Rising Stars: Meet Mckay Floyd of Smyrna GA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mckay Floyd

Hi Mckay, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started my journey as an elementary school teacher, which taught me a lot about patience and creativity. But by the end, I was completely burnt out on teaching and knew I wasn’t going back the next fall. I began exploring new career options and, during that summer break, realized my 2-year-old needed a new dresser. After searching, I couldn’t find anything I loved for a reasonable price. So, I decided to buy an old dresser on Facebook Marketplace and flip it into exactly what I wanted.

I liked it but knew I could do something even better. So I decided to list the flip back on Facebook Marketplace and try flipping another one. That one project sparked something in me, and I’ve been flipping ever since.

What started as a practical solution for my own home quickly turned into a passion and, eventually, a full-time business. I began with small pieces I could fit into my car and sell locally. At first, I just shared my flips on a whim on TikTok, but to my surprise, people loved them. From there, I grew a social media following, where I connect with others who share my love for transforming thrifted finds into beautiful, modern pieces

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t exactly been a smooth road! When I started, I had no clue what I was doing. I had to learn everything from scratch—what tools to use, how to stage pieces so they’d sell, and even how to properly sand and paint. There were plenty of mistakes along the way (and some pretty ugly flips I’d rather forget).

Being a one-person operation has its challenges too. I don’t have a truck or anyone to help, so getting big pieces home or delivered is always an adventure. Plus, I’ve had a young child at home with me most days, which makes juggling everything even harder.

There have also been moments where I’ve put hours into a piece and wondered if it would sell or worked on something I wasn’t super excited about just to keep the momentum going. But at the end of the day, I love the process and seeing how far I’ve come. The wins—like turning a $25 dresser into a $500 piece or connecting with people who love my work—make all the struggles worth it.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a furniture flipper and DIY enthusiast, transforming thrifted or outdated pieces into modern, one-of-a-kind designs. I specialize in giving old furniture a fresh, updated look—think Anthropologie vibes without the hefty price tag. What I’m most proud of is turning this passion into a full-time business while balancing life as a mom and running everything solo.

I think what sets me apart is my ability to see potential in pieces most people might overlook. I love taking something worn out and making it feel stylish and relevant again, whether it’s a $50 chest turned into a $900 showpiece or a dated cabinet turned into a chic modern accent. I also share the process on social media, giving people an inside look at the reality of flipping furniture—from the hard work to the creative wins.

It’s not just about the furniture for me—it’s about the story behind each piece and the joy it brings to my customers. Hearing how much someone loves their new piece or seeing how it transforms their space is what keeps me motivated. Plus, building a community online of people who love thrifting and DIY as much as I do has been an incredible bonus.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I love most about Atlanta is how big it is and how much there is to do! Coming from Birmingham, Alabama, it feels like there’s always something new to explore—amazing restaurants, cool thrift stores, festivals, and so much more. It’s a city with so much energy and variety, and I love that.

The thing I like least? Definitely the traffic. It feels like no matter where you’re going, you have to plan for it—and even then, it’s always unpredictable.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designsbymckay/profilecard/?igsh=aGN3c3Qzb2llbDYz
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@designsbymckay?_t=8ruuxfIJblG&_r=1

Image Credits
McKay Floyd