Meet Keely Sconiers of Aurora

Today we’d like to introduce you to Keely Sconiers.

Hi Keely, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
Growing up I loved doing projects with my mom. From painting our bathroom walls with sponges and grocery bags to converting an old desk front and stair posts into a gardening desk and creating mosaics out of cement and broken plates. I loved working with my hands, being creative, and making something out of nothing. When my mom took her life in 2015, I not only lost her but a large part of myself. From then on I was running at 110% to avoid the grief I was feeling.

When the pandemic hit I was furloughed from a company and coworkers that I loved. Being stuck in the house forced me to slow down and take an honest look at where I was in life and what made me feel fulfilled. It also brought an extreme wave of grief I had buried for the past five years. I decided to start creating again to feel closer to my mom. I bought a vintage side table I found on Facebook, a pint of paint, and a mouse sander. I instantly fell in love with the process and the solace it brought me. I decided to start documenting the process on social media so others could follow along. I listed the piece back on Facebook Marketplace and ended up selling it in just a few hours for way over the amount I initially purchased it for.

I was honestly surprised but so excited at the same time. I decided to continue to recreate pieces and sell them for extra money until the pandemic subsided. The more I created and shared the process on social media, people started reaching out to see if I would be willing to take on some of their well-loved pieces and family heirlooms or help them find different pieces and recreate them into something that would fit their home. After a few months I no longer had a side business but a full-blown client list. I sat down and made a vision board of everything that fulfilled me and where I wanted this venture to go. Fast forward six months here we are, I’ve created over a dozen pieces, several commissioned pieces, and currently working on a candle line releasing this fall (crossing my fingers). I found a way to combine my passion for creating, social justice, and mental health/suicide awareness, and I’m able to donate 10% of profits to social justice and mental health/suicide awareness non-profits.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There have been several learning curves. From the creative side I’ve had to accept that not everything turns out as I initially expect it too, and often times that’s ok, but other times it means starting over again. It has also forced me to learn things I never would have before, creating a website, managing a business, navigating social media etc. When I started experimenting with cement and making candles I really wish I would have paid more attention in Chemistry.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
When it comes to furniture I love working with all wood pieces. Mid-century modern is my jam. I also really enjoy taking family heirlooms and giving them a more modern look. Experimenting with different textures and patterns is something I am known for.

With candles, I hand pour each cement vessel and work with 100% soy wax, wooden wicks, and eco-conscious fragrances. Each of these elements is recycled, non-toxic, and the vessels are reusable when the candle is finished!

If I had to choose one thing I am most proud of it would be just starting this venture in the first place. It’s incredibly intimidating and there are a lot of what ifs and sacrifices. At the end of the day, I might be exhausted but I love what I do and the progress I have made.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My husband is my biggest supporter and critic. He is encouraging and helps me stay grounded, which can be difficult because I can have some pretty hair-brain ideas. He’s also a champ at taking care of our four children when I’m putting in work late at night and on the weekends.

My dad is what you like to call a silent supporter. He also thinks I’m crazy but makes it known how proud of me he is and is probably my number one social media stalker.

My siblings are always cheering me on and reassuring me that everything will work out in the end and have taken the hammer out of my hands when I want to demolish a frustrating piece.

So many friends in the niche community of furniture artistry and candle making have been there when I need advice and brutal honesty as well. Yari from Lilly Moon Vintage, Kate from Kates Reclaimed, and Jess from Refreshed By Jess, just to name a few.

The continued kind words, encouragement, texts, and DM’s from friends expressing how proud of me they are keeps me going. My clients are the absolute best, they are almost always willing to go along with my ideas, and the looks on their faces when they receive their finished piece is always priceless.

Contact Info:

• Email: info@theblackout.company
• Website: www.theblackout.company
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theblackout_co/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Black-Out-Co-112543903845068/