Serena Appiah is a home improvement blogger, based in Washington DC and writing on her blog Thrift Diving. Serena started the blog to document that transformation of her 1973 home, which started out with yucky wallpaper and an endless list of necessary nightmare DIY projects. Since finishing (for now) her home, the blog has evolved into more of a way of life. She now details her thrift store purchases and affordable DIY ideas. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Serena Appiah.
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
My style is eclectic. I don’t even consider it a style. It’s just whatever looks good to me at the moment.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
I can’t plan out a project from start to finish; I just jump right in. My most creative features in my room makeovers were ones that I thought of in the middle of the project.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
I’ve not teamed up with many do-it-yourself bloggers, however I have several professional bloggers that I have worked with and admire. Leslie Samuel from BecomeABlogger.com and Alea Milham from PremeditatedLeftovers.com are two savvy bloggers that have transformed the way I do business. Advice I have received from them has grown my blog in several ways that probably wouldn’t have happened without their solid advice.
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
I go to the thrift store! My best projects are ones I thought of while at the thrift store. I look for unusual ways to repurpose things people never considered “save-able.”
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
One word: passion. If you don’t have passion for creating and inspiring people, you won’t last. Passion will invigorate you through late nights. And be passionate about your readers, too. You’ll develop a community that loves your work and cheers you on.
