It's been a long time comin' but here's to my official first blog post! My goal was to have this “live” in the beginning of the year (a part of those good ol' resolutions), but as the saying or excuse goes.. life happened. In 2017 I challenged myself with the question of what it was I really wanted to be doing with my life. I know that sounds dramatic, and probably quite millennial, but after the constant drudgery of the “9-5”, somewhat depressing, day-to-day “corporate life,” I just knew I couldn't continue on the path I was on and attain the fulfillment I was so desperately in need of. So I stopped. I reflected, a lot. I thought long and hard about some of the things that brought me the most joy, and I made a commitment to myself to do something each day that made me happier. In doing so, I found my love for being creative again; something that felt so foreign after almost 5 years working in a cube, in front of computer screen for 8+ hours each day. I found my love for painting again, but in a completely new way than I expected.

When I found a cool piece of furniture I wanted to update for our home, I turned to Pinterest for wouldn't you know it, inspiration. Pin after pin of painted furniture tutorials kept coming through my searches raving about Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. I researched it more and was too intrigued not to give it a shot, so I sought out the nearest stockist – Time for Décor, in Green Bay, WI. Not going to get too sappy, but I think it was absolute fate I walked into that store on the day I did. I had watched my YouTube, had my list, and as I was making my paint selection one of the owners approached me and asked if I had ever used the paint before. I painted in high school (acrylics, watercolors, etc..) I figured if I could paint a portrait I could definitely paint a piece of furniture, but I responded, “Nope, just a lot of YouTube and Pinterest!” She told me she had just 1 spot left the next morning  in her Furniture Painting 101 Class where I would learn all about the paint and tips & tricks to go along with it. My husband, who was with me (bless his heart for running errands with me and always supporting me) gave me the all-encouraging eyes of, “do it!”

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So there I was; 8am on a Saturday morning and I felt like I was exactly where I was meant to be, with a hot cup of coffee in one hand and a paint brush in the other. I learned the basics and so much more that day, and the fire to pursue this creative venture ignited. I have been painting & refinishing furniture for over a year and a half now, and each piece I complete fills me up with so much gratification as I witness the transformation. I found the daily joy I was missing and long story short.. I listened to the feelings telling me “this is right – this is what I am meant to do,” and I ended up leaving my full-time corporate job. Remember that piece above related to fate? Well, that wonderful little store & studio that I went to for paint soon became my second home, as I became their studio coordinator! Each day validated the new path I was on was absolutely right. It was completely aligned with my strengths and each day my passion for the work I was doing continued to grow. I painted before work. I painted and taught others how to paint during work. I painted after work. I couldn't (and still can't) get enough.

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Fast forward a little to present day.. my husband and I just moved from Green Bay, WI to Morgantown, WV for a great opportunity he was offered to continue his education. While it is always hard to move from family, friends & co-workers who became both, supporting the best person I know is the easiest decision to make. If it weren't for his constant encouragement and support ie: countless furniture pick-ups, drop-offs, “can-you-help-me-move-this” requests, etc. my business wouldn't be here. As we pivot to this next adventure, my heart is so full that I went into that store, that day, and ultimately listened to my heart to pursue what really makes me happy. My creative venture continues and I am so thrilled to not only share my furniture painting, but also some DIY and home-makeover projects as we take on a little Morgantown fixer-upper!

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