Upcycled & Reloved by Jodi

Epsom, UK

Hi, I’m Jodi I'm an upcycler, refinisher, furniture artist, and paint stockist!

My passion for upcycling really kick-started during the pandemic when I, like many others, was furloughed and spending time at home. I have creativity in my genes from my mum's side of the family and had always loved art, but had never quite found my niche – you know, that something that ignited the spark.

Over the years, following my mum’s lead, I had painted over my own furniture or plant pots to change them up a bit (usually with whatever wall paint was hanging around!).

However, with more time to spend researching online – and the boom in online tutorials and social media – I found myself fascinated by the transformations being created! Gone were the single-colour, ‘covered in Dulux wall paint’ upcycles, and in their place was a world of colour, pattern, art, and unique designs! I started practicing the techniques I was seeing online ... and I was hooked!

Shortly after, I was lucky enough to get my hands on a free pine chest of drawers. I painted them a gorgeous deep blue, added some complementary blue and copper jungle animal decoupage, and even changed the handles – I was very proud of it! I decided to post it on Facebook Marketplace ‘just to see’ (despite my husband wanting to keep it) – and to my surprise and delight, IT SOLD!!

That was it! The spark ignited, and my passion was alight - the idea for Upcycled & Reloved by Jodi was born.

I actively started scouring the internet for free or cheap pieces of furniture, practicing my skills and developing my hobby into something more. I branched out and tentatively took on my first commission until, in 2024, I officially registered my business, quit my job, and turned my part-time hobby into a full-time ‘job’. They say if you do something you love, then you’ll never work a day in your life… It’s true – and it only took me 47 years to figure out what I love!

Now I’m so grateful to have a diary full of wonderful client commissions, a shop space within a high street permanent pop-up to sell my furniture from and I’m a proud Fusion Mineral paint stockist. I love to share my knowledge and want everyone to ‘have a go’ at Upcycling, so I’ve written a digital ebook on How To paint Furniture that Lasts - A Beginners Guide, as well as hosting monthly in person Upcycling workshops from the shop in Leatherhead, Surrey.

I’m excited to see how we can work together!