Since I am having the girls answer interview questions for you I thought I should answer them too just for fun!  It’s hard to believe that back in 2011 my hobby became a career path after almost 20 years in Corporate America running other peoples companies. Here is a little bit more about me….meet Kelly Millspaugh Thompson, Owner+Designer Stylish Patina.

Where are you from? Falls Church, Virginia
How long have you worked with stylish patina? Since the inception obviously 🙂  I have been painting furniture and decorating with vintage since I graduated college in 2000.  I blame my parents for this since I was raised in a home that was a major DIY project and then was fully furnished with “proper” antiques and “real” art most found in upstate NY over summer vacation.
What’s your favorite part of your job? This is a hard question since I get just as much excitement and joy from growing the business / marketing as I do finding cool vintage finds and transforming furniture.  I am lucky in the fact that I love business strategy as much as the creative side of things. So I guess my favorite part of my job is the fact that I get to do both!  The downside of this is that I always have too many ideas and to do lists in my head…..
What is you favorite line of paint to use? Why? This is a hard question since I like different lines for different reasons but if I could only paint with one paint it would be Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan for sure!  I try pretty much everything that comes on the market and I have yet to find anything as easy to use as Chalk Paint®.  It’s my favorite because it’s just soon easy and it looks beautiful.  Annie made the paint so you could do a project in a day and that is what I love about it … instant gratification!  I do love General Finishes lamp black and the gel stains.
What’s you favorite color to paint with? Aubusson Blue or something mixed with Aubusson (just like Sarah)
What’s your personal style? The word eclectic is definitely over used but I think it really is my style.  My personal home is an evolution of things I love.  I don’t force myself to stick to one style or look it evolves as I find pieces that resonate with me and that are unique.  I love pops of color mainly used in art and upholstry and stick to the neutrals on large pieces of furniture. Much like Sarah I too love Ralph Lauren and Nate Berkus is another designer I tend to lean towards. Following Sarah’s lead my style would be a date with Ralph Lauren & Sarah Jessica Parker (see her home tour here).
What are a couple of your favorite things we carry? I love our Rewind candles made in Charleston SC in recycled wine bottles, our quirky collection of funny cards, our vintage wrap sheets which are fun for wrapping gifts, using for craft projects or framing!
What was your best vacation? What’s your dream vacation? In all honesty I don’t remember many real vacations as an adult (yes I am a workaholic)…when I was out of college I traveled Europe for the summer that was amazing and when I was in Corporate America I traveled the world for work which was pretty awesome.  A dream vacation would be to take 2 months and not think about work…
What do you like to do in your free time? Well my free time is now filled with kids which I love but in general I like to be outside, running, hiking, being active spending time with family and close friends. Exercise has always been a big part of my life so staying active relaxes me.
What’s your favorite food? Sushi!!!!
What’s your guilty pleasure? on TV is has to be any teen show the CW makes – The Foster / Chasing Life or I am currently  addicted to Married at First Sight on FYI.  Otherwise coffee, red wine, massages and pedicures!
Something you wouldn’t guess about me by looking at me is…….I am actually an introvert or I should say I have a strong introverted side to me.  I have taken a gazillion of those personality tests over the years and the older I get the more I lean towards introvert.  I test smack in the middle which means I can be both extroverted and introverted and to meet me you would think I am outgoing which I am however; I love my down time sitting around at home or going for long runs on my own.  When it comes to work I am usually “on” and extroverted but once the job is done I like to revert into my own self and recharge.