Today we’d like to introduce you to Margie Puchalski.
Margie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My husband and I relocated to SW Florida from Cleveland, Ohio because my Mom’s health was in decline. I knew that her days of living independently were coming to an end. I had a 30 year career in corporate Marketing and Business Development for primarily Fortune 500 manufacturing businesses. The job market in Florida is very different, with most businesses being either healthcare or hospitality/tourism. It took me a couple years to discover how to marry my work experience with my passion to create a viable income.
While my career work was centered around sales and marketing, my college degree is in Interior Design. Since a young age, I’ve loved everything about interior space transformation. Just ask my mom, who says I would rearrange my bedroom constantly to achieve a new “look”.
I started with my own bedroom in our new home in Florida. We had brought down our black bedroom set from Ohio, which worked perfectly there. Here in Florida it felt heavy, dark and depressing. Too much of a contrast from the bright shining sun streaming in the windows daily. I had to change it.
So I found a set that worked for our new layout and painted it a two-tone combination of creamy white and light beige that highlighted the details of the set. It was a vintage solid wood set I bought from Facebook Marketplace for $250. Once finished, it was a one-of-a-kind custom set that fit our space and decor perfectly. My friends and family were very encouraging and in awe of the transformation.
I gradually started doing more pieces, for friends, for neighbors and family, then to re-sell and make a little extra fun money.
Hurricane Ian had forced my favorite local used furniture store to close. It was the kind of place I could see myself owning one day. I decided to reach out to the owner to express my sadness over her damage and state of affairs due to the hurricane and she asked if I’d like to take over the business. I jumped at the chance.
From May 2022 through October 2022, all I did was paint, paint, paint. I reopened the doors on November 1, 2022.
It was a leap of faith. Faith in MYSELF primarily. Could I work for myself instead of someone else? Could I learn how to run and manage a small business? Would I make enough to cover the high rent and expenses and still contribute enough to cover our bills at home? Will I find enough furniture regularly that people want?
It’s been two years and I could write a book about the lessons I have learned, the people I have met and helped, the mistakes I have made and the hurdles I have overcome. It’s true when “they” say you’ll never work harder than when you work for yourself. What “they” don’t say (which they should) is that there is no greater sense of pride and accomplishment than running your own business and making a difference in your customers life and well being.
Here we are two years later and I’ve just signed a lease for a new space that is twice the size of my current space. It is in a better, more visible location and closer to my home. I’m excited to see how the business morphs and changes!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Is any small business very smooth? 😂 The biggest struggle is making it through the summer. The majority of my business has traditionally come from snow birds who have just purchased their second home and don’t want to break the bank furnishing it. They are acutely aware that furniture made today is not made the same as it was in “the good ol days”. They seek used furniture out and find me. When they learn I can transform it, it’s a match made in heaven. Summers are a challenge because (generally speaking) relocating working families that are moving here on a regular basis come from the “throw away” generation. They think IKEA is a cool concept. Buy a piece of furniture cheap and when it breaks, just buy a new one.
Another challenge is finding help that is dependable and passionate about quality refinishing and work. Painting is all about the details. I also have artwork and decor that I sell in my store. There is a lot of work that goes into to curating it, displaying it and making it look and feel new.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The most common phrase I hear from first time visitors is, “I wish I would have come here first”. When you walk into our used furniture store, you are met with beautiful coastal colors and fabrics and the smell of “new”. The colors are bright, yet tasteful, the furniture is clean and crisp and the feeling of quality is inherent. “Your prices are great!”, often follows. I pride myself in being a great value.
In addition to offering quality used furniture, we also offer custom refinishing. You can bring us (or we’ll pick up and deliver) YOUR furniture and we will refinish it exactly as you envision for your space.
In addition to painting, we can refinish, repair, add distressing, glazing, and design treatments. If you can envision it, or show us a picture of what you want, we can do it.
We are proud to use Benjamin Moore professional grade paint and Old Masters sealing products. That way you don’t have to wax or maintain our beautiful work. It will last for years and years to come.
Not sure where to start? We also offer affordable and practical Interior Design consultation, We even do house visits!
We stand 1000% behind our work. We will work tirelessly until you are completely satisfied.
How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happiest is when a client either finds that perfect piece in my store or we refinish it for them and they are beyond just pleased, they are elated.
Our homes are our oasis from this crazy world that we live in. It’s our sanctuary. The place where we can just _be_. When I add to that place with my work that makes that space perfect for them, that feeling is indescribable. It’s so many emotions wrapped up in one. I am a giver, so it completes me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @reclaimedlivingnp
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GmbMsR1U1/?mibextid=wwXIfr
