We recently had the chance to connect with Michelle Diamond and have shared our conversation below.
Michelle, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
The most surprising thing I’ve learned about my clients is that they ALL appreciate the arts.
While creativity comes naturally to me, I’ve learned that it’s often a difficult process for most people. Most people can’t imagine a leopard seat with a floral back, but somehow, I know it works. They trust my process just from following me on social media.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Michelle Diamond, and I own a micro business called Shuffle Furnishings.
Our mission is simple. We take antique, vintage, old and ugly furnishings and turn them into functional pieces of art. We are firm believers in keeping your grandma’s chair out of the landfill and turning it into your favorite piece of furniture. We use custom fabric to make sure our clients know they have a truly unique and one-of-a-kind item.
We’ve created amazing bespoke furnishings over the years. Marilyn Monroe, Taylor Swift, Frida, Dahli, Jimmy Buffett, Mermaids, Flamingos, and Sea Horses just to name a few subjects.
We love that our clients see the importance of repurposing quality furniture. Environmentalism is the core of our business. We also only use ethical fabrics and trim
As a small local business, we support our small local nonprofits. We’ve created chairs and donated proceeds for The Sarasota Players Theatre, Save Our Seabirds, Florida Parrot Rescue, Make A Wish Foundation, Sarasota, The Aids Healthcare Foundation, and many others.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My grandmother Della saw my potential before I could even spell it. She encouraged me the most. She told me yes; I could do everything I questioned. She supported all my endeavors and always found the positives in the negatives.
Even when I didn’t, she knew what I was capable of.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Choosing every day to be a small business and keep going is a continuum. Every time I get a difficult client, every time fabric comes in late, and especially during tax time, I think about giving up. Then I take a minute or a day, and realize how very much I love what I do and how very grateful I am to do it!
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
Energy. Vibes.
When a client has good energy, it manifests in my creative process. I want to make them the most amazing custom piece my mind will allow. It brings me joy to bring them joy.
When a client has negative energy it’s a job. A task I must complete. The joy of creation is overshadowed by bad vibes.
I’m sure most creatives feel this way.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I understand that every morning when I open my eyes, it’s a good day.
Life is short.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shuffle_furnishings/
- Facebook: Shuffle Furnishings
- Other: Shufflefurnishings@gmail.com
https://www.tiktok.com/@shufflefurnishings
