Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Lovell.
Hi Sara, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
The origin story of my business is something I often struggle to convey because it’s not necessarily a clean or linear one. I started my business for a lot of reasons… I’d always been artistic and was ready to see what I could do with that.
I was tired of the typical 9-5.
I was in an abusive relationship and needed a side hustle to make the extra money to get out of it.
I had a newborn son, and I wanted him to grow up seeing the alternative to the normal grind.
And so, for these reasons and many more…Against the Grain was born. Quite aptly named too. I’ve always been a little different.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Damn, where do I begin? One of these days I’ll write a book about it all, but for now, I’ll say this: I’m eternally grateful for where I’m at now, but it’s never been a “smooth road”. I could attribute that to a multitude of different things from various points throughout my life, but I guess if I were to name one major, overarching concept that I struggled with when starting my business…it would be: self-confidence…and the belief that I could make it work, that I was good at my craft, and that others would appreciate it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In all honesty…I do it all, as it relates to painting. If I don’t know how to do it already, I’ll figure it out along the way, and for better or worse, I hold myself to perfectionist standards. I specialize in furniture refinishing (painting and traditional refinishing). I also specialize in faux finishes (on walls, furniture, cabinets, etc.). I love approaching a plain countertop and making it look like marble, granite, stainless steel, heavy woodgrain, driftwood, etc. I love seeing my clients’ reactions too. My favorite finishes are the heavily textured ones, such as faux plaster and faux concrete.
Also, on the list of my specialties is vintage and antique furniture preservation. It’s often challenging, but there’s something so cool about bringing an otherwise hopeless piece back to life, and knowing that it’ll be loved for many more generations.
Oh and also, I’m a canvas artist 😉
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I like best about Charleston is that I’m from here. I have a lot of pride surrounding that. I can walk most streets in this city and tell you about 10 different memories that I have attached to them. I’ve traveled a lot in my life and I’ve found that there’s no place quite like this. Granted…I may be biased…but whatever. What I like least about Charleston?… Man… I guess it would be how much it’s changed over the years. But that’s bound to happen y’know? They call it progress, and in certain ways, I’d agree. I still have little gems…landmarks and murals and such…and that’s enough for me.
Contact Info:
- Email: againstthegrainchs@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.againstthegrain.studio/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/against.the.grain.studio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgainstTheGrainCHS
Image Credits
Sara Lovell
Against the Grain Studio
Jessie
January 28, 2022 at 9:51 pm
I am honored to know this young lady (Sara Lovell), and much of her family. She is every bit as amazing as the work she does! I’ve never thought that one’s work/job should be their identity. But in Sara’s case, every piece she does, she puts her heart and soul into. Every piece of art she puts her name on, perfectly, gives you insight into the beautiful soul that she is! She is a true inspiration!