Introducing Jodi Brimhall, Owner of Cottage Charm Furniture

We are pleased to introduce Jodi Brimhall of Cottage Charm Furniture! Connect with Jodi on her website and on her blog! Enjoy! 

Hometown: Sandy, Ut

Current Residence: Sandy, Ut

Education: High School

Professional Background: Furniture refurbishing, muralist & interior design (no schooling, just self taught)

What you wanted to be when you grew up: Mommy and Designer

What you are: Mommy and Designer! Yea!

Brief Summary of your Start Up: We have always been firm believers in provident living. My husband was a painting contractor, and so I would have him occasionally spray old furniture for me. I have always loved vintage pieces, as well as French Country design. I did a lot of research on the antiquing and glazing process, and began to work on pieces of my own. With his expertise in painting, and my love for interior design, we were able to create some beautiful and unique pieces of furniture. Pretty soon, we were doing the same thing for our neighbors and relatives. Cottage Charm Furniture was born soon after that.

Company Website? www.cottagecharmfurniture.com

What inspired you? With the economy going downhill, we knew we could offer a service that would allow others to have quality, updated furniture, without the high price tag. The concept of “Cottage Charm Furniture” was inspired by my love for the French Countryside Cottages and their quaint, simple way of life.

How long have you been in business? 1 year

How did you fund it? Mostly ourselves little by little, and also with the help of a neighbor investing some as well

Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? No

Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? No

Current Business Challenge? Getting the word out and marketing inexpensively.

What are you doing about it? Marketing on KSL and Facebook, and referrals from our amazing customers

Favorite motivational quote: “Those who avoid change, fail. Those who accept change, survive. Those who make change, succeed.”

Family? Husband (Todd), 4 sons (Grant, Bailey, Trey, and Bryce) and 1 daughter (Sheridan)

If so, how do you balance family and business? It’s not easy, especially since we home school as well. Education comes first, since we all know that knowledge is power. But with organization and family team work, we get the work done with time left over for play. The kids are just as much a part of our company as we are. They are hard workers, and enjoy the satisfaction of earning their own money. It’s also a great opportunity to teach them how to save and manage their money, as well as plan for their future.

Favorite book? Anatomy of Peace, The Arbinger Institute …fantastic and life changing book!

What do you do to relax? Read & garden

What do you want to change most about your world? Slow it down…spend more time just “being in the moment”

What are you most proud of? Being able to overcome my insecurities, and taking charge of what I want out of life.I never dreamed I’d be capable of home educating my children, and certainly never felt wise enough to run my own business. I have learned that by following my own instincts, even if it’s walking by blind faith, anything can be accomplished. Of course, I’m learning as I go…but isn’t that what life is all about?

What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? Ask a lot of questions, use resources like the internet and local library for further research, and listen to what your heart is telling you…the answers are within, if you’re just quiet enough to listen.

Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? The library…I love books!

If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? They would be hand made by the most precious people in my life…my husband and children