Today we’d like to introduce you to Cynthia Rowley.
Cynthia, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started my career over 20 years ago as a decorative painting contractor specializing in finishes ranging from Venetian plaster to stenciling and murals. I loved the idea of coming into a space and making it a beautiful home for the client to enjoy. Once I realized my eye for design went beyond the walls, I wanted to create a business that allowed me to help others re-purpose their homes and create an entire finished space with everything from paint to furniture to decorating.
I have used paints from around the world and chose Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan because it’s simply a product that cannot be beat. With the paint, I have opened Refined Vintage Boutique and am able to provide the tools and also give small, hands-on workshops to teach others how to use the paint to create whatever they choose. Refined now carries not only the Chalk Paint®, in every single color, but an entire line of products and a full retail store with home goods, decorative touches, wall-pieces, light fixtures, mirrors and more so anyone can walk in and create or add to their home space.
With Refined I’m able to take my experience and reach others in a different way. It’s a place to get inspired and play and I love it!
Has it been a smooth road?
One of the biggest challenges I have faced has been growing from a small store into a full retail space. I started out in a very small industrial space that catered towards a painting studio. I taught workshops, sold paint and worked on custom pieces. As customers walked into the space and learned more, they had no idea I existed. And once they started to see the work we were creating, it was clear I needed a bigger space.
I expanded into a full retail store in summer of 2015, still keeping a small studio space in the back to do workshops. Today, I still face quite a few challenges as customers come directly for the paint and then realize Refined is so much more. Once they’re in the door, they love it.
As a small-boutique owner it’s driving more customers. It’s a welcomed challenged as I am able to bring more items to the store than ever before.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Refined Vintage Boutique story. Tell us more about the business.
Refined Vintage Boutique is a space for all things home and design. We offer literally everything that can complete a home (paint, stains, stencils for projects, furniture, candles, mirrors, wall-pieces, lighting, frames, vases, etc.). We continue to host workshops to teach others how to utilize the Chalk Paint® and have expanded to include specialty classes such as Kitchen Cabinet Transformations and Paint Therapy from beginning to advanced and all the tools to get started (brushes, etc.) What is unique to our store is that you’re walking in and getting to talk to experts that can help you choose a color or a piece that fits your home.
We are a store that allows anyone to walk in and be their own decorator, painter and designer. It’s a place to be empowered, inspired and I’m incredibly proud of what Refined has evolved to. I have been able to reach more people because of it and inspire others. It’s an incredible feeling to have someone come back in and share before and after photos. It’s incredible to have someone walk in and pick out something for themselves or for others and say things like, “this is the perfect gift” or “this is just what I was looking for!” I cannot wait to see what’s next.
I would say our experience, attention to detail, customer service and the look of our unique home decor is what sets us apart from other stores. We hear all the time, “I can’t wait to tell my friends about your store”.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
We need to keep up with the new style/trends that evolve to stay current. People will always be shopping for unique items for their homes or for specialized gifts (i.e. wedding/baby gifts). Knowledge is key in educating the public so we will continue to keep current with all painting aspects as those change.
We want to make our store a one stop shop, completing everything they would need to decorate their home.
Contact Info:
- Address: Refined Vintage Boutique
27674 Newhall Ranch Rd #15
Valencia, CA 91355 - Website: https://www.refinedvintageboutique.com
- Phone: 661-505-7175
- Email: refinedvb@icloud.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/refinedvintageboutique/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CindiRowleyDesigns
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/CindiRowley
- Yelp: https://biz.yelp.com/biz_info/3XFafFLMoDuF-gCcOQI1FQ
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/cindirowleydes/
Image Credit:
alice @ alicehuphotography.com
Refined Vintage Boutique
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
