Today we’d like to introduce you to Patricia Mitchell
Patricia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I began this journey of creative arts & small business entrepreneur approximately 10 years ago but I’ve always been involved with art & furniture refinishing in one form or another since I was a teen. Ten years ago, my son left for college and I found myself a little lost so I returned to what I love. Art and Furniture Refinishing. I began doing it for myself, then friends and friends of friends until I decided to try my hand at running my own business. I began my business as Cece’s & Patsy’s and recently I took a leap of faith I changed my name, brand and relaunched my website as The Victorian Muse.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
While the idea of running a small business and doing what you love sounds amazing, it isn’t without risks or challenges. It is an extensive learning curve. It is also being able to wear many hats from being your own advertiser exec, promoting & marketing to accountant (handling the books & taxes) as well as being a social media content creator. All the while managing a home & family too. There have been many obstacles but many blessings as well. It isn’t completely without rewards. Being my own boss allows me to be home more to care for my family.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the owner and creator behind The Victorian Muse. I am a creative artist and furniture refinisher. I rescue, restore and refinish furniture. I enjoy giving it new life and saving it from our landfills. I am upcycler & repurposer, I enjoy finding new ways to recreate items with a new purpose from what they were originally designed for. I am certified in Old World Finishes. I have an educational background in art & architectural design. I have over twenty years of experience from apprentice training. My favorite time period is the Victorian Era, so many of my pieces lean towards that style but I do dabble into other art forms. I am also a certified Art Therapy Practitioner. Art has always helped me to heal, cope with & communicate my feelings, I want to be able to offer the same to others in need, to give them a voice and healthy outlet for their feelings & emotions.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is my family. My husband & son of course. But being able to do what I love, offer my creativity to others, bringing joy to their homes with my creations & artwork and furthermore helping others to use the creative process as a tool to heal through the arts well that is my purpose and what I am most passionate about. It’s just a bonus that by reusing and rescuing discarded pieces for my creative work, I’m doing my part to save our landfills & planet.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thevictorianmuse.com/#/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevictorianmuse?igsh=MWE2ZmE3dDZmenp0NA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CeCeandPatsys?mibextid=ZbWKwL
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@VictorianMuse?si=ovFFdcXKhHbIhoG1
