Nashville-based singer-songwriter Melanie Meriney has found a unique way to balance her passion for music with a creative side hustle that keeps her hands busy and her mind inspired. When she's not writing songs or performing, you'll find her transforming old, worn-out furniture into beautiful, functional pieces of art.

The Creative Journey

Meriney's journey into furniture refurbishing began almost by accident. "I've always loved thrifting and finding hidden gems," she explains. "One day, I picked up an old dresser at a yard sale, and instead of using it as-is, I decided to give it a makeover. The transformation was so satisfying that I couldn't stop there."

What started as a hobby quickly turned into a thriving side business. Melanie now scours estate sales, thrift stores, and online marketplaces for pieces with potential. Each item tells a story, and she loves the process of breathing new life into forgotten furniture.

Balancing Two Passions

For many artists, finding a sustainable income while pursuing their creative dreams can be challenging. Melanie has found that furniture refurbishing complements her music career perfectly. "Both require creativity and vision," she says. "With furniture, I get to work with my hands and see immediate results. With songwriting, it's more about emotions and telling stories through lyrics."

The physical nature of furniture restoration also provides a welcome counterbalance to the often solitary work of songwriting. "After hours in the studio or writing songs, it's refreshing to sand, paint, and see a tangible transformation," Melanie notes.

The Refurbishing Process

Melanie's approach to furniture restoration is methodical yet artistic. She starts by assessing each piece's condition and envisioning its potential. Some items need extensive repairs, while others just require a fresh coat of paint and new hardware.

"I love mixing modern colors with vintage pieces," she shares. "Sometimes I'll add bold, unexpected colors or patterns. Other times, I keep it classic with neutrals and natural wood finishes. It really depends on the piece and what speaks to me."

Her workspace is filled with sandpaper, brushes, stains, and paints in every shade imaginable. The smell of wood and fresh paint has become as familiar to her as the sound of guitar strings and microphones.

Building a Community

Through social media, Melanie has built a following of fellow DIY enthusiasts and music fans who appreciate both sides of her creative output. She regularly shares before-and-after photos of her furniture projects, along with tips and techniques for aspiring refurbishers.

"The response has been incredible," she says. "People love seeing the transformations, and I've connected with so many creative individuals who are also juggling multiple passions. It's inspiring to be part of that community."

Music Remains the Priority

Despite the success of her furniture business, Melanie is clear that music will always be her first love. "Furniture refurbishing is wonderful, but songwriting is what feeds my soul," she emphasizes. "The furniture work supports my music financially and creatively, but at the end of the day, I'm a songwriter first."

She's currently working on new material and plans to release an EP in the coming months. Her songs often reflect the same attention to detail and transformation themes that drive her furniture work—taking something old or broken and making it beautiful again.

Advice for Fellow Artists

When asked what advice she'd give to other artists considering a side hustle, Melanie encourages finding something that genuinely interests you. "Don't just pick any job for the money," she advises. "Find something that feeds your creativity in a different way. For me, furniture refurbishing uses different creative muscles than music, and that variety keeps me inspired in both areas."

She also stresses the importance of time management. "It can be tricky to balance two passions, but setting boundaries and priorities helps. I make sure my music always comes first, and I schedule furniture projects around my writing and performing commitments."

Looking Ahead

As Melanie continues to grow both her music career and her furniture refurbishing business, she's excited about the possibilities. She's considering hosting workshops to teach others the art of furniture restoration and maybe even opening a small storefront in Nashville.

"I never imagined that picking up that old dresser would lead to all this," she reflects. "But that's the beauty of being creative—you never know where inspiration will take you. Whether it's through a song or a restored piece of furniture, I'm just grateful to be creating and sharing that with others."