Rising Stars: Meet Holly D’Amico

Today we’d like to introduce you to Holly D’Amico.

Hi Holly, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers. 
My family has always been in the furniture business. I grew up in Virginia Beach and my mom worked at a furniture store that was owned by a man that my grandparents supplied furniture for. They would bring large truckloads of furniture from Hickory, NC, to the store in Virginia. 

I would spend time in the store with my mother, and in summertime, I would ride back to Hickory in the truck and spend my break with them at the flea markets. 

I grew up in flea markets and going thrift stores every weekend, and it’s always been a passion of mine! 

In 2016, I decided to try my hand at flipping and hand-painting furniture. I quickly determined that hand painting was going to be too slow of a process, 

So, I learned to paint and spray lacquer invested in proper industrial equipment, and slowly grew my business into what it is now! This is my 8th year transforming vintage furniture into the new creations you see on my page! 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Oh my gosh, I think I could have a different answer for this question every day! Haha! 

I would say my challenges have definitely evolved from starter business challenges to mature business challenges, and I am constantly trying to find a way to pivot. 

When I first started out, my challenges were things like getting my name out, what to charge, and what to say yes and no to. Then, I reevaluated my business plan to get it narrowed down to what I do really well and what I don’t do really well, and I was able to identify those things. 

As my business evolves, I have dealt with so many different issues on different levels. From workspace changes to space growth. In 8 years, I’ve gone from splitting and subletting space to a 4,000 sq foot shop completely on my own, and that means all responsibility falls on me to take care of things. So, it can be tough to make sure I’m covered! 

I’m always updating my policy online for my business model because if you had asked me on day one what clients would try to do, I wouldn’t have guessed most of the things that are in my policy now. 

A big challenge for small businesses, in my experience, is setting policies in place to cover yourself because you absolutely will need it. Unfortunately, you can’t know what policies to put forth until you run into these things with clients. So, it’s a constant evolution of anticipating needs and preparing for those issues. 

Also, just the physical work of being a one-woman show refinishing 6 to 8 pieces of furniture at a time, as well as handling your social media, bill pay, answering emails, and taking appointments. I only have one body- so it can get challenging at times to keep up and stay healthy! 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At Re:New I offer custom furniture, restoration, and lacquer paint services. I have an Instagram and Facebook page where I offer raw unfinished pieces for clients to choose from. 

I work with them on color and finishes, and I provide color consultation and help people dream up a new fun piece for their space! 

I also offer client-owned services where people can submit pieces of furniture that they already own, and I will refinish or lacquer that for them as well! 

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I personally can’t say that I’ve worked with a mentor in person. 

However, I have changed my “mental diet” as I call it, as a business owner. 

I try to follow and take advice, read books, and listen to podcasts of other leaders or business owners that I resonate and connect with. 

I cut out reading or listening to people whose advice I don’t care for or practices I don’t connect with. 

Comparison can be really damaging, and I honestly have never been one to compare myself or my business to anyone else- but I do think that it is healthy to really take as much information and knowledge from people who can impact your business and life in a positive way. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.renewhomecharlotte.com
• Instagram: @renewhomeclt / @renewhomeclt_inventory
• Facebook: Re:New Home Charlotte

Image Credits
Shannon King