For as long as I can remember, I've had a thing for rescuing the unloved. A worn dresser with good bones, a dated hutch that someone's grandmother treasured — I see potential where others see a problem. Through furniture restoration, creative painting techniques, and hands-on surface finishes, I turn pieces that were heading for the landfill into the ones people can't stop showing off to guests. There's nothing quite like watching someone fall back in love with something they almost gave up on.
I founded Dream Project Studio dba The Chalk Company, but the road here wasn't a straight one — it ran straight through five years of intense surgeries, treatment, and recovery from breast cancer. During that season of bed rest and limited mobility, painting furniture became more than a passion — it became physical therapy. Moving my arms to restore and paint pieces helped me literally rebuild my strength and range of motion. What had always been my creative outlet became the thing that helped me heal.
Coming out the other side of that journey with a new perspective — and honestly, zero patience for waiting — I committed fully to turning my passion into something bigger.
That's when Dee came into the picture. A longtime healthcare professional searching for her next chapter and a fellow survivor, she and I connected instantly. She brought the operational and business expertise; I brought the creative vision, product knowledge, and hands-on artistry. It was an obvious fit.
Together we built The Chalk Company into a place where DIY enthusiasts, makers, and small business owners can find high-quality tools, materials, and real guidance that makes furniture refinishing approachable and genuinely fun. I lead the creative side — developing products, teaching techniques, taking on custom commissions, and cheering our community on as they discover just how capable (and budget-friendly!) they really are.
The Chalk Company is resilience in action. It's not just about beautiful finishes — it's about empowering people to create, restore, and fall head over heels for their spaces all over again.
After more than 30 years in the healthcare industry, I found myself at a crossroads. A breast cancer diagnosis forced me to reevaluate what mattered most and how I wanted to spend the next chapter of my life. While I was grateful for a successful career, I realized I wanted to build something of my own—something driven by creativity, purpose, and passion rather than corporate metrics and performance targets.
Around the same time, I was beginning a new chapter personally as a newlywed and future empty nester. With the unwavering support of my husband, I decided to take a leap of faith and pursue entrepreneurship. Through him, I was introduced to Sherry, a fellow survivor whose talent for furniture restoration, artistic vision, and innovative repair techniques immediately inspired me.
While Sherry brought the creative vision and product expertise, I brought decades of operational, organizational, and business experience. Together, we combined our strengths to build The Chalk Company—a business dedicated to making furniture refinishing more affordable, accessible, and enjoyable for DIY enthusiasts, furniture artists, and creative entrepreneurs.
As co-owner, I oversee many of the operational aspects of the business, including ecommerce development, systems, planning, logistics, and growth strategy. I am passionate about helping turn a shared vision into a sustainable company that empowers others to restore, create, and reimagine. The Chalk Company represents more than a business to me; it is proof that life's most difficult challenges can open the door to new opportunities, meaningful partnerships, and exciting new beginnings.
Sherry DiBartolo, The Dream Project Studio/Chalk Company CEO
Dee Gambrell, The Chalk Company COO
