette purses and pillows. A proud Kent State graduate, Anne has grown her business from a single sewing machine in her college dorm room into a full-scale manufacturing studio, employing full-time staff and empowering others to build success with their hands.

Anne Cate products are distributed through both B2B and B2C platforms, with a client portfolio that includes major brands such as Hulu, KeyBank, and Goodyear.

Anne has been recognized as one of WAWAK’s Finest Sewists, named a NEO Mover & Shaker, and is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program. She was honored as a Notable Entrepreneur in Crain’s Cleveland Business and has received Cleveland Magazine’s Best of Cleveland award for three consecutive years (2021–2023). In 2024, Anne was awarded the Distinguished Honors Alumni Award from Kent State University.

Anne’s favorite part of her work is bringing joy to her customers. To them, Anne Cate products are more than just purses or pillows—they tell personal stories, represent meaningful places, and hold memories close.

When she’s not creating, Anne enjoys spending time with her family, traveling to New York City for inspiration, or relaxing on the shores of Lake Erie.