Meet Breanna Stangel of North Phoenix

Today we’d like to introduce you to Breanna Stangel

Hi Breanna, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
As a child I knew that I wanted something of my own, a career that would allow me to give back and really be myself. That has never changed and I have never felt comfortable in most corporate jobs or trying to “get ahead”. I also saw my Mom and Dad work very hard, they are the hardest workers I know! I believe that we all become our parents a bit and from what I’ve heard about my work ethic and drive, I would say that they passed this onto me.
Both of my parents have always been into DIY, home projects and even some professional experiences with construction. My mother painted high-end construction homes for a while. I still follow some of her advice to this day. My father had a workshop and our house was constantly under construction so I grew up painting, using power tools and helping out on various projects. While I do more repair, restore and refinish; I still have a love for demo that started when I was a kid. I’ve always been a creative person. I find it easier to express myself, think and be myself inside of the arts.
What really launched me to where I am today was a home project. It felt so good to work on the projects, especially the painting that I started to think of ways to do more. I always had an affinity towards history and restoring historical objects. I did some research online and found furniture refinishing and restoration. Once I started my first professional project, something clicked and I knew this was where I wanted to be.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has certainly not been smooth. I have a belief that some struggle and work make things even more valuable. I live with a few disabling conditions; so every day can be a struggle. Simple tasks can be or feel almost insurmountable sometimes. I can very easily feel that I’m not meant for this or “why do I try, I’ll fail”. I’m not naturally inclined to social media, websites are hard, who’s going to let someone “like me” be a vendor or be a part of this event? It is really easy feel and be defeated. Then I remember that my son is watching me. What would I say to him? What will I say to him if I don’t try or things don’t work out? Not only do I want to be an example to him; I have to remind myself. I tell myself that having differing abilities or working differently is just that, different. I don’t have to appeal or appease everyone and giving up before trying is failing 100% of the time. Learning from not being where I want to be is just as valuable as completing a goal. I hope my son can doesn’t just hear me say things, but sees me live them as well. Same with those around me, especially those with differing abilities. It easy to focus on what I wish or hope I can change rather than feeling happy with what I have. Struggles will always be a part of my life and business and I will continue to do my best with what I have.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Dark Macademia is still very small and I firmly believe in growing in a stable and authentic way. I restore and refinish furniture, especially vintage and antique pieces that have seen better days. What I do and what I aim for has a bigger story and goal. What I really do is try to let my creativity breathe life back into the years and stories of each piece of furniture. I currently am working on two pieces from the 1800’s and both were from states far from AZ and it shows! Just taking apart a desk recently I found cast iron wing nuts with letters imprinted on them and I was totally caught up researching. Furniture can very much reflect our humanity and lives, with every nail, drop of glue or scratch and scuff. I love immersing myself in these quiet lives and learning about the history of each piece. It makes for a slightly longer process and I enjoy watching it unfold.
My goal in creating Dark Macademia has always been far greater than just collecting money. I’ve long wanted my own business and I feel that I have finally found something I can share with my son and others. I have a son who struggles with disabilities and I wanted to show him that he can have something of his own, achieve his own dream some day. I am planning on a YouTube channel someday soon with the goal of how to work with furniture for those with differing abilities. You can honor what your body and mind can do and cannot do so well without throwing up a wall on what you want to achieve. That’s what I’m most proud of every day, that I am doing something and moving forward with intention.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
Phoenix is such a vibrant city, it’s packed with so much life! Different flavors, colors and so much to see and do. There is something around every corner and I really love how I’m still discovering so many people and places. There are people from all walks of life here. There’s a bit of history and yet Phoenix is at the forefront of a lot of industries, technology and businesses.
I dislike the summer heat! I work outside a lot and the heat can be unbearable. I also see that Phoenix is falling behind in terms of a clean environment and I myself and others can bring about change. The EPA states that over 12 million pieces of furniture are thrown in the trash each year and I’m trying to do what I can to change that. Phoenix is the leader for so many things and I think we could revolutionize how we treat our environment and animals if we dedicate time, resources and commitment to it.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.darkmacademiafurniture.com
• Instagram: @DarkMacademiafurniture
• Facebook: Dark Macademia Furniture
• Youtube: coming soon!

Image Credits
None needed