Today we’d like to introduce you to Devon Paige.
Devon, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Nu Vintage Market started when I was a college student at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, FL. I had just started graduate school in pursuit of my Master of Architecture degree and I was living alone for the first time. I wanted new furniture for my new space, but I couldn’t afford it. As an aspiring architect, I’d always been a creative and I was good with my hands so I decided to use my skills for something different. My mentors and friends gave me living room furniture a few years prior when they graduated, so instead of purchasing new furniture, I decided to repurpose what I already had. I posted a video of the finished product on Facebook and to my surprise, many people expressed an interest in getting their own furniture repurposed.
However, because I was busy with school, none of this came to fruition until a few years later. I moved to Atlanta after I graduated and started my career in architecture. No longer being confined to the strict, non-stop schedule of an architecture student left me with plenty of free time so I turned back to my old habits of DIY. My first project was a desk that I painted just for fun. Just like last time, the public response on social media was unbelievable. My friend, Kenyada, told me that I should start buying thrifted, gently used furniture, repurpose it, and sell it at market rate. I thought this would never work, but decided to give it a try. As of March 23, 2020, two years later, I will have repurposed more than 50 articles of furniture.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The journey hasn’t always been easy. I learned very quickly that while I’m a creative and I have the skills and eye to repurpose a beautiful piece, I’d rather not participate in the process of selling the furniture. I have a personal attachment to all of my work and it offends me when someone tries to offer me less than what my work is worth. I also work full time as an architect so I have to make time to have a career and a business that is separate.
Nu Vintage Market – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Nu Vintage Market specializes in restoring timeless furniture at a reasonable and affordable price. My company is most known for taking traditional furniture, giving it a ‘Nu’ look, but maintaining all of the classical elements. I am most proud of what my clients have to say about my work. Having someone tell me that they love what I have done to their space is a priceless feeling. It makes me want to continue to do this for years to come. What sets NVM apart from others is that the furniture is still affordable. It is easy to go to a consignment shop and find pieces that are beautiful, but most times they are overpriced. NVM started because I wanted new furniture, but couldn’t afford the showroom price. I like to believe that the common consumer has “champagne taste on a beer bottle budget” so I consider all factors when pricing my furniture and affordability is one of the most important factors.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success as happiness. Happiness could be many things, but for me it defines something that I can always be proud of even in the hardest of times. As it pertains to Nu Vintage Market, my happiness is knowing that someone loves and admires what I’ve been able to produce for their space. I want my work, talent, and craftsmanship to be synonymous with my name and what I represent.
Contact Info:
- Email: nuvintagemarket@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/nuvintagemarket
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/nuvintagemarket
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