The Inner West is Best

Hi Everyone,

I’ve had a great month – some craziness and lots and lots of fun. Hampton & French is in the Inner West of Sydney, where there exists an exceptional commitment to environmental sustainability and the circular economy, by our local council.

So, a few weeks ago I joined a Council initiated, Round Table conference for those businesses and organisation engaged in the circular economy. What a stimulating and informative event it was. I was blown away by the diversity of organisations working in a myriad of fields and I came away learning a lot about where Hampton & French fitted into this community of environmental giants.

Hampton & French was distinctive as having the added advantage of improving the original reclaimed item AND providing the social and mental health benefits of creativity to workshops participants.

Furniture upcyclers are working in an area that is quite unique. We serve the environment while improving our wellbeing – win win! The act of upcycling demonstrates how, with a little TLC, great things can happen. I have long thought that it’s a metaphor for life. No matter how crappy we might feel, there is always a better tomorrow. Creativity is recognised as a means of improving our mood and wellbeing. So, hello to all the happy upcylers reading this blog. You are doing a great job keeping furniture out of landfill and putting smiles on your (paint splattered) faces.

Let me know what’s happening in your local area. Are you involved in the circular economy? Meanwhile, send photos of your projects. 😊

Deb

Brushstrokes of a New Beginning

Today I read an Instagram post from a woman who had been made redundant, felt like shit for a bit before reinventing herself into the woman she REALLY wanted to be. (it was a long and moving story which I have hugely condensed)

I’ve heard this kind of story many times and it makes me wonder why we wait so long to respond to our inner voice and start living a life that’s true to ourselves.

Conformity can be a millstone so why do we do it? What’s preventing us from living a full and rewarding life. Who came up with the line that the meek will inherit the earth? UTTER RUBBISH. I guarantee they won’t!

BE BOLD.

Engaging with community, wearing bright colours, laughing out loud, singing, dancing, swinging your arms when holding hands and saying yes more often than no – this is being REAL.

Renaissance comes in many forms and at different stages of life. My renaissance moment came when I decided to take a leap of faith and open Hampton & French. It was like someone turned the lights on. I saw the world differently and I saw myself differently. Creativity, as a daily practice, enlivened me. As an upcycler of old furniture, I was an artist with an ever-changing canvas.

Don’t wait for the time or circumstance to be perfect for you to step into the real you. Be brave and take a chance. Yes, it’s scary, but drink in the adrenalin and go for it.

I could say that upcycling is a metaphor for my journey. I was feeling a little bit dated and out of pace with the world, so I refurbished myself to be a better version of ME – THE REAL ME

Happy painting people

Deb