How long have you been in this industry?
I started exactly 10years ago, when I needed flexibility with the kids, At that stage I had totally furnished my house by buying furniture and making it my own…I transformed my kitchen cabinets. 

Did you have another career before this one?
I was full-time stay at home mom to three kids.

When did you decide to go into business for yourself?
I wanted to get back working but I needed the flexibility with the kids, at that time it was 3 different schedules and schools. So I bought a quart of paint and started a Facebook page exhibiting all my work I had done for myself and close friends and family…the rest is history.

What appealed to you about this industry?
I stumbled upon the brick and stone staining by accident. My sister had an ugly brown brick fireplace with gold, which we decided to tackle. I totally transformed and updated her entire room. Still looks fabulous.

What has been the biggest obstacle to being a woman in business?
You're going to laugh at this one…my Irish accent. People love us in their homes, especially after COVID. A lot of people are still working from home. A lot of customers are female so they feel comfortable with us coming in, plus we pride ourselves in our prep. We cover walls, furniture, everything with plastic.

Who has been your biggest inspiration?
My dad. He owned his own business, he was antique and furniture dealer. So way back in the day we use to help with french polishing furniture. I would restore old Pepsi and Cokesigns, so you can say it's in the blood.

What is the most rewarding thing about what you do?
Seeing the reaction on home owners faces. Folks saying they wished they had done it sooner. I still get Christmas pictures of their fireplace decorated as they love it that much.

Depending on size we complete our brick artistry in one day no demo, no mess. For exteriors we use stain so it has a vapor barrier so it won't bubble peel or chip Ike paint. It's also so rewarding that you are adding lots of value to a home without spending lots of dollars. Another big plus is it's keeping the landfills empty. These factors all play a role. Going into a customer's house at 9a.m. and leaving at 4p.m. but leaving at 4p.m. knowing our customers are just over the moon.

How do you define "success?"
We don't leave until you love it is our philosophy. We keep tweaking as we go with the customers input. Then maybe they will want their exterior upstyled or their family might reach out or a neighbor. That's success.

What is something you can't live without?
My three little teenage darlings. They are my world. I'm a single mom, so my kids are my be all and end all.

How do you unwind after a stressful day?
Sitting on my deck with a coffee and catching up with my three kids

Upstyle Chique
257 Hobart St.
Pearl River, NY 10965
(917) 705-1736
upstylechique@gmail.com
Facebook.com/upstylechique
Instagram.com/upstylechique

Published (and copyrighted) in House & Home, Volume 23, Issue 8 (June 2023).
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