Today, instead of posting a pretty picture of a finished dresser, I’m writing about blogging and painting and a little bit about me. If you have no interest (and I don’t blame you) then you can stop reading here. If you are thinking of starting your own business, in this or any endeavor, it may be worth the read.
In my previous life, I was an administrative assistant and special events coordinator. When my son was born sixteen years ago, we decided that I should become a stay-at-home mom as working crazy hours for a non-profit salary didn’t make sense with the cost of daycare. So, I stored my resume on – can you believe it – a floppy disk and placed it into a box that ended up in the attic.
Fast forward to a few years ago. My youngest was 8 years old and I needed to change from being the mom with the perpetual stroller to an older mom with older kids (I am not ready for “A Place For Mom” just yet but I know it is right around the corner. Why, on earth, did they decide to call it that?! Another post, my friends.) I wanted to contribute to our household and all of the costs involved with those three older kids. What to do? I mentioned to my husband that I was looking for part time work on Craigslist. “Why on earth would you look on Craigslist?” he asked. Well, dear what else can I do? Call the local head hunter and bust out the floppy disk?
I really don’t know why, but my mother suggested that maybe painting old furniture and reselling it on Craigslist could be profitable (I do believe my obsession with painting all the walls, floors, stairs, molding and furniture in my own house gave her the idea). Using my daughter’s Nook, I created a facebook page and began posting pictures (really bad pictures) of my work and opened an Etsy shop. I began to hear good things about a product called chalk paint and called my local stockist to give it a try. This is how I met my good friend, Celeste. I called her up and told her how I love paint and even love the smell of it when I open a tin (weird) and I believe it created a bond! Celeste introduced me to Lucketts and the experience of selling from a shop. My world was starting to expand a little and I also started my blog.
I started this blog on a whim one evening and am so glad that I did. I had no real idea what a blog was and hadn’t really ever read one but it was another way to share my work and so I clicked “Publish Post” from a free Blogger site. After teaching myself during the wee hours of the night how to re-design my site on WordPress, I realized that I seriously love webdesign and that actually may be an avenue to pursue in my future. Who knew?! Basically, it has been a huge and fun learning curve and I am still soaking it all in. I need to improve my skills in many aspects but that is part of the fun. Growth is a good thing! I will add that Twitter is still a little confusing to me, Google+ is a total mystery, Instagram is new territory and I just heard the term Vlogger a few weeks ago and sometimes I groan in frustration with it all (yes, A Place for Mom is getting closer…I actually had my kids promise to never put me there. Talk about starting the guilt early!)
I’m happy that I have found a way to contribute to our family and that I have developed new skills and met new friends. My suggestion is that if you find what you love to do – go for it. It can be tiring and overwhelming (try figuring out how to ship a huge dresser to Florida) and – this is important – you will have to let a lot slide as it grows. Basically, I can make dinner every night but don’t expect gravy with the chicken!
Just for a laugh, here are a few pics of my early work and my incredible 😉 photography skills!
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You also know how to express yourself in the written word which really contributes to your other talents. I really believe that the way you approach your audience in a down to earth manner, admit your mistakes, overcome obstacles and tackle role of motherhood, all with a dose of humor all assists with your readers and “fans” to keep coming here in the first place. That and the fact that you are humble throughout the process. Keep up the good work and the fine spirit you show!
Why, I am blushing! Thank you so much for such kind words! I so appreciate it and am happy that you get something positive out of my blog. Cheers!
I enjoyed reading about your start Suzanne-I love reading your blog and am glad you do it! Keep it up and congrats on your success!
Thanks, Darrielle! To you too, my friend!
It warms my heart to know that my crappy photographing of my painted furniture is simply a right of passage 🙂
You are so funny! Try PicMonkey – a great site to clean up and fix any pic. It really has helped me a lot. I plan on really figuring my camera out in the new year. My resolution ha ha!
What a fun story! I’m very impressed that you have enjoyed learning about the wonders of web design. As I get closer to “A Place for Mom”, I find my mind is just not as elastic as it used to be! 🙂
You are sharp as a tack, Robin! Don’t even try that one! A Place for Mom can wait. However…I wonder if they have space for large, musty old furniture and paint cans lol? We can be roomies 🙂
I agree. It is very easy to read, understand and visualize your writing. I appreciate your putting “you” out there for us all to read, all while raising a family. I have been a follower of your blog for a short time, but truly enjoy “spending” time with you. 🙂
Thanks so much, Karen! So glad to have you 🙂
I enjoyed reading this Suzanne.Your early photos? Not so bad! Photography was always my downfall when I was doing “Turkey Hill Road”. I have given up blogging for now but I still enjoy yours! Wishing you continued good fortune!
Hi Tina Marie – photography is still a learning curve for me. Now I have the better camera, I need to really understand all the ins and outs of it. So glad you are still enjoying my blog! I know you gave your blog up but am sure you are still busy creating. Thanks again for following along!
It was so much fun to learn more about you. I’m really excited that you share with us as much as you do because you’ve helped me out so many times with your tutorials and emails. Loved this post.
Thanks, Coco! Glad you get something out of the tutorials. I got a great idea this morning from your blog on the yarn wreath 🙂
Here I thought I was the only one who loved the smell of paint! I love your blog and the down to earth manner in which you put yourself out here for all of us to see and enjoy. You have a great talent in seeing a piece and transforming it into what you saw in your mind’s eye, you’ve given many of us inspiration! Keep doing what you’re doing and I suggest tossing that floppy out!
Thanks, Kelly! There just is something about opening that brand new tin of paint that only we paintaholics can appreciate lol! I am keeping the floppy disk to submit to the Smithsonian in a few years 😉
Yeah, someone else who knows what a floppy disk is! And my teenagers joke (I hope) about the exact same thing! My sweet daughter (I thought) plans on plastering my windows with palm tree posters and telling me I finally have that beach house I’ve always wanted! 😀 p.s. Love all your early dressers.
My kids read the title of the post as if it were written in Chinese – floppy disk? What?! So glad you are getting your beach house soon lol!
I think you and your blog are very charming. Keep up the good work. I have just discovered you and have learned lots already. I have several items needing painting and learning about chalk paint and wax has made me willing to fix them up. Thanks so much….
Thank you, Arden. I’m so glad you are following along and that I am helping you with your paint projects! Nothing can transform a home like paint 🙂
LOL, loved reading this post Suzanne! I think mine may be on one too that you’re not the only one out there that started a blog on a whim and a business doing what you’ve already been doing for years. But I think I’m much closer to “a place for Mom” than you. LOL
Ooops, part of my reply got deleted somehow. It should have read…
I think mine may be on one too – Lord knows where it is. Our stories are similar and It’s always reassuring to learn that you’re not the only one…
Suzanne, great writing! Thank you for a great blog and thank you for sharing painting tips and giving us instructions, tutorials and great photos of your projects. Beautiful things Wednesday is one of my favorites and also love seeing photos of your beautiful children.
Thank you for telling your story. I love it and I think there are a lot of us who are on parrelel paths. When ever I see a painted drawer post in my email box, I’m so excited! You are always so kind to share not only your great furniture, but techniques. And I agree with everyone, you’re a good writer with a good sense of humor. A place for mom! I seriously laughed out loud