We were lucky to catch up with Alice Adams recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alice, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?
When I think about the legacy I hope to leave behind, the most important part for me is being remembered as a mom who not only successfully ran a business and invested in real estate but also prioritized her children and was deeply involved in their lives. Balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood is no small feat, but I’ve always believed that it’s possible to nurture both my career and my family in a way that honors both.
I want my children to see that it’s possible to be a strong, independent woman who builds her own success while being present for the people she loves most. I hope they remember me as a role model who taught them the value of hard work, perseverance, and investing in their future—both financially and emotionally.
Ultimately, I want my legacy to be one of balance: a woman who proved that you don’t have to choose between professional achievement and being an engaged, loving parent. I hope to inspire my children, and others, to believe that with the right mindset and dedication, you can achieve your dreams without sacrificing what matters most.
Alice, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I began my journey in the workforce after college in the nonprofit sector, but I quickly found that it was difficult to maintain stability in that environment due to the high turnover. After being laid off from a job, I went to a yard sale with my mom and sister, where a woman was selling furniture. It sparked a thought in me: *I could do that*. I bought a set of nesting tables from a thrift store, painted them, and sold them the next day. That was the moment I realized I had a passion for transforming furniture, and I began to see the potential in turning it into a business.
Though I briefly returned to the corporate world, my growing furniture business quickly became overwhelming. Eventually, I made the decision to leave the corporate sector and focus full-time on growing my business. What started with painting and restoring furniture eventually evolved into one of our core offerings: kitchen cabinet painting, which continues to be the bread and butter of our business.
In addition to our furniture and cabinet painting services, we also have a retail store that doubles as an event space. This space allows us to host crafting workshops for both kids and adults, helping people tap into their creativity and learn new skills. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see people come together, have fun, and walk away with something they’ve made.
What sets us apart is not just our ability to transform spaces, but our commitment to creating meaningful, hands-on experiences. Our workshops and events create a sense of community while allowing us to connect with our customers in a more personal and engaging way. I believe that it’s this combination of high-quality work and genuine connection that makes us stand out.
What I’m most proud of is the way my business has grown while still maintaining my focus on family. I’ve always strived to create a balance between my professional aspirations and being present for my children, and I’m proud that I’ve been able to achieve that.
To anyone considering working with us or following along on our journey, I want them to know that our work is driven by a passion for creativity, craftsmanship, and community. We don’t just provide a service; we create experiences that leave a lasting impact. My brand is about more than furniture or home makeovers—it’s about building connections, empowering others, and showing that it’s possible to achieve your dreams while staying true to what matters most.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
My business partner is my husband, and yes, I’ll admit—sometimes it feels like working with him is like spending *all* the time in the world together… but no time at all. We’re constantly together, but with both of us juggling tasks, it’s easy to feel like we’re passing ships in the night. It definitely comes with its challenges, but honestly, I wouldn’t want to do it any other way.
When I first opened my storefront, I had a business partner who wasn’t my husband. And let’s just say, that didn’t last long. I quickly learned that it wasn’t the right fit for me. But when my husband and I started working together, it just clicked. We’re both working towards the same goal and the same “pot,” so there’s a sense of unity and shared purpose that drives everything we do.
In the early days of my business, my husband, who was then my boyfriend, thought I was a little crazy—picking up furniture from the trash and trying to make a profit. But when he saw people lining up online to buy the pieces I was creating, he started to see the potential. Eventually, he jumped in and began painting with me, and from there, we’ve been able to achieve so much together. Our strengths complement each other, and I think that’s why we’ve been able to grow the business so successfully.
Working with my husband allows us to stay aligned and support each other through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. We’re in this together, and that shared vision and commitment is really what has made our partnership—and our business—thrive.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy to date has been word of mouth. Even through all the money we invest into marketing and social media campaigns we run we cannot beat the peer to peer marketing. People want to find contractors from others who have had good experiences and people who can be trusted.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.renubyalice.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renubyalice/?hl=en
- Facebook: @renubyalice
Image Credits
Alexis Wood