Repinned Upholstery & Restoration

06/01/2026

When I graduated high school at 17, I thought college was the only path to success. I was so focused on getting a degree and becoming a law enforcement officer that I never really considered what I'd do if it didn't work out.

When that career path ended, I was devastated. I had spent years working toward one goal and suddenly had to figure out who I was without it.

A few years later, I started Repinned. For the first time, things made sense. I found something that fit how my brain works—hands-on problem solving, creativity, building something tangible. What started as upholstery turned into a business, then an apprenticeship program, then speaking opportunities, and eventually two technology platforms.

If you had told 17-year-old me that I'd someday keynote conferences, build a tech startup, study at Harvard, advocate for small businesses and apprenticeships in Washington, D.C., and be traveling to the U.K. this fall to speak at an industry festival, I would have laughed.

None of that was part of the plan.

So if I could give any advice, it would be this: It's okay to fail. It's okay to change directions. It's okay to outgrow the dream you had at 17. College is a great path for some people, but it's not the only path. Skilled trades are for everyone, and success doesn't always look the way you thought it would.

Looking back, I'm grateful things didn't work out the way I planned.

The path I thought I wanted gave me an education.

The path I never expected gave me a life.

05/31/2026

I'm in Washington, D.C. this week representing Iowa at NAWBO Days alongside women business owners from across the country.

As the founder of Repinned Upholstery & Restoration and Renewabl Furniture Inc., I'm meeting with policymakers and industry leaders to discuss the realities facing small businesses, skilled trades, workforce development, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

What stands out is how many of us are working to solve similar challenges:

• Workforce shortages
• Access to capital
• Apprenticeship barriers
• Technology adoption
• Sustainability initiatives
• Supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs and skilled tradespeople

As an upholsterer, I never imagined my path would lead from a backyard workshop in Iowa to conversations on Capitol Hill. Yet here I am, advocating for artisans, skilled trades, neurodiverse entrepreneurs, apprenticeship programs, and the future of our industries.

Small businesses are more than economic engines. We are job creators, problem solvers, innovators, and community builders.

I'm grateful to NAWBO for creating opportunities for women business owners to have a seat at the table and a voice in the conversation. Looking forward to the discussions ahead and bringing what I learn back home to Iowa.

05/30/2026

Every major innovation has faced skepticism.

When automobiles were first introduced, many people preferred horse and buggy. Early cars were expensive, unreliable, and lacked the infrastructure we now take for granted. But over time, the technology improved, regulations evolved, safety standards increased, and society learned how to use it responsibly.

I believe AI is in a similar phase.

As an upholsterer, artisan, and founder of both Repinned Upholstery & Restoration and Renewabl, I understand why people have concerns. New technology often creates uncertainty.

But very few things are entirely good or entirely bad. What matters is how we choose to develop and use them.

I didn't build Renewabl to replace artisans. I built it because I saw talented craftspeople struggling to help clients visualize possibilities, communicate ideas, and compete in an increasingly digital world.

Every day, I see quality furniture discarded because someone couldn't see its potential. If AI can help a homeowner envision a transformation, preserve a family heirloom, support a local artisan, and keep furniture out of a landfill, then that's technology serving a meaningful purpose.

Will AI continue to evolve? Absolutely.

Just as automobiles became safer, more efficient, and more refined over time, I believe AI will as well.

The craftsmanship still belongs to human hands.

The creativity still belongs to people.

The relationships, expertise, and artistry still belong to artisans.

Technology is simply helping us bridge the gap between imagination and action.

The future isn't AI versus craftsmanship.

The future is using innovation to preserve craftsmanship, support artisans, strengthen local economies, and create a more sustainable world.Closing quote for the graphic:

"The first automobiles weren't perfect. Neither is AI. Innovation isn't about perfection—it's about progress."

05/30/2026

Available for customizing!

05/30/2026

05/30/2026

Want more furniture options? Support skilled trades.

Want shorter wait times? Support skilled trades.

Want more local jobs? Support skilled trades.

Want furniture built to last generations instead of years? Support skilled trades.

Want historic pieces restored instead of discarded? Support skilled trades.

Want stronger local economies? Support skilled trades.

Want custom work that reflects your personality instead of a warehouse inventory list? Support skilled trades.

Want sustainable alternatives to fast furniture? Support skilled trades.

Want your children and grandchildren to have the option of becoming artisans, craftspeople, and makers? Support skilled trades.

Every time we choose craftsmanship over convenience, repair over replacement, and local expertise over mass production, we help preserve knowledge, create careers, and strengthen our communities.

Skilled trades don't just build furniture.

They build futures.

05/29/2026

Taking shape.

05/28/2026

Marketplace treasure of the day!