The blog world is amazing. If someone told me all of the possibilities when I pressed the “start a blog” button on Blogger almost four years ago, I’m not sure I would’ve believed them. This blog has given me overwhelming opportunities and has made some of my pie-in-the-sky dreams a reality. All of that stuff is pretty cool, but what has touched me and changed me more than anything are the kindred spirits I have met along the way. Talented, gifted, creative and inspiring women who I have gotten to know. Abbe of All Dolled Up is one of those women. Our paths crossed when she applied to be a MMSMP retailer, but I started to really take notice of her when I saw her pieces posted on our private retailer Facebook page. Abbe’s pieces were gorgeous and left me wanting to send her an e-mail to see how she achieved that look! (Not to slight my other retailers. I’m constantly blown away at the creativity, talent , knowledge and savvy they bring to the table. I learn a lot from all of them.) Anyway, Abbe’s now a brand ambassador for the MMSMP line – answering questions, helping us with training, and sharing her ideas and techniques with other retailers. It was only recently that I learned her personal story and why she’s so passionate about milk paint.
I can tell you all of the things I really like about milk paint and how it’s a great, natural product, but I think there’s more power in a personal testimony. Abbe’s story is a powerful one and I asked her to share it here with you…
About one year ago I sat on the couch holding my cell phone in my hand shaking. I looked over at my husband, wide eyed and uttered the sentence, “I’m bald, and I just talked to Miss Mustard Seed on the phone. Two things I never thought I’d say!”
We both laughed and stared at each other in disbelief. Life can throw you some crazy curve balls. But if you stay firm on your feet, you just might get to hit one out of the park.
Like many of you, I have a passion for painting, decorating, and re-purposing. There is nothing like the satisfaction you get from taking a thrift store eye sore into eye candy. And then when people want to buy it from you, well, that’s just up there with sky diving to me. It’s the best kind of high.
I started my little business, All Dolled Up, about 4 years ago. It was a table here and there for friends. It then ended up in a corner of a beautiful boutique, and then it was a place of my own. The Cottage Collective was born as a home to not only my furniture, but unique vintage finds and handmade goods from other local women.
Yes, life was good and I was living my dream.
Then I got sick.
Really sick. Like debilitating joint pain sick. High fevers spiking for 17 weeks sick. Hair falling out in large clumps sick. Lymph nodes doubling in size sick.
There were days I couldn’t get out of bed, none the less paint. My doctors struggled to find a diagnosis.
I spent months at local cancer center under going tests. I had symptoms and a few tests pointing towards cancer, and some pointing towards an aggressive autoimmune disease.
There were a lot of unknowns, what I was battling was very rare and aggressive. But one thing was for sure. The doctors said I couldn’t paint.
The exposure to any VOC’s, toxins, or fumes would compromise my already weakened immune system.
These words were like daggers to my creative soul.
I said goodbye to my hair and underwent a series of treatments.
My body was turning on itself and the one thing that was healing/therapeutic for me sat in a can in the garage and I couldn’t go grab a brush and open it up.
After my kiddo’s shaved my head I started to hope and pray that this Milk Paint business might pan out for me to sell, you see I had applied to be a retailer when Marian blogged about it, but was on a wait list due to the overwhelming demand at first.
Then I got that call. Talking to Marian was like talking to a friend. Turns out famous bloggers are just like us! Who’d a thought?
I was approved to be retailer.
A couple weeks later my first shipment arrived.
I sat holding the bag and read the words: “All natural.” “No VOC’s.” I could read and pronounce every ingredient on the label.
It took me all of 2 seconds to grab a cup and start mixing it up. I grabbed a stocking cap and was out in the garage that night.
My love affair with Milk Paint had began.
Months of treatments, steroids, a couple surgeries, and lots of pain med’s later, I was in remission. And I was painting.
The paint was a hit at my little store and before I knew it I was teaching little classes about this product that was changing my life, and saving my lungs from exposure to chemicals.
My hair was growing and so was my business!
Customers, as well as retailers were contacting me about the paint, and the finishes I was achieving with it.
Milk paint seemed intimidating to me, and the stereotype that it was for primitives only was blown away when I started getting looks like these:
Classic, smooth, and soft
Authentic farmhouse, chippy, and aged! I could never get these looks using latex!
Fun, hip, and modern!
And every piece was finished with a natural paint. It still blows my mind.
As Marian shared before, this little idea of having her own line of Milk Paint has grown into a huge undertaking, and folks are excited about it! After hosting a MMS Milk Paint training with Jennylyn, the President of Homestead House, it was clear that God was working out a plan.
So a few months later, here I am. Partnering with a brand I love, and the NON swollen joints to prove that it is safe. People of all ages use this, my kids with asthma can be in the room while I paint, my pregnant clients who are itching to nest can paint, my chemically sensitive, and eco-conscience friends love this paint.
My tag line is “All things made new.” And MMS milk paint has done just that. I can’t wait to share with you how I am using the paint, how to achieve different looks, and aide Marian in educating you on all things Milk Paint! MMSMP has not only transformed my pieces, but my life as well.
Make sure you check out my site for an awesome giveaway I am hosting! I am so honored to share my story, and hope that you will read this, and be inspired that “all things CAN be made new!”
{Special thanks to my talented friends: Sara Mac Photography for documenting my “buzz” party and my great furniture photographer, Jen Logan Photography.}
If you’re interested in learning more about Abbe, check out her blog – All Dolled Up. If you’d like to give MMS Milk Paint a try, you can find a retailer near you HERE.
Oh! And the winner of the $100 Pine Cone Hill credit is Christy (candcpixley.) Congrats!
53 Responses
This story brought tears to my eyes – the pain of what Abbe went through, her determination to keep going, finding a product & friend with which to work, finally taking that and running with it.
Women inspiring women! Together we are strong!
Awwwww, girls, I had no idea about this. Loved hearing your story, Abbe, and thanks to you, Marian, for getting it out there! Looking forward to meeting Abbe in Memphis in a couple of weeks!
Wow, wow, wow. What a wonderful, inspiring story. So wonderful to read.
Wow. Bless your heart. I so enjoyed reading this post. Thank you for sharing you’re life with us. Beautiful pieces.
Abbe, your beautiful inside and out. Your furniture reflects who you are!
Marian,
What a fabulous testimony of God’s love, healing, provision, future & hope.
I love Jesus, I love you. I love Miss Abbe, appreciate her creativity, her supportive family. I love that she can safely return to her love of painting, made even better by the wonderful
characteristics of milk paint.
I love reading about the relationships you have gained through blogging.
My “ANTICIPATOR” is so INSPIRED!
While the pictures are beautiful……to see Abbe’s creations in person……absolutely gorgeous!!! I took one of her classes and it was such a fun evening!!! I’m looking forward to taking another one soon. What an amazing talent!!!
Thank you so much for sharing this story! I am in awe of how amazingly God provided you with the timing to give you this rescue at the hour of your deepest need. I know there are lots of women needing that reminder today, including me. Thank you, Abbe, for your inspiration.
This story is so precious! What an inspiration. 🙂 So cool that your milk paint played such a huge part in her healing, both emotionally & physically. Thanks for sharing!
Hugs,
Gail
What an amazing story!! Love that you shared this!! So touching and so happy!!
Shawna
What an inspirational story! God definitely has a plan for Abbe’s life and what a cool opportunity for you to be a part of that as well!
Amazing story Abbe! I tink creativity is the best medicine. I am glad you found a way to express yours, and even better…a way to help others do the same!
Wonderful to see how God pours out his blessings on those headed in his direction!
Thanks for sharing this awesome story!
Wow! What an amazing story. I am so glad that you have shared it here. It is very inspiring to read this. Stories can be life changing for some people. Thank you.
Nicole here, MMS retailer at The Painted Bench in Hamilton, Ont. I had the pleasure and the good fortune to take a retailer’s workshop with Abbe and Jennylynn in Toronto a few weeks ago. Abbe lives up to her last name, she is wonderful educator who is very passionate about what she teaches, a superb furniture painter and an all around lovely person. Her story is so inspiring to say the least and I feel privileged to have met her.
Beautiful story, beautiful furniture, and a beautiful woman!
Wow, this story brings tears and goosebumps… Thank you for sharing!
What a wonderful story! I didn’t realize the paint is all natural and really never thought about that. Thanks for sharing Abby’s story – it is amazing.
tina
What a beautiful story. I love that having milk paint allowed her to be creative and paint again.
THANK YOU for sharing this post today . . . I am forwarding a link to a very chemically sensitive friend who has had to give up so much in recent years.
Thanks for sharing this story with us. Heartwarming, inspiring, uplifting – all things are possible. Have a great day!
What a beautiful story and a testament to living a creative life! Love this 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
Wow, what a moving story. I’m in tears. Thanks for sharing how amazing God is and how triumph comes from tragedy.
What an awesome, Godly, talented, committed woman is this Abbe’!! I am privileged to be her loving aunt, and I can tell you there is a whole crowd of family and friends who are SO proud of her abilities, her patience, her creativity. Miss Mustard Seed, you are partnered with a wonderful woman, and from what I can see, your milk paint is fantastic. I can’t wait to take a class from Abbe’ and learn firsthand!!
I stumbled upon Abbe’s website a few weeks ago via another blog I follow. I immediately started following her blog, as well as FB. I’m so inspired by the both of you! And you both enable me to ‘show’ my family the types of things and the feel I envision for our own home.
Now if I could just get one of you to Clovis to teach a class! We do have a MMSMP retailer now 🙂
Thanks for sharing! So sweet & inspiring!
Just found this site; love reading your blog. Do you have any recommendations for starting a blog? Do you get paid to blog? Looking for help 🙁 Thanks in advance if you can steer me in the right direction. Lisa
What an amazing story! And Abbe sounds like a wonderful woman. I have to go check out her site, I need more inspiration to use your paints that sit on my shelf…have to stop being afraid of them.
Thanks for this post.
Debbie 🙂
Women helping women – how sweet it is. The Lord blesses and loves us so much.
While reading this incredible story the rain stopped and the sun came out here in Atlanta. Surely that’s a comment from heaven itself. Thank you so much for sharing your journey. Sending peaceful, loving thoughts your way…
Her testimony brought tears to my eyes and has me all choked up! That was an amazing and beautiful story and I thank her and you for sharing it, along with the inspirational photos.
this is so lovely and i really appreciate you sharing.
What a beautiful story. Abbe you are such a strong beautiful woman. You truly inspire me. I can’t wait to try this milk paint. I’ve never used anything but latex. Heading over to your blog.
Wow, what a great story with a happy ending! Thanks for introducing us to Abbe!
No words, no words. Smiles and tears, love to you both.
Wow.
Awesome story and testimony. God is still in control, and sometimes it might be a bumpy ride for awhile, but He always brings us to the other side. There is always a purpose in His plan….it is exciting to see what all can, and will, come out of your personal ride, Abbe.
Thank you for sharing
Loved reading your story Abbe especially since it had a sweet ending. Way to make all your dreams come true. Thanks for sharing.
Sarah
Thanks so much for sharing this story! As I read and scrolled down the pictures I kept thinking “these names sound familiar” then I saw the pic of The Cottage Collective and figured out why. I’ve been there about 20 times and seen several of these beautiful pieces in person. Matter of fact I’ll be buying my first MMS Paint from there shortly.
Hearing the story behind this store and some of the pieces in it makes me love it even more!! Plus, there’s classes?!? Why did I not know this? Squeal!!
Thanks again to both of you for sharing!
i totally understand your draw to her and her paint projects. she is amazing!! i treated myself to a 12 hr road trip to Kansas on Mother’s Day to take her Miss Mustard Seed Retailer workshop and all i can say is i have been blessed, and inspired as small business owner and even more so since making the trip. by selling your paint and meeting people like Abby who get the “big” picture i have confirmed my purpose and can’t wait to see what lies ahead. you could not have a better person promoting, selling and educating your retailers. you gals rock!!!
Well done, Abby. What a marvellous story and congrats on joining the MMS team. You’ve found a winner, Marian. Look forward to joining Abby’s blog and page and learning from her inspiring creativity.
sniff.
I haven’t taken the time to really read a post in while (not proud of this fact), but this caught my eye. I was crying half way through it. What an amazing, and inspirational story. I am so grateful there are safe, non toxic paints on the market now for all of us creative types. What a blessing, that just keeps on giving. Thank you for sharing such a remarkable story. How really soul filling this must be for you too! What a blessing, thanks for sharing!
Marian, I am friends with Abbe’s cousin Mari Jo. We were actually planning to take a field trip to see her shop this month but then some conflicts arose… And then here she is with her inspiring story on your blog!
Abbe, if you are reading this, I love your short new do! And pray continued healing for you.
xo
What a wonderful story. Thanks for sharing. And, how coincidental. I recently ran across Abbe’s website through one of her vendors. I’ll have to make a trip to Wichita to see her store and perhaps take one of her classes. I’ll admit that I’ve purchased three containers of MMS milk paint and I’ve really struggled with it’s use.
It’s about a 2 1/2 hour drive for me to get to Wichita but it sounds like it would be worth the trip to have Abbe teach me how to use the milk paint. It’s exciting to know that a fellow Kansan is an expert with milk paint.
Kim
I don’t think I can say anything that hasn’t been said before about how inspirational this story is. Thank you so much for sharing. I can say though from personal experience battling breast cancer that your life is turned upside down… but I knew it was God’s way of opening up some amazing doors and windows for me. Blessings and hugs, Holly
Wow…you are an amazing woman and a true inspiration. Thank you for sharing your story….now I’m going to go paint!
What an inspiring story. Marian, I know you are so proud to be associated with a product you can feel good about sharing with others. I am so happy that Abbe is doing better and able to paint and share her gift with her customers. I look forward to more info coming from her on how to use milk paint to get the beautiful finishes shown in this post. Congrats on a winning combination all around!
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What an inspirational story and what better way to showcase your wonderful paint line. It has always been a dream of mine to open my own boutique. Abbe’s story has nudged me a tiny bit closer! Isn’t it wonderful how we encourage each other? Thanks so much for sharing!
XO,
Christy!
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love this redemption story…could never tire of reading these kind of stories.
thanks for sharing hers! good heart medicine:)