Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellen Wuagneux.
Hi Ellen, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
When my kids left for college, I had an empty nest full of outdated but good quality furniture (think golden oak from the 90s). With extra time on my hands, I started upcycling my own pieces. I had no experience and basically, I just learned as I went along. Vintage Key LLC was launched in September 2020 and it’s now my full-time passion.
I consider myself both an artist and a refinisher. There are lots of technical skills that go into updating and repairing old furniture and I do enjoy those challenges, but the creative process is where I tap into my artistic vision for each piece. Choosing a style, paint color, stain, hardware, drawer liner—it’s so fulfilling to bring those elements together to create something brand new and beautiful from something discarded or left behind.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I wouldn’t say the road has been smooth, but I don’t regret any of the challenges I’ve faced, as I’ve grown as a business owner through each of them. I’ve learned the importance of resilience, tenacity, focus and, maybe most importantly, I’ve learned how to pivot. The US economical climate between 2020 and 2025 has been anything but smooth, add in our seasonal shifts here in Florida and our unstable weather conditions and it’s quite a mix!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’ve lived on Siesta Key for 15 years but have been a full-time resident running my woman-owned business here for the last five. I’m proud to be part of Sarasota’s awesome small business community, many of which are owned and operated by women. I’m really inspired by the super supportive, unique and vibrant network of female entrepreneurs in Sarasota, many of whom have become friends.
I’m a vendor in a local retail location in Venice (Venice Mercato), where I have a shop space full of curated and collected artisan vintage items, including my reimagined furniture. I’m proud to be part of an amazing team of local artists and collectors in such a unique marketplace. I also sell my furniture in two stunning boutique locations in Bradenton (Left Coast Sol) as well as in a boutique on Long Boat Key (Driftwood Beach Home) and in Sarasota in a shop called Just/Because. Additionally, I ship my one-of-a-kind furniture across the US via online platforms like Etsy.
A growing part of my business is providing commission services to folks who have an heirloom of their own they’re looking to update. Or they may have a dream piece I’ll hunt down and upcycle for them according to their vision. Usually, we work together to bring the perfect vision to life for them.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t think any role at all! Unless you call last year’s two devastating hurricane surges on Siesta Key bad luck.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vintagekeyfl.com
- Instagram: @vintagekey_fl
- Facebook: @vintagekey_fl
Image Credits
Riant Photography for images of me. All other images are my own.
