Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kristi Clemmons. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kristi, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I grew up in an mobile home and at the age of ten was already re-painting and re-wallpapering my bedroom. I was painting my furniture multiple coats of oops paint from my local hardware store. So you can say I’ve had paint in my hair from a young age. I’ve just always enjoyed making things pretty on a budget. It wasn’t until much later in life that I started selling my own painted furniture and custom painting OTHER peoples furniture.

Kristi, 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 am a hot mess, nut job that paints furniture so that I don’t throat punch people. It’s my medicine. My therapy. I’ll dumpster dive, curb hop, auction haul, and yard sale furniture and other items, that need some TLC, and turn it into something fabulous! Starting from the young age of 10, I was painting everything my mom would let me. I have since educated myself on sound products and successful techniques that make my side hustle not only fun, but lucrative. I am a mom, wife, full time postal employee that works OT every week, have 4 dogs and volunteer at my kids school (because I’m a pushover and my friend is President of the Band Boosters), so my time is valuable and I try to manage it well. I would say that is my biggest challenge. Filing all the things in the day in an order that is doable and does not take away from my family. Or put me in a mood that requires sugar. lol It is absolutely worth it. My side hustle not only provides therapy for me, but it allows us a little more spending money so I can buy those running shoes or cowgirl boots that I REALLY want, and not the ones that are on sale. My whole family comes together to help with prepping and moving furniture, and even have ideas on color and techniques they think would work. Just today my husband, daughter and I moved a huge dining table set into one of my booths and then went to Sonic and got Route 44 drinks. It’s kind of our thing and we love it!

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The world needs more beauty. I not only mean the beauty of color, but also the beauty of helping one another be successful.
One of my favorite things is talking to people who find me online and start out by saying they could never do what I do, or that they are not creative, or that they don’t know how. When I can inspire someone to pick up a paint brush and put their thoughts, ideas, and feelings onto a piece of furniture……it fills me with such happiness. When you see the light come on in their eyes and see them start putting together a plan to change something they’ve been wanting to change for a while…There is just nothing like it. I love making extra money for my family, but I also love helping others bring more color and beauty to the world. Or at least my small part of it.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

In this line of work you always need to know what colors are selling and what people are wanting to put in their homes. I LOVE color, but not everyone wants a statement piece. Some want more neutral tones, while others don’t want anything painted at all but might have a piece that needs a little TLC. Going to furniture stores help with seeing what colors people are looking for, watching how-to videos on social media platforms can further an education in having a successful furniture painting and renovation business, and finding friends along the way that support and lift you up will keep you motivated when you just aren’t feelin’ it somedays.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://e320treasures.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/e320_treasures?igsh=MXI0aXF6cWtnMmRsag%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/X11nZwsvqkC6pRsK/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@e320treasures7

Image Credits

All of these photos were taken by me and are of artwork I created.