FishHawk Duo Proves A Little Paint And Creativity Go A Long Way

Before you throw away that outdated dresser or that beastly armchair, check out the furniture transformations by Pish Posh Boutique.

FishHawk Ranch residents Veronica Perkins and Tammy Freathy transform dreary furniture into works of art with the help of some inspired paint techniques.

Working out of their homes, the talented duo, who met through their mutual interest in running, started Pish Posh Boutique seven months ago after successfully refurbishing and repurposing some thrift shop furniture for their own homes.

“I love the style and look of old furniture but painting it gives it so much more character,” said Perkins.

Before long, friends, relatives and neighbors were begging the duo to transform their pieces.

“There are a lot of people who have well-made, expensive white-washed furniture that was popular in the 1980s, but is out of date now,” said Perkins. “Or they have antique family pieces that just don’t fit with their décor. We can transform these pieces and save the owner thousands of dollars.”

Although the women sell some of their creations at Lena Maxey, 13210 Boyette Rd., Riverview, and Kindred Spirit Vintage, 4815 U.S. 92, Plant City, Perkins said 90 percent of their business is refurbishing furniture for clients.

“Through Facebook and word of mouth, word has spread quickly,” said Perkins, who still maintains a full-time job as a financial analyst in addition to being the mother of a 10-year-old son.

When she isn’t busy painting furniture, Freathy keeps busy raising three children, ages 6 to 12.

“I always admired people who could sing or had other talents,” said Perkins. “I didn’t feel I was creative. But I really was; I just didn’t know how to express it until now. I spend my days working with numbers so Pish Posh gives me a creative outlet.”

Since opening their home-based business, the women have expanded their services to include creating custom-made furniture for clients, including building a massive farm-style table for Park Square Cellar’s private dining room, as well as upholstery and decorating services.

Interested in having Pish Posh transform a piece of furniture for you? Throughout July, Pish Posh is running a Facebook contest asking residents to submit a story explaining why they deserve to get a furniture refresh. The winner will be chosen July 31.