Today we're spending some time with @SerenityDIY, who has been a Creator's Studio member for almost a year.
Why did you join Creator's Studio?
I stumbled upon the Creator’s Studio while scrolling through my DIY Instagram post. I noticed my friends @Chunky Mermaid and @BryanFiveash (DIYdadblog) were posting some exciting post about project challenges. I love to be challenged on a creative level, so this immediately grabbed my attention. As I checked out the site, I was impressed by the supportive community, exciting challenges, resources, and product sampling. I have always loved Rust-Oleum’s products, but never realized how many other product lines are made by them. I was immediately hooked! I love the wonderful support and creative minds of those who belong to this site.
What's your favorite part of the Creator's Studio community?
I’m not sure I can pick just 1 part! I would have to say the support and encouragement for the Rust-Oleum’s team and members are my favorite part of the community. The exciting challenges are a close second! I love to see the creativity and ideas that other members share.
How would you describe yourself/occupation to a complete stranger?
I wear many hats and have a surprisingly wide range of skills. Most importantly, I am a wife and mother to a crazy family I adore. I live with my husband and 3 dogs in the beautiful Pennsylvania Laurel Highlands. We have 3 adventurous children who keep us very busy. We enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, and skiing.
I have been a nurse for 24+ years of my life. My favorite and most challenging nursing experience would be the operating room. I have trained as both an operating room nurse and a first assistant to the surgeon performing both open and closed procedures.
I also own and operate a construction/commercial cleaning/landscaping company. My company is Centerville Enterprises, we do site preparation, landscaping, seeding, planting, mulching, mowing, commercial cleaning, and construction cleaning. I sat for my West Virginia Business and Law and Construction Excavation exams and successfully passed both on my first try. I was awarded a Contractors license for the State of WV based on my own scores and operating in both PA and WV.
I also enjoy DIY projects and restoring furniture with my sister.
What creative areas do you like to focus on?
I enjoy furniture restoration, using reclaimed lumber products, and the challenge of designing new spaces.
What is your favorite Rust-Oleum product? How has it helped with your DIY projects?
I appreciate the variety of spray paint colors and the easy grip handle for spray paint cans. It has helped me craft some beautiful, customized projects in a wide array of trendy colors.
What interests you most about DIY projects?
I enjoy creating something new or bringing something old back to life! Things people would otherwise consider garbage can become something beautiful and useful again.
What's the best DIY project you have completed and how did you accomplish it?
My best DIY project is my reclaimed lumber trash can shed I designed and built. I researched a lot of products that had some heavy price tags. I was not able to pay that much money, so I decided to build my own based on my needs using wood I already had laying around. I drew up plans, cut my boards to size, and built my idea. I then customized it with the paint and stain colors I wanted. It was my biggest hit on my IG page and here at home.
What's the most difficult project you have tackled?
I repainted old wood paneling in my office. It was a difficult process, and the old paneling had to be primed before I could get paint to even stick to it. It was definitely a labor of love, but it turned out great and looks 100% better.
If you could create any type of project (with no limitations), what would you design and why?
I would design a home gym/laundry room that is functional and inspires me. I’m not a fan of laundry or the treadmill, but they are both necessary to maintain health, productivity, and well-being. I would design a space that draws me in and encourages me to look and feel my best every day!
Tell us something about yourself that most people don't know about you.
I love the roaring 20’s. It was both exciting and new, yet simple at the same time. The economy was thriving, and people redefined the traditional arts and culture. If I could go back in time, I think I would have enjoyed growing up in this era.
What's the best advice that anyone has ever given you?
You can do anything you put your heart into. Like many of us, I have faced many barriers and obstacles in life. I was fortunate enough to have a family who has always supported and encouraged me to follow my dreams no matter how difficult the task.
What book(s) are on your nightstand right now? What shows are you streaming?
I read mostly educational books because I enjoy learning new things. I have 2 landscaping manuals that I am currently working through. I would like to learn more about sustainable landscaping using native plants. I don’t watch a lot of TV, but when I do…. it’s the Yellowstone series for me!
What's your all time favorite food?
PIZZA!!!! I’m a sucker for a great slice of that pie. 🍕
Thanks for letting us get to know you, @SerenityDIY!
