We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Evelisse Flores-Baez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Evelisse below.
Evelisse, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.
I believe that I differ from a corporate or industry standard because what I do can be very personal for a client. They could have an item in their household that is sentimental to them but no longer suits their style or needs. The amount of effort that I put into my work is done with understanding, love, and care. My projects are one of a kind restorations that you won’t find anywhere else and they are also personal. Antique furniture is also better made than new furniture. Having an older piece refurbished could be cheaper than buying a newer piece. Newly made furniture is more likely to have poorer structure.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Before I created Meraki By Evelisse, I was simply attempting to furnish my daughter’s first bedroom. I had no previous experience with refurbishing furniture and I never watched a tutorial. My first project was a mirror. My cousin had a mirror and dresser that belonged to my grandpa who had since passed away. She wanted to freshen up her space with new furniture and we questioned what we should do with his items. Throwing out items that belonged to someone I loved so much did not sit right with me. For years the dresser held his everyday clothes. I remember how one of the shelves on the mirror held up a keepsake from when I was a baby. I think having that keepsake on the mirror was his way of honoring me and keeping his things was a way for me to honor him. I refurbished the mirror to a yellow color with a flower bed on top. It now sits in my daughter’s room holding up a picture of my grandpa. Meraki By Evelisse was birthed out of nothing more than the love for my grandpa. I have two services that require consultation and one service where clients can just shop for a product. I thrift antique real wood furniture and refurbish them to sell. This option is the easiest for clients who are unsure as to what they want. I also help clients thrift a piece that they love and can see potential in. I help them stay within their budget and take the stress out of shopping. Lastly, I can also bring a piece in that a client already has at home and refurbish it in a way that they will enjoy! The main thing I want potential clients to know is that I will always create products that aren’t rushed. I will have attention to detail and take great care with every piece I refurbish.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
The best source of new clients are my friends and family. Simply sharing my posts on social media helps me gain new clients. I also just appreciate the support. Even if you aren’t looking to buy or seek my services, your support means the world to me. At the core of my business is just a woman who found something she loves to do. Refurbishing is a source of calm in my life. It is so nice to be supported in something that genuinely makes me happy.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect is seeing my vision come to life. I love taking before and after pictures. The pictures I take allow me to see the progress I’ve made. I tend to share the journey of my process on social media. I like to show my supporters how I get the work done. I also like to show my supporters that they are capable of refurbishing if it is something they have been interested in! I would love if someone saw my work and it sparked their own journey.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @merakibyevelisse
- Facebook: Meraki By Evelisse