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

MaryKate, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Honestly, I started with zero knowledge. I didn’t even know how to use power tools. However, I had a deep love for items that were antique or vintage and a fascination for how things used to be manufactured or built in the past. I wanted to bring the absolute beauty I found in hand hewn furniture and vintage styles to others.

I started learning by picking a piece, which in my case was a World War 1 era gate leg end table, and starting to refurbish it. Googling my way through different sandpaper grit meanings, how to get smooth coats of paint and a flawless clear coat. I have always learned better hands on and I tried different brands and methods until I figured out what I liked.

Looking back I definitely wish I would have become more involved in woodworking and furniture refinishing Facebook groups earlier. It has become one of the best ways for me to learn about new products, tips and tricks, and help give me the resources to try and learn new skills to improve my efficiency in the workshop. I would tell my beginner self to not be so stubborn to do it alone and use other resources and people to help me grow. I was my own biggest obstacle.

The skills that have been the most essential in my growth would have to be my woodworking skills. I make it my mission to tackle the rough pieces of furniture that most refurbishers will not take due to condition. The ability to be able to dismantle a piece, repair, replicate, replace parts that need it and put it all back together was a skill that has taken time to learn but was essential to my success and growth.

MaryKate, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I have always had an interest in woodworking but focused on my career instead. Touch of Teal started on a 4’ x 4’ apartment balcony at the beginning of the pandemic when like many, I found myself suddenly out of work. With an inability to sit still and a sudden realization of how much we throw away that can be reused, Touch of Teal was born.

I regularly put out new pieces on my website, Instagram and Facebook. I also take on custom projects where I can change a piece of furniture you already own to a new style, restore a family heirloom, or help source and design your dream statement piece for your home. If you are a lover of vintage décor and glassware then you will love my Etsy page! On Etsy I offer vintage finds to help you decorate your home with a little piece of history.

If you are a furniture refurbisher like me, a beginner who doesn’t know where to start on a piece or even just someone dreaming of getting your hands into woodworking one day then the last service I offer will be right up your alley. Touch of Teal is coming to YouTube with tutorials, walk throughs on my projects, tips and trick videos and much more awesome content.

One of the things that sets me apart is that I do not have a style. This allows me to be extremely versatile for my clients. I take pride in being able to rock a shabby chic style piece as much as a modern style piece. I’ve done rustic, bohemian, eclectic and everything in between. If a client is looking to simply have an antique or vintage heirloom restored to its former glory I can absolutely do that as well. Restoration is one of my favorite services that I offer.

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

Touch of Teal’s goal is simply to reduce, reuse and recycle. I achieve that by taking pieces that are earmarked for the landfill, repairing, repurposing, or refurbishing them and putting them back out into the world more beautiful and modern than when I received them. I hope giving these beautiful pieces a new life and a new look will help them live for another 100 years. I also work diligently to make sure items both in my workshop and my packaging are reused or recycled. Even my bubble wrap I get second hand from local custom blind and shutter retailers.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The aspect of my work that lights me up is when I have the chance to connect with a customer on a piece I have created. Seeing their reaction and excitement when they find the perfect piece to tie their room together really makes it worthwhile. There is also a deep nostalgic aspect when customers look at my work and it reminds them of how their dear loved one may have owned a piece exactly like it. I enjoy being able to mix the older styles of the furniture with a new modern twist that makes customers want to bring these styles back into their home for the memories and sheer joy that it brings to them. The meaningful interactions I have keeps me going and makes me so appreciative that I have the opportunity to be in this business.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.touchofteal.shop
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/touchoftealupcycling/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/touchoftealupcycling
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLY-rwyS22cOi12zY5FGcw
• Other: Process Videos on Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@touchoftealupcycling?lang=en Vintage Goods Sold on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TouchofTealUpcycling