Meet Alissa Clark | Furniture Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alissa Clark and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alissa, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
When I first started flipping furniture, any free moment that I had, I was out in the garage. Between homeschooling and having four children under 9, with activities and just running a household, it became too much! I have since put some specific times in place that are dedicated to flipping furniture and that has helped me create a better balance within our family!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I first began flipping furniture as a way to decorate my home on a budget! I would see pieces that I loved from big box stores, but I knew I couldn’t afford that. So I started thrifting items and using Craigslist (this was before Facebook Marketplace) to find cheap, quality made pieces for my own home. I then started to get compliments from friends who really encouraged me to make it more than just a hobby! I started with their pieces and pretty soon, I had a business without even realizing it!

Once I realized that I had a business, I started to really challenge myself with new techniques and different products. Through many failures, I have developed a system and truly been able to hone my craft. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t any more challenges, but I have been able to reduce those challenges and setbacks greatly! The greatest lesson that I have learned through redoing furniture is that prep is key! You must scuff sand and clean the piece really well before any primer or paint hits the piece! Also, using quality products greatly increases the adhesion and durability of the piece!

By posting my work and process on social media and staying consistent, my following has grown substantially! I love adding special details like stencils, decals, lines, and wallpaper to each piece. My vision for each project is to create something truly custom, and one-of-a-kind!

My goal when I first started, was to partner with brands and be compensated for using & sharing their products. I’m so excited to say I am now partnered with some really amazing companies with phenomenal products! I love that I get to share them with my audience all while doing something I love!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh man! We are new to the Dallas area and I feel that we have hardly scratched the surface on all there is to find and experience! We are huge breakfast people and our favorite breakfast place is Yolk! We also love all the museums that the Dallas/Ft Worth area has to offer, especially the Perot Museum! That is a must for any family member or friend visiting! Since we are from the North, we had never experienced a Rodeo before! That has been a highlight of our time here in Texas. We absolutely LOVE The Stockyards!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First, the biggest shout out needs to go to my husband, Alex, who has been my biggest support through this whole process! He has watched the kids so I could finish a project, encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone with different techniques, and driven all over town to pick up pieces for me. And honestly, none of this would be possible without the Lord. He has given my husband patience and the ability to challenge me and given me the courage to put myself out there in a space that can be intimidating!

Secondly, there is such a supportive furniture flipping community, and I’ve learned so much by watching others and trying new techniques and products! Lindsey of @mycreativedays has been a mentor to me when it comes to working with brands and growing my following on social media! She has always been there to answer any question that I have and to push me even when it all felt a little too overwhelming.

Instagram: @homegrovefurnituredesign

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063587522069