Today I am joined on the back porch by Funky Junk Donna!! We have been trying to get our schedules together for an interview for months now, so I am delighted she is finally here.. well not in person, but you know what I mean. She’s sweet, fun AND talented, my favorite combination of traits, and here she is!!
Out of need. I was forced to start my life over again and the only way I could afford to decorate my own home was to get ultra creative with curbside finds. I was already blogging about renos on my home at Our Extreme Home Makever Experience, however decided to fire up a blog that reflected more on the decorating side of things. My stuff was junk, it was done in a funky way and it was about interiors, so the name stuck.
2. What was the most exciting thing that has happened to you because of your blog?
The inbox can be a pretty exciting place when you put yourself out there. The offer of 3 book deals was pretty huge (which I’ve turned down thus far)… but by far, being sent on trips such as The World’s Longest Yardsale, Bella Rustica, and Hometalk Meetup at Lucketts has been such a thrilling ride. A chance to meet those that follow me in order to serve and encourage IN PERSON has been an amazing experience! It’s such an honour to be called upon.
3. What is your dream gig?
I’m dying to have my own line of products. I get asked daily where my store is so am attempting to figure that stuff out. I’d love to design and have it output according to my specs. Then avail online so anyone can access it. A line of old sign stencils is needed and I’d love to fill that gap one day.
AND to become brave enough to get on with my ebooks. I have 4 started… now I need to take a deep breath and polish them up! I’d love them available on every topic under the sun.
4. What are a few things that readers would be surprised to find out about you?
Hmm… good one.
I don’t really like to cook so I gravitate towards fresh, real, natural food so I don’t have to. ie: fruits, salads, etc.
I’m 51 and rather proud of it due to the fact that I’ve been able to fire up a new career at this stage of the game. Just goes to show, it’s never too late!
I’m totally addicted to well worn flannel shirts. I think it’s because my mom wore them. Warm, cozy, casual and a little Canadian looking maybe….
5. How would you describe your style?
Eclectic rustic industrial perhaps? I wish I knew!
5. What are your top 3 favorite posts?
I’ve been a signmaker for MANY years, lettering vehicles with decals. But when I thought to use the decals as stencils for my stairs, that was a real game changer for me sign wise. My stairs are still my most fav project to date!
I have a confession. I don’t really like pallets at all. I just like them for their wood. 🙂 But when I came up with this idea throwing 2 pallets together intact, I started to like them. The trick for me is to slightly cover up the fact that they ARE pallets!
This post was a little bit of a surprise. I just wrote from the heart how things started rolling for me. It speaks volumes how if we just give ourselves permission to succeed, that we will.
6. How has blogging changed since you first began? And do you think things are better or worse for bloggers and readers?
There is most definitely more competition for bloggers these days for certain. Which is good news for readers! But I tend to come from the old school of blogging. Just concentrate on your content and your delivery, do your thing, stop comparing and working towards the highest ranking post ever or how to make the most money.
For it’s when you do your thing your way, that’s what the readers come by for. Always be willing to improve your writing, DIY and photography skills, but by just delivering your way, the rest will all work itself out.
Thank you Donna!! I love your unique style.
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Fun to learn more about Donna. 51? Sure didn’t know that!
Nice…I love when people recreate things and themselves. Life keeps going until it doesn’t. On to these pallets, where do you get them? Everyone talks about them but no one says where they come from.
Before I blogged I ran across Donna’s stairway. I woke my husband up to show him, and think I stayed up till very late that night reading her whole blog. At our house we know how to describe Donna’s style – “awesome”!
Bliss
Love Donna’s style <3 .She is so talented and has such an eye for vintage style! She always inspires me!
xx
Anne
I’m a long time reader of Donna’s and love her style. I have enjoyed watching her business grow. Thanks for sharing this interview.
Donna inspires me to write. Love her blog – love her junk!
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Such a pleasure to be over at your place, Anita! Thanks for having me! I look pretty good over here… haha
Donna is an amazing gal with an amazing story!!! So happy to learn more about her and her journey. I just read her post about making dreams possible… very inspiring!
I so loved Donna’s story…you are so right, she is the SWEETEST, FUN, and so talented…I had the great pleasure of meeting her at the Lucketts..I am truly in awe of her talents and her humbleness and integrity…she is the real deal…and so happy that she is following her dreams…thanks for the wonderful Back Porch interview today Anita…Have a wonderful weekend.
Donna is inspiring in so many ways! Really enjoyed learning a little more 🙂
Jeanette
Anita,
Donna’s stairs were the first post of hers that I saw. They speak volumes about her ingenuity, creativity, and personal design. Her interview with you speaks volumes about her passion, compassion, and personal perseveration. Donna is indeed talented lady who inspires others.
Thanks, Anita, once again for a great Back Porch interview.
Judith
I just love all the stuff Donna does. She rocks! I do out of the box stuff so her style is right up my alley.
Thanks for sharing the interview.
Anita where do you get those pallets?