Kerry Willetts, a 45-year-old stay-at-home mom of three from Staffordshire, England, has found success as a “furniture flipper” by refurbishing old furniture pieces for profit. Starting in 2021 on a commission basis, customers would provide Willetts with old pieces that needed some extra love. Originally looking to make some extra money, Willetts discovered a passion for upcycling furniture and turned it into a successful business. She would recover furniture items for around $215-$325 and return them to customers within a few weeks, creating meaningful pieces with sentimental value.
One of Willetts’ most memorable projects involved a bureau made by a customer’s granddad that held sentimental value. After painting the piece and adding an art deco design, Willetts returned it to the original owner, showcasing her ability to give new life to meaningful items. Over time, Willetts began taking in items that were going to be discarded and transforming them into unique pieces with her own touch and design. Despite the condition of some pieces, Willetts believes that with vision, she can unlock the true potential of almost any furniture piece.
Her creativity and talent have allowed Willetts to turn a profit from flipping furniture, with one piece selling for approximately $1,000 after she added her own design. Her favorite piece to date is a cabinet with a sunburst design inside, showcasing her ability to breathe new life into old items. With over 87,000 followers on her social media flipping account, Willetts is able to showcase her designs and connect with a wider audience. She finds joy in her creative job, which allows her to work around her family and continue pursuing her passion for upcycling furniture.
Willetts shared that she never considered herself a craft person but fell in love with upcycling furniture. By seeing the potential in even the most beaten-up pieces, she has been able to create unique and meaningful items that resonate with her customers. Her ability to breathe new life into old furniture showcases her talent and passion for her work. As she continues to grow her business and share her designs with a larger audience, Willetts is able to combine her love for creativity with her role as a mother and caretaker for her family.
