Today, I have been reflecting a lot. With all the things going on in the world, sometimes it makes you stop and think. Think about what you are thankful for. Thankful for your family and the people who support you. With that reflection, the Hubs and I were recently talking about how we got started 7 years ago, and how, with support from folks like YOU, we continue to grow. Here is my blogging journey.
Our adventure goes something like this. I was a stay-at-home mom. I had just taken an interest in Pinterest. I would scroll for hours just to view all the pretty things.
The Beginning
Around that time is when the painted furniture obsession really got started. Of course, I decided to try my hand at it. I found my first used dresser, which at the time was CHEAP because we were on a budget. I think it cost me $20 bucks or something like that. I did not have hundreds of dollars to spend on used furniture. (NOTE: Please keep in mind that all the photos I share are not the best quality. This was seven years ago before I even knew what professional pictures should look like!).
With the Hub’s help, I transformed it into a bar. It was painted with Annie Sloan which was the only chalk paint that you could buy at that time.
Then, a family friend gave us an old gun cabinet. And we repurposed it into a farmhouse cabinet using paint and chicken wire.
My very first custom client piece was this armoire. She wanted it painted white for her baby’s nursery. I can remember being scared to death! Someone was actually trusting me with their furniture eeek! What if I screwed up, what if she didn’t like it? But I took the plunge and never looked back.
This chest of drawers was in my son’s room. It was brown and boring. It was my first time using Mod Podge. I used old maps that my mom gave me and added them to the drawer fronts. Not sure what I was thinking with the color choice haha!
Needless to say, I have greatly improved my skills and have taken on larger projects. Like this Chest of Drawers Makeover or this Repurposed Television Cabinet.
The Building Obsession
Now, here is the very first BUILD the Hubs completed. We had a client (who I still love to death this day) that was in college. Another awesome perk about this business, meeting clients who become life-long friends! She was on a budget so she needed cheap furniture. She loved all the furniture that was being made from pallets. We found the pallets at our local Lowe’s. They would stack them outside free for the taking! The Hubs built this for her.
And the building obsession began. Word got out and we were busy for months on end. He even built a church pew bench or two for a couple of clients.
We decided to start a booth in a local vintage store and sold our first farmhouse table.
The Farm Table Epidemic
Everyone in our little town wanted farm tables. Here is one that we built for a client.
And another for a client’s outdoor patio. This one was 11 feet!
The Hubs was so talented when it came to woodworking. There was nothing he could not build. He found a plan on the internet, and build this coffee table for a client.
Repairing Old Furniture
We also would repair local folks’ furniture. Like this coffee table that had been stored in an outside shed. The top had severe water damage. But the Hubs worked his magic and built one just like the original top.
So, not only do we repurpose furniture, which is our favorite thing to do together, we do custom builds every now and then when folks in our area have a request. Everyone in our little town knows who to call!
My Blogging Adventure
It was about 2 years ago when I decided to take the plunge and share with the world all of our creations. I discovered I loved to write while working in the corporate world at a local aerospace company in their Corporate Communications Department. Hence, Christina Faye Repurposed blog was created.
What do you and your partner love to do together? For us, our little business is therapy. For the Hubs, it gives him an escape from being a police officer and seeing all the bad things he encounters every day. For me, it is spending time together doing what we both enjoy.
Now, don’t think the Hubs doesn’t have his own personal time. When he is not helping me he loves to kayak bass fish!
I hope you enjoyed hearing about our beginnings. May it inspire you to not be afraid and take that first leap if you are thinking about starting a new adventure. Send me any thoughts or share your story with me, I would love to read them! Don’t cha just love my paint shirt haha!
Hugs!
Christina xxoo
I love reading your posts and seeing your work. You guys do an amazing job!! You’re such an inspiration. After finding your blog I’ve been addicted to looking for old furniture that I can fix up. ?
Thank you my friend! Yay I am so glad you are now in the “Old Furniture Club”!
Enjoyed this post so much! Hubs and l love working together too, but it is just for fun. We’ve never made a business of it,,, but maybe one day when he retires 🙂
Thank you Sara! That is a great idea ?
I always enjoy finding out where it all started for folks. You two are very creative and you already know I’m a huge fan.
Thank you Kim! ❤️❤️
Love reading your story, Christina! You two make an uber talented team and your projects are always so creative and well done. Glad you took the plunge into blogland!
Thank you so much Marie that means a lot coming from a fellow blogger 🙂 I am glad too!
Love love love when someone pursues a dream and it comes to fruition! Congratulations on all of your success!
Thank you Trudy! And thank you for your support! Hugs!
Christina, this was a blast to read! I loved every second of knowing more about your story and how it all began. I’m so glad you decided to share 🙂
I’m in love with that church pew bench build. Wow, it’s beautiful! The farm tables y’all do are incredible as well. The one on the patio, amazing! You both are amazingly talented.
I smiled when I read that you were afraid to take on the lady’s piece of furniture who wanted it painted white for the nursery. Starting a new business and getting hit with the “Can I do this??” inner critic would be tough. Yet look at how brilliantly you created it! Anyone should be honored to have that piece in their home. Your gift always makes room for you!
I’m glad you’re here, Christina. Your posts and talents are a true joy to a world that needs your creativity. Create on, my friend. You’re awesome! ♥
Thank you so much Holly. I am so glad I met you, you are such an inspiration and one of the sweetest bloggers I have ever met! Your comments always put a smile on my face ❤️❤️❤️
Aw Christina, you’ve made my night! Thank you so much my friend! ? I’m glad to have met you as well.
Enjoyed reading your blog. Enjoy your talent…..
Thank you so much! You are one of the reasons I do what I do 🙂