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Turning Art Into a Full Time Business w/ Wendy Conklin of Chair Whimsy (EP #42)

  • Dec 29, 2025
  • 2 min read

Rebel Rootz Show episode #42 with Wendy Conklin.


Watch the full episode on Youtube:


In 2012, Wendy Conklin finally decided to learn upholstery the right way and enrolled in a course in South Austin. She had always been the person spotting one of a kind chairs at antique shops and flea markets, bringing them home, and tinkering with repairs. That class turned curiosity into craft, and eventually became the foundation for what she is known for today.


Evonne Varady sits down with Wendy, the creator behind Chair Whimsy, for a fun and inspiring conversation about turning art into a full time business. Wendy shares how she made her first sale, how her product line evolved, why she prefers to fly solo unless help is truly needed, and how staying scrappy has helped her grow without losing her creative edge.


If you love art, DIY, thrifting, or you have been sitting on a creative idea for way too long, this episode is your sign to start. Tune in to learn more.


Timestamps:

[00:00] Trailer 

[02:35] The Birth of Chair Whimsy

[06:56] Whimsical colors

[09:27] Product diversification

[16:54] Wendy’s team

[20:17] Leaving employment

[21:18] The daughters

[23:40] Advice to the daughters

[26:24] Childhood clues

[30:40] Wendy’s favorite piece

[31:38] Thrifting

[33:22] Transitioning into creative mode

[34:45] Biggest fails

[36:18] Connect with Wendy


Key Takeaways:

• "The knowing comes in the doing." ~Wendy Conklin [01:55]

• When we're looking for the next thing, some of us get so focused on it and what it is that we forget the process. ~Evonne Varady [13:08]

• When you're a small business, you have the ability to pivot and change and do whatever you need. ~Wendy Conklin [15:19]

• No matter what you're doing, if there's something that you really want to achieve, bet on yourself. ~Wendy Conklin [24:07]

• “You can become more creative just by creating things that you really love." ~Wendy Conklin [32:33]

• “The only way you're going to ever stand out is if you do it your own way." ~Wendy Conklin [33:57]


Keep In Touch with Wendy Conklin:

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