Meet Marie Flores of Chalk It Up Custom Concepts in Ahwatukee

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marie Flores.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Marie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
A few years ago, after moving into our new home, my husband Alex and I really got into making our house a home and doing many DIY projects. The projects included making new pieces as well as finding furniture to upcycle or redo to serve a purpose for us. Most of the furniture was found either on the local Facebook marketplace, Goodwill or even bulk pick up dates!

I have always loved to scour Pinterest for ideas and items we could easily make. I would show Alex and he would make my dreams come true! Chalkboards were made as well as some industrial shelving and tables. When a new local Facebook group was started, Alex posted several pictures of things we had made and someone reached out asking if we would like to have our items for sale in a shop! We were so excited and that is when our love and passion for creating turned into Chalk It Up.

We slowly gained a following and attracted customers who wanted pipe/industrial shelving and tables. I also really got into helping others make their old, antique pieces into something they love again by redoing them with custom paint or stain designs. My belief is you do not have to always go out to buy new pieces because your dresser or table has some “scars”. “Making old things new. Making new things Memorable” is my tagline and words I live by!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I have learned so much over the years and I love to look back at where this all started to where I am now. I would say my biggest struggle has been the confidence that I have in knowing what I am talking about and relaying that to the customer. I have gotten more confident with myself and all my knowledge I have gained over the years. It thrills me to help others make a vision they have for a piece of furniture or their home into a reality. It’s very fulfilling to take an idea or concept and see it come together through hard work and current designs or styles.

Chalk It Up Custom Concepts – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
When Chalk It Up was first conceived, the industrial look and furnishings were very popular. Many pieces of pipe shelving and tables were made for customers. As that trend has slowly died down, I am now turning my site to my true passion which is interior styling. I want to be able to help people make their home a place that speaks to them and is them – cost-effectively. I aim to use pieces they already have or will go on the hunt for them by searching the local Facebook selling pages, discount stores, or if need be, making them a shelf or changing up a piece they already own into a statement piece.

I want to be able to come to your home and help you work through your vision, look at what you have and from there, help you eliminate what is no longer necessary and start with a fresh. Removing the clutter can help you to better see your space and its potential. My philosophy is simple and functional all the while adding fun pops and things that are easily interchangeable as design trends are forever changing. I am most proud of being able to help those with not huge budgets achieve a look they didn’t even know they wanted. I love that my friends and family ask for my advice and value my knowledge and eye.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me is when people value your time and appreciate what you do. That good review gives me a warm and fuzzy and helps me build my own confidence in what I am doing and providing. Learning how to run a business is tough and I continue to learn from my mistakes, but I continue to grow and look at those mistakes as continued opportunities to learn and be even better. Looking back from where I was to now and seeing how much I have grown, makes me very happy and lucky that I get to share my passion with others. I look forward to the future as this little business of mine continues to grow and be something I can be proud of not only for me but also for my two little girls and son who see mom doing what she loves and making it happen!

Pricing:

• Interior Styling Consultation and Written Review – $150
• Interior Styling Hourly – $50
• Signs- Starting at $25

Contact Info:

• Phone: 602-750-9026
• Email: info@chalkitupcc.org
• Instagram: Chalkitupcustomconcepts
• Facebook: Chalkitupcustomconcepts
• Other: Blog.chalkitupcc.org

Image Credit:
Mikel Anne Photography

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