The same eye for transformation that allows Sondra Foust to see the potential in a piece of castoff furniture helped the Poplar Bluff, Mo., woman turn a hobby into a full-time business.
Foust recently opened the ReBlessed Boutique at 2170 N. Westwood Blvd., after outgrowing the retail spot she had occupied for more than three years.
With double the space, Foust and store manager Katie Mullins have filled the showroom floor with an interesting blend of old and new furniture.
"Our whole goal has been to teach people how to intermix old with new," Foust said.
She scours estate sales across the country to find solid and unique furniture that can be updated with the help of fresh paint, new hardware and a little repurposing.
"It's a lot of work, but I love what I do," said Foust. "When I look at it, I can see its potential. I love seeing something that's been discarded, transformed."
A mid-century hutch, for instance, received a bright white coat of paint. Fabric with a modern gray and white pattern adds a touch of flare behind the upper shelves.
Other end tables, shelves and furniture scattered throughout the store remain in their original condition.
This allows customers to choose the color and finish of the final product, or even do the work themselves, Foust explained.
Customers can also bring in furniture for custom painting.
"We like to be able to work with our customers," she said.
Foust got started about five years ago by making these pieces for her own home. When word got out, she quickly outgrew her family's home basement and garage.
"It was all by accident. Everything just kind of fell into place," said Foust, who started small, selling to friends and family.
This is the second time Foust has doubled her retail space since moving out of her home.
She has expanded her business to sell the paints and other materials customers need for their own DIY projects. ReBlessed also offers classes to teach others how to complete these projects.
With space to showcase her own creations, Foust has made room for other local artisans.
She carries everything from lotions blended in Van Buren, Mo., to handmade copper jewelry from a family business in Doniphan, Mo., and a line of men's grooming products, including beard oil, from Cape Girardeau, Mo.
This has only been possible with the help of her family, Foust said, including husband, Don, sons, Ryan and Sean, and daughter-in-law, Breanna.
The store is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and can be reached at 573-714-2309.
More information about the store can be found at reblessed.net, which also has painting tips and details on wedding and event services.