Kelly Oakley, 34, reveals how her *eccentric* side hustle pays off, showing us all the paths to financial enlightenment—or at least a snazzy coffee table.
Meet Kelly Oakley, the 34-year-old who has discovered that trash can indeed become treasure—if you squint just right. This enterprising woman pulls in over £700 a month by indulging in the *exciting* world of furniture flipping. Yes, you heard that right; while some spend their weekends at brunch, she’s scavenging for the next big upcycle project.
Kelly’s journey started over a decade ago, driven by a motivation that many can relate to—let’s call it “financial anxiety.” As she was furnishing her abode on a shoestring budget, she discovered the enchanting world of discarded furniture. Who knew that a sad-looking chair left on the curb could hold the key to her financial freedom—or at least a chic little side table?
In her own words, “I wanted to decorate our home on a budget and discovered furniture flipping.” Because who wouldn’t want to turn old junk into stylish eye-candy while simultaneously saving the planet? It was a match made in eco-heaven. Before long, her hobby blossomed into a business, which is a pretty neat trick if you can manage to get people excited about items that someone already deemed unworthy.
Kelly’s booming side hustle, which she refers to affectionately as her “curbside magic,” manages to generate over $1,500 AUD (£745) each month. Not exactly chump change for a gig giggling at the absurdity of transforming someone else’s junk.
Kelly transformed these drawers’ fortunes (Image: Jam Press/@flippedinstyle)
When offering her golden nuggets of wisdom, Kelly suggests starting your search for curbside treasures in the most mundane of places: Facebook Marketplace, recycling centers, and yes, even your own cluttered relatives’ garages. Nothing says “I love you” like asking if you can take that three-legged chair off their hands.
“I might spend from $20 (£10) to $80 (£40) on furniture to flip,” she shares, unveiling the shocking reality that sometimes, investing a bit more could result in a dazzling return. Trust us; your Pinterest dreams can indeed come true if you’re willing to look past the chipped paint and questionable odors.
The same drawers, after Kelly’s makeover (Image: Jam Press/@flippedinstyle)
In a moment of sheer inspiration—or possibly a caffeine rush—Kelly waxed poetically on Instagram, stating, “It gets to be easy, fun, and profitable (when you’ve got the right guidance).” Because let’s be honest, nothing screams ‘easy’ like a DIY project that could end up with you covered in paint while your house resembles a post-apocalyptic art installation.
How to Flip Furniture Like a Pro (or at Least Not End Up in Therapy)
Source affordable pieces: Dig through the treasure trove of thrift stores or clearance sales, or perhaps try the cutting-edge approach of wandering your neighborhood, trying to make eye contact with downcast furniture.
Know what sells: Keep an eye on trends and Pinterest boards; because who doesn’t want to replicate a blanket fort-inspired coffee table that’ll make your dog jealous?
Invest in tools: A sander, drill, and paintbrushes are your best friends. We’re not saying you need to have a college degree in woodworking, but it certainly wouldn’t hurt.
Master the basics: Consider taking a course on furniture flipping or get an advanced degree in binge-watching YouTube tutorials; both paths lead to enlightenment!
Add value: Fun upgrades can include trendy colors and customized designs that make someone question why they ever thought an itchy pre-owned sofa was a good idea.
Get them listed: Take clear pictures and post your masterpieces online. Because nothing says “I’m a professional” like a blurry image of a once-dilapidated chair now transformed into a throne.
