Hello, my name is Tina, and I was born and raised in Mississippi, but I have made my home in Alabama for the last 17 years. I received my degree in Interior Design from Mississippi State University and over the years I have worked as a free lance designer and decorator along with raising my four children.
I grew up in a large family and I inherited the creative gene from my dad, who was a gifted oil painter. Growing up, we lived frugally so I learned from a young age how to turn the ordinary into something creative with what little I had. I was always designing and creating something out of the most unexpected items.
For the last 27 years, I’ve enjoyed painting and refinishing furniture, along with an interest in faux finishing that began in the early 90’s. I love teaching others how to create beautiful finishes for their own furniture, and teaching them fun techniques that allow their creative potential to come out.
This has all led me to where I am today; co-owner of a boutique style vintage and antiques shop in Huntsville, Alabama. My business partners, Debra Nilsen, Rand Shaw and I came together as Vintage Market & Paint Studio, where we recently opened our doors on August 31, 2013. The three of us share a love for vintage and antiques and enjoy furniture finishing. We have so much fun, and are always cutting up. We love our customers, and our shop is visited often, if only to get a good laugh!
The exterior view of our shop.
Debra, the quick witted one, Rand the instigator, and me, I just laugh.
I came up with the idea to start a non-profit organization for adults with special needs because I want to do something that will facilitate more job opportunities for these adults; an occupation that will not only provide them with some spending money, but will give them a creative outlet, along with giving them gratifying work that is productive, as well as fulfilling.
My sweet Olivia
A 501-3C, non-profit organization, here in Huntsville has recently approached me, as they would like to add a jobs program and are interested in my vision. The plan is for gently used furniture, donated by locals, to be painted by adults with special needs and then sold. Volunteers will be trained to teach the adults with special needs how to paint and finish furniture, and be on hand to assist them. I am super excited about what the future holds and the tremendous opportunities that will come for those with special needs. I am blessed to get to do what I love and I love sharing what I know with others. To me, it’s all about being a good steward with the gifts and talents that I have been given. This girl won’t bury it, I’m sharing it!
Here is a look around the outside and the inside of our shop.
And here are some things painted in the paint that is MUCH MORE than a chalk type paint! American Paint Company paint is a clay, chalk and mineral based paint and it is wonderful!
Hall tree painted in Ellis Collection; Sackcloth over Waistcoat, sealed with dark wax. Stencil in Freedom Road.
THE ELLIS COLLECTION – Picket fence shelf painted in Treasure Box,
sealed with dark wax.
French Provincial Dresser painted with Blue Jeans, Limoges and Tea Cup and finished with Dark Wax.
Large cross painted in Beach Glass over Rushmore. Medium cross stenciled in Rushmore over Crushed Tea. Small cross is in three painted layers, beginning with a dark brown milk painted base with Dawn’s Early Light and Smoke Signal layered over. All crosses are sealed with Dark Wax with Copper Mica powders mixed in the wax for the small cross and added onto the stenciled laurel wreath with crown and bee embossed detail.
Signboard painted in Rushmore over grey milk painted backgroundwith stenciling in Smoke Signal and Peacock, sealed with Dark Wax.
Nesting tables in Fireworks Red, Desert Cactus, and Saddle with stenciling in Home Plate, sealed with Dark Wax.
You’re an amazing woman. I’m so inspired by your story. Thank you for opening your heart and giving back in such a big way.
Awe, thank you Jennifer for your sweet comment!! So happy that you were inspired, and Olivia is truly the inspiration behind my story… I am truly blessed!
I love you Tina with all my heart and so blessed to call you friend!! Love your heart, your talent, and your shop!! One day me and Miss Mia will make that little drive to see you and your beautiful daughter!! {{HUGS}}
Love you to Lori! Thank you for such kind words… and Olivia and I would love for you and Mia to come see us!!! <3<3<3
What a beautiful story and I love your shop- looks like a place you just have to go in and see what’s inside!:) thanks for sharing your story with us!
You are so welcome Mary… and thank you for the kind words!
Love your store Tina! I think it all looks great…nice work and inspirational story.
Thank you so much Karen!