When Magic Johnson learned about his HIV diagnosis in 1991, the future seemed uncertain. However, with the unwavering support of his wife, Cookie Johnson, Magic not only rebuilt his life but also crafted a joyful family. Among the brightest stars of this family is their daughter, Elisa Johnson. Though she grew up in the limelight as the daughter of a basketball legend, Elisa is so much more. She’s now a successful fashion designer. As the Johnsons celebrated her milestone 30th birthday, the family’s love and admiration for her shined brightly.

To mark this special day, Magic took to social media to express his love for Elisa. Posting on his X account, he wrote, “Happy 30th birthday to my beautiful daughter, Elisa! It’s been a joy to see you become the woman and entrepreneur that you are today. I can’t wait to see how God continues to bless you! I love you!”

Meanwhile, Cookie Johnson shared her birthday message on Instagram, pouring her heart into a touching post. “Happy birthday, my little fashionista,” she began. “I have loved you since the day I laid eyes on you! It’s been a joy to watch you grow into a beautiful young woman who knows what she wants, worked hard to figure out who she is, and is now taking control…that’s what it’s all about!” She then added, “I know you will take the Lord with you on this journey, and as long as you let him be the head of your life, all things will work together for good. I love you to death. Enjoy your special day!”

It was late in 1994 when Magic and Cookie made the life-changing decision to adopt Elisa, who was just three days old. Magic was then wrapping up his season as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. Over the years, Elisa has spoken openly about her adoption and how her parents raised her with unconditional love. “My parents adopted me when I was 3 days old, but I never felt out of place growing up,” she told in an interview with CR Fashion Book.

Today, Elisa stands out not just as a proud daughter of Magic and Cookie but as a confident woman forging her own path. Alongside her, Magic Johnson also cherishes the journeys of his other two children, Andre and EJ. Yet, with Elisa celebrating this special milestone, Magic has proven time and again that his pride and love for her accomplishments knows no bounds.

Magic Johnson celebrates Elisa’s big moment

It’s no surprise that Elisa Johnson is following her father, Magic Johnson’s, entrepreneurial footsteps. In 2021, Elisa took a bold step into the business world by launching her self-named eyewear brand. Earlier this year, she showcased her work in a trunk show, earning high praise from none other than Magic himself.

Reflecting on her success, the Hall of Famer took to Instagram. “Cookie and I are so proud of our beautiful daughter Elisa for hosting a successful @elisajohnson.co trunk show today at @neimanmarcusbeverlyhills!” Magic wrote. The excitement didn’t stop there—he revealed that most styles and colors nearly sold out during the event. With Neiman Marcus valued at $7.5 billion, this collaboration marked a significant milestone for Elisa’s brand.

Interestingly, Elisa didn’t just stumble into fashion entrepreneurship. According to a 2021 Nylon article, her brand was in development for nearly three years before its launch. She honed her craft by studying the fashion business at FIT in New York and interning with Coco & Breezy’s sunglasses company.

Her brand’s official website defines it as “a collection of timeless and one-of-a-kind eyewear,” a vision inspired by comments on Elisa’s social media posts about her unique glasses. Today, those designs reflect her creativity and her growing place in the fashion industry.