I am super excited to introduce my first guest on my new series, “Guess who’s dropping in for coffee?” Meet Laurie Cooper of Charleston Revisions. She owns my favorite mid-century store in Charleston.

Laurie always introduced me to people as her “first customer”. It makes us chuckle when we share our story. I found Laurie when I discovered Annie Sloan Chalk paint in a store in Greenville, SC. I asked the owner if it was carried in Charleston, and she said someone was going to start selling it soon; here’s her number. So, I called, and she and I met in the parking lot of Whole Foods where I bought my first can of paint out of her trunk.

Picture two huge SUV’s, trunks open, me (super preggo at the time) giving another woman cash in exchange for paint. I’m so glad our friendship started with a good laugh. Fast-forward three years later, and she has opened two stores and is just rocking it!

So grab your cup of coffee and join us for a good morning read! My Q&A with Laurie…

Chalk paint is a huge hit, and a lot of DIYers are using it. How often do you hold training sessions, and how many do you train each time?

There are 5-6 different levels of classes: Basic, modern, rustic, two-color & dry brushing. We teach two a month and welcome DIYers to attend.

Where do you get your furniture and accessories?

I get a lot from “pickers’ who call and ask if I want pieces. I do big buying trips as well. I have never gone to a flea market or a garage sale, though.

What do you look for in products for your store? Any specific style or period you like to pull from?

Danish and Mid-Century is what I usually buy. They have to have good bones. If the drawers are broken; I won’t buy it, small repairs are fine. You can paint and repair furniture.

You have two stores. Do they carry the same pieces, or are you appealing to different audiences in each location?

There isn’t an awareness of the chalk paint in West Ashley as much as in Mount Pleasant. The atmosphere of the Mount Pleasant store is more of a work-shop feel. People like to see it being done in front of their face. West Ashley people like to see the final results.

Give some history on your store. How did you build your business?

In my honest opinion, my business was built on people coming to me because I always have different things, and I don’t put anything in my store I would not put in my own home.

Tell me something the readers do not know about you?

I worked at National Geographic for 11 years in the book division and did marketing concept work.

Favorite color?

It has always been purple!

If I dropped in your home, what magazine would I find on your coffee table?

House Beautiful – Small Spaces edition.

I hope you enjoyed meeting Laurie! You can find her on Facebook to see what amazing pieces she is re-creating. Come back soon as I introduce you to another surprise guest!