We recently connected with Monserrat Celaya and have shared our conversation below.

Monserrat , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

As someone who has always had a passion for art and wanted to be an artist I feel like I am finally happy that I got the chance to come back into the art space. It’s really nice to fully emerse myself in something that I really like and furniture is one of the projects that I’m currently working on, but that’s not the end goal for me. Furniture is the door for me to showcase that I’m more than this and that I am creative enough to not only paint things but also express my ideas and passion for art.

Although I have been doing this for about 5 years it’s not as stable as I would want it be and that causes me to rethink getting a regular job. Furniture refinishing has been something that a lot of people have been recently jumping into and that’s ok but its really not about just flipping things based on what’s trendy its about actually doing a really good job and choosing something timeless so these pieces are out of that cycle of ending up in the landfill, and that is my ultimate goal and why I took on this huge project. While doing this I am able to create something sustainable. It might not seem like I am doing a lot but one less piece of furniture in the dump is better than nothing.

I do this full-time but its hard, sometimes I really do struggle financially and that’s why I think a lot of artist have to end up going back to a regular job. What I do is very expensive and requires a lot of work but it is very rewarding when I see my masterpiece. I do miss the stability of a regular job but I also remember how limited and closed off I was from the creative world and not really doing what I like. It’s a question that I ask myself everyday but then I have to remind myself that if I don’t continue I will forever wonder what could’ve been and thats just not fun.

Monserrat , 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?

My name is Monserrat Celaya and I am an artist who started a vintage furniture business 5 years ago called Vintage Gems Denver. I specialize in creating timeless statement pieces that will last a very long time. I have always loved art and furniture opened up the doors to coming back into that space and making a living off it that supports my family, I got into this business as a hobby that only lasted 2 weeks and after that I took it more serious and continued to make pieces that people loved. I love color and feel like the world is loosing it as time passes so once you see my pieces you’ll know that I am not scared to use it!

I source a lot of vintage furniture from mid century modern, faux bamboo, antiques, French pieces and post modern, I also refinish client owned pieces like family heirlooms and anything vintage that is wood. Ive taken airbnb projects for anyone who is working on furnishing an airbnb you’re able to customize the piece to your liking and have something that will be unique and last a long time in your property. I am almost always up for a project and I especially love when I get to do something bold and unique.

I am also about to start my instagram page that will showcase my art and bring a new and meaningful perspective on the beauty of life, philosophy and nature.

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

After doing this for so many years full-time I have to say that you really have to work on yourself, if your mind isn’t strong enough you won’t make it in a business because its not easy and its an emotional rollercoaster. I like to read a lot of books but one that really changed my perspective was the Rosicrucian Principles for the Home and Business by H. Spencer Lewis it really helped me solve everyday business problems and also things at home. I am also very big on metaphysical books as well as philosophy to keep me motivated and focused on my goals. I also recommend reading think and grow rich because it helps alot with self development and gives good insight on how to set yourself up for success.

Grounding yourself is very important so a resource that helped me a lot was going out to nature, believe it or not but that really puts you in a different perspective, It allows you to think beyond yourself, your problems and your worries. Sometimes your just need to reconnect with it, at the end of the day we are not machines we are humans and require moments of peace.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I have a lot of goals that I truly feel at the bottom of my heart that I will achieve, for example I see myself becoming big and more known as someone really creative and artistic. I know that this will all be worth it at the end and that all the happiness and joy that i’ve brought people will reflect on me. That keeps me going, the high of that feeling and people recognizing what I have to offer.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://vintagegemsdenver.com
• Instagram: @vintage_gems_denver

Image Credits

for the main photo I want to credit @chezmemevintage for the gorgeous rug in the photo!