We recently connected with Kristina Thrasher and have shared our conversation below.
Kristina, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
As a young child, I was always drawn to old things, such as furniture, houses, ect. I would always find myself looking past whatever the current state was and seeing the potential of what things could be. I also had a love for buildings and big cities, which is why I ended up studying architecture in college.. As much as I loved architecture itself, I found over time that I had a passion that went deeper than just the structural side of buildings. I was drawn to color, textures, textiles, and decorative finishes that could all tie a space together and give it that “wow” factor. Because of that, I found myself thrifting old furniture and teaching myself how to update it to fit my bold and colorful style.
It’s been well over a decade since I started doing that, and little did I know then that I would make a full time career out of it. What started as a hobby for myself turned into a small side hustle as a booth vendor at a local antique store, where I began to showcase my work. As my skill level progressed, I found myself looking into becoming a retailer for boutique paint lines to help offset the cost of the products I was using myself. This resulted in me taking on another booth location and ultimately shifted my love of painting furniture into something more. I began to put myself out there on social media, doing live training videos and tutorials to help people who wanted to learn to do it themselves. I would always say that if I could do it, then anyone could, and I was there to help keep people from learning some hard lessons like I had when starting out. Interacting with like-minded people helped not only to build up my confidence, but my skill level as well. I began to turn basic furniture painting and refinishing into physical works of art.
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.
I started painting furniture well over a decade ago as a way of furninshing our home. I was a stay-at-home mom loved the thrill of finding a thrift store piece and making it mine by painting it a bold color. As a matter of fact, the very first piece I ever painted was a Mid Century Modern credenza and I painted it fire engine red! That piece had me hooked!
Fast forward a few years, at the age of 36, I was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm. I elected to have full-on brain surgery in hopes of a true “cure.” That was where so many things in my life began to change. I began “painting” furniure as more of a means of healing, and over time, I began to see a part of myself in every piece I touched. I felt that I was given new life after surgery, and it made me want to continue giving new life to old, dated pieces.
I have a true passion for seeing the potential in pretty much everything I come in contact with. Because of that, and a lot of validation from friends, family, and even strangers, I started my business, re-PURPOSED-ful, as a “hobby.” Little did I know that in just 5 short years, I would go from being a first time booth vendor in an antique mall, to owning my very own storefront, where I am able to do what I love every single day!
At re-PURPOSED-ful, I am a retailer for two boutique paint lines, Dixie Belle Paint Company and Paint Couture Paint, as well as Scrubby Soap, Zibra Brushes, and Undead Hardware, with hopes of adding more product lines. I love to do texture work, which I showcase in my store along with pieces of furniture that I have refinished. I want my store to be a source of inspiration for anyone who walks in. I also offer classes, workshops, and private lessons, and can be commissioned for custom work.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
I think the biggest mission I have driving my creative journey is literally finding myself. I struggled for many years with what my true “purpose” in life was, but I can honestly say that I have found it by getting to do what I love to do every single day. I have pushed myself to continue to learn and grow as an artist. I love being able to take what I have learned over the years and pass it along to others just starting out. I have been blessed with the ability to connect with so many people all over the world through teaching live on platforms such as Facebook. I have found a community of artists and creatives that have become an extension of my family, and for that I am so grateful.
Because of this, I want to continue to grow my circle of creative connections. I am continuing to teach in person at my store, as well as online. I also have begun hosting Pop-Up Markets at my store where local crafters and artisans have a place to come and showcase and sell their work. I am loving meeting so many like-minded creatives local to me!
Have you ever had to pivot?
I would say the biggest pivot in my career came this time last year. One of the stores I was a booth vendor in decided to close their doors after 3 years. The owners knew that we had joked around about maybe having our own store one day, but never in a million years did I think that they would approach my husband and I with the potential to stay after their business closed. They put us in contact with the landlord and boy did things move quickly! I could not believe that we were actually going from me having a hobby to running a full-fledged business in a matter of months, If I’m being honest, after 9 months of being open, I feel like we are still pivoting. and always trying to find what works and what doesn’t with what I do, I can be a bit of a control freak, so I’m learning to be flexible every single day, which is extremely important when running a business.
Contact Info:
- Website: re-purposed-ful.com
- Instagram: @re.purposed.ful
- Facebook: facebook.com/re.purposed.ful