Did you know that women make up only about 3% of the home appliance repairers, but they excel in this field? In this episode, I sit down with Mona Sims, the inspiring owner of SSG Appliance Academy. She shares her journey of starting and growing a business that empowers individuals (with a focus on women women re-entering society from incarceration or being victims of domestic abuse and sex trafficking) to learn how to repair appliances and start their own appliance repair businesses.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a DIY enthusiast, or someone curious about exploring a new industry, Mona’s story is full of valuable insights and encouragement. Got a question?? Send me an email.

MENTIONED:

• SSG Appliance Academy
• Watch my vintage dresser makeover on YouTube! 

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• Furniture Painting Classes!
• Join the WAITLIST for my EmPOWER Tools 101 online course!

Support the show

WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools

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I don't know about you...but in this economy, I need a side gig! Have you ever considered selling your refinished furniture on Facebook Marketplace? I've started dipping my toe into selling furniture online, and although it hasn't been very long, I've learned a few important things that you've got to keep in mind before you start selling on Facebook Marketplace! It's a great way to bring in another stream of income in this tough economy, while allowing you to exercise your creative muscle. Let's talk about how to do it right! Have you ever sold your refinished pieces of furniture on FB Marketplace? I'd love to hear your how it's going for you! Send me an email.

MENTIONED:

• Watch my vintage dresser makeover on YouTube! 
• ChatGPT
• Facebook Marketplace

SIGN UP!

• Furniture Painting Classes!
• Join the WAITLIST for my EmPOWER Tools 101 online course!

Support the show

WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools

Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe

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In this episode, I’m sharing my recent struggles with feeling uninspired and disconnected from the projects that used to spark joy for me. Life has been “lifin’,” and honestly, social media hasn’t helped. 

I’ll talk about how anxiety that social media creates shuts down creativity, why taking a step back from social media might be exactly what you need, and the small changes I’m making to protect my creative spark. Let’s take back our creativity, ditch the pressure to "measure up", and create for the love of creating again.

Don’t forget to check out the blog post! Want to share your thoughts on this episode or have a question? Email me serena@ thriftdiving.com or on Instagram @ThriftDiving.

MENTIONED & RESOURCES

• Why We Lose Our Creative Spark - Episode #147
• Join the WAIT LIST for my EmPOWER Tools 101 online course! 

RESOURCES

• Beyond Anxiety - Curiosity, Creativity, and Finding Your Life’s Purpose by Martha Beck (Buy on Amazon)

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• Facebook
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• TikTok
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Support the show

WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools

Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe

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I have a confession: I haven't been feeling very creative lately. I've been working on projects behind-the-scenes, but I haven't felt that same creative spark and excitement. I've felt stuck and absorbed in other things, particularly family matters. It made me wonder if you've felt this way at times, too? What can we do to reignite our creativity? Listen in as I share personal stories on why I think we temporarily lose our creativity and how we can try to bring it back.

Want to share your thoughts on this episode or have a question? Email me serena@ thriftdiving.com or on Instagram @ThriftDiving.

MENTIONED & RESOURCES

• Console Table I Built with a Friend! (YouTube)
• My Son Left for College (blog post)
• BEFORE & AFTER: Hakimah's Bathroom Makeover (blog post)
• Workbench Makeover (Youtube)
• Wiring the Electricity in My "She Shed" (Video)

RESOURCES

• Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe

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Let’s Connect!

• Blog
• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• TikTok
• Twitter

Support the show

WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools

Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe

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I talk a lot about power tools, but I often don't mention all the hand tools that are most important for your DIY toolbox! Join me and listener, Elizabeth, who is a former shop teacher, as we talk about all the hand tools that you should put on your list to invest in for your workshop!

Want to share your thoughts on this episode or have a question we didn't answer? Email me serena@ thriftdiving.com or on Instagram @ThriftDiving.

MENTIONED & RESOURCES

• BEFOER & AFTER Bathroom Makeover! (YouTube)
• Watch all of Bathroom Week! (YouTube)
• Woodpecker Tools
• Festool Tools (affiliate link)
• Rust-Oleum rust remover
• Back saw
• Nail set
• Tape measure with auto-lock and fractions

Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe

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Let’s Connect!

• Blog
• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• TikTok
• Twitter

Support the show

WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools

Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe

Subscribe to my YouTube channel:
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Let’s Connect!

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In this episode,  my friend and I discuss how I got started with Thrift Diving, the evolution of my brand, and the challenges and rewards of running a DIY blog and YouTube channel. From thrift store finds to major brand partnerships, we cover it all. I'm chatting in this episode with Laura Rudder, a loyal Thrift Diving reader turned dear friend. Laura originally interviewed me about personal topics in Episodes #113 and #114, and now she's back to dive deep into the business side of Thrift Diving.

We discuss  Tune in to learn more about my journey, get inspired, and hear some behind-the-scenes stories that shaped Thrift Diving. Don't miss this insightful and fun conversation!

Want to share your thoughts on this episode or have a question we didn't answer? Email me serena@ thriftdiving.com or on Instagram @ThriftDiving.

PODCAST EPISODES MENTIONED

• Getting to Know the REAL Serena Appiah - #113
• Getting to Know the REAL Serena Appiah - #114
• How $400,000 in Habitat ReStore Sales (and Volunteers, Sweat Equity!) Fuels Affordable Homes for Families! - #107

MENTIONED & RESOURCES

• Building a Floating Deck - YouTube
• How to Insulate Your Windows with Plastic - YouTube
• Diary of a CEO Podcast with Stephen Bartlett
• Diary of a CEO: 33 Laws of Business and Life - Amazon
• Haven Conference
• Workbench Con
• Brianna Shelko on Instagram
• How to Use a Jigsaw - YouTube

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Let’s Connect!

• Blog
• YouTube

Support the show

WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools

Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe

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It's hard to believe, but you can get almost anything done if you focus on it for 5 minutes at a time. I've been using this strategy this week to knock out some of my most stressful "MUST DOs" that I have been ignoring. But I'm finding that by setting a time for 5 minutes at a time, and "habit stacking" the chore with something that I am already doing, I've been able to make a ton of progress--all in 5 minutes increments! Listen to see how you can use this strategy to knock out your "To Do" list! Want to share your thoughts on this episode? Email me serena@ thriftdiving.com or on Instagram @ThriftDiving.

MENTIONED

• This Is Why I Haven't Been Posting Much - #143

RESOURCES (contains affiliate links)

• Habit Stacking - (Amazon)
• Atomic Habits - (Amazon)

Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe

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• Facebook
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• TikTok
• Twitter

Support the show

WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools

Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe

Subscribe to my YouTube channel:
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As we approach mid-2024, I've been wrestling with late-night anxieties about unmet goals, unfinished DIY projects, health and family concerns, and more. Today, I share with you why I haven't been posting much, including why things feel like their moving at the pace of molasses! :)

As I share with you my personal thoughts that reads more like a journal entry, I'd love to know if you have (or are!) struggling with some of these concerns, too! Share your own story and thoughts by reaching out to serena@ thriftdiving.com or on Instagram @ThriftDiving.

Now that I've gotten over this hump, it's time to start creating, inspiring, and teaching again! Let's gooooo!

MENTIONED

• What It's Like For a Newbie to Do Their First DIY Room Makeover - #140
• When a Blogger Loses Her Job - (blog post)
• Getting to Know the REAL Serena (PART 1) - #113
• Getting to Know the REAL Serena (PART 2) - #114
• Join the WAIT LIST for my Power Tools 101 Course!

Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe

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Let’s Connect!

• Blog
• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Pinterest
• TikTok
• Twitter

Support the show

WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools

Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe

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When we spend too much time around something (or someone!) we stop noticing all the things that make them special and unique, and we start taking it for granted. The same can be true for our home, as well. After living in your home for awhile, you stop noticing and appreciating all the things that you originally loved about your space. You start taking it for granted. Let's talk about how we can fall in love with our home again, and it doesn't have to cost a lot of money!

MENTIONED

• Are You Embarrassed of Your House, Too? (blog post)
• The Story of Thrift Diving - (Podcast Episode #1)
• Painting My Kitchen Cabinets White (blog post)
  
  

Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe

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Support the show

WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools

Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe

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I know that home maintenance sucks, and it would be nice to hire someone else to take care of all of it for you. But most of us can't afford that or don't have the expertise. But there are some things we can do ourselves and we should do right now! Including:

• Cleaning your dryer vent.
• Changing your HVAC filter.
• Checking for leaks and using leak detectors.
• Getting an annual termite inspection.
• Getting an annual roof inspection
• Gutter cleaning and why it's so important
• Checking smoke detectors!

RESOURCES

• WATCH on YOUTUBE - 7 Most Important Home Maintenance Tasks 
• LISTEN: Podcast on termites! - Episode #9

MENTIONED

• Order your filters from Filterbuy HERE. (affiliate link)
• Dryer vent cleaning tool - Home Depot (look at the video on this page and you'll see my product video listed on the product page!) :)
• Drain tool with metal 3-prong tool I mentioned
• Leak detectors (Leak Bug brand)
• "Smart" leak detector - Amazon
  3. Leak detectors - Leak Bugs - https://amzn.to/49MJpXD
• Fire blankets - Home Depot
  
  

Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe

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Support the show

WANT TO LEARN TO USE POWER TOOLS? I'm creating an online power tools 101 course to help you get over the fear and intimidating of using tools to become empowered with power tools! Sign up here for more info! https://thriftdiving.com/tools

Subscribe to my email list for 5 ebooks, printable, and checklists: https://thriftdiving.com/subscribe

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