Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Kelly.
Sarah, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Before starting SoKy Design Studio, I had been searching for a path that felt right for me. At the time, I was working in property management for an amazing company with the best boss I could have asked for, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was meant to build something of my own.
One day, while scrolling through Facebook Marketplace, I came across a beautifully refinished desk. I remember thinking, *”I could do that.”* I had painted furniture before, and coming from a very creative, DIY family, refinishing felt like a natural fit—I had just never considered doing it professionally.
My first refinished piece was a desk, and the moment it sold, I was hooked.
What started as a fun side hustle quickly turned into something much bigger. I spent countless hours learning new techniques, taking on more challenging projects, and sharing my work on social media. As my skills grew, so did my audience and, eventually, my waiting list. When I realized I was booked out weeks in advance, I knew it was time to take the leap and pursue SoKy Design Studio full time.
It was one of the scariest decisions I’ve ever made. Walking away from the security of a steady paycheck came with plenty of fear and uncertainty, but I also had a feeling I couldn’t ignore. I didn’t know exactly how everything would work out—I just knew I had to keep showing up, stay consistent, and trust that if I kept putting in the work, everything else would fall into place.
As the business continued to grow, so did my vision for it. I realized I didn’t just want to refinish furniture—I wanted to build a brand centered around timeless, character-filled homes. I’ve always loved thrifting and the thrill of finding hidden treasures, so adding curated vintage home décor felt like a natural extension of what I was already doing. It allowed me to combine two things I love: giving old pieces a second life and helping people create homes with character and history.
As I shared more of my work online, I never expected social media to become such a big part of the business. What started as a way to document projects has grown into an incredible community of people who share my love for refinishing, vintage finds, and creating homes with character. It’s opened doors and opportunities I never could have imagined when I refinished that very first desk.
If there’s one thing this journey has taught me, it’s that you don’t have to have everything figured out before you start. I certainly didn’t. I just kept saying yes to the next opportunity, kept learning, and kept showing up. Somewhere along the way, I realized I hadn’t just built a business—I had built a life that fit me better.
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?
Overall, it’s been a pretty smooth road with a few speed bumps along the way. One of the biggest adjustments was going from the security of a weekly paycheck to being self-employed, where income depends on projects being completed or inventory selling. Learning how to manage cash flow, budget differently, and plan ahead was definitely a balancing act in the beginning.
Like any small business owner, I’ve also had moments of self-doubt and times when I questioned whether I was making the right decisions. But I’ve learned those feelings are completely normal. I just kept showing up, stayed consistent, and figured things out one step at a time.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At its core, SoKy Design Studio is about seeing potential where others might not.
I specialize in furniture refinishing, cabinet refinishing, and curating vintage home décor, but I don’t see them as separate parts of the business. To me, they all tell the same story. Whether I’m restoring a family heirloom, giving a dated piece of furniture a fresh start, or finding the perfect vintage treasure at a thrift store, I love helping people see the beauty and character in things that might otherwise be overlooked.
One thing I’m especially proud of is the community that has grown around my work. When I first started sharing projects on social media, I simply wanted to document the process. I never imagined it would connect me with so many people who share my love for creativity, restoration, and treasure hunting. Watching that community grow has been just as rewarding as growing the business itself.
I think what sets me apart is that I’m not just focused on refinishing furniture or selling vintage pieces. I’m passionate about helping people create homes that feel collected, personal, and full of character. I also love showing that creativity doesn’t have to be intimidating. Sometimes all it takes is looking at an old piece, or even yourself, and seeing the potential that’s already there.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported SoKy Design Studio over the years. Every customer who trusted me with a piece of furniture, every person who has purchased vintage décor, and everyone who has followed along online has helped make this journey possible.
If I could leave readers with one thought, it would be this: don’t be afraid to try something new just because you don’t know exactly where it’ll lead. I didn’t have a business plan or every detail mapped out when I started. I just knew I wanted to build something of my own and find a path that felt right for me, so I kept taking the next step. Sometimes that’s all you need.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sokydesignstudio.etsy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sokydesignstudio/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088000428503
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SokyDesignStudio
