Demi Utaraviciute, Designer, Painter and Upcyler

Around The World: UK

Demi Utaraviciute celebrates Women in Trade Day (Worldwide) holding her roller.

WITD: Briefly tell us about your tool, how important it is. Why and when you use it?

Demi: Like many upcyclers, I started with chalk paint but wanted to achieve a super smooth finish to give my furniture a modern look and my roller was a game changer! 

After dirty furniture preparation there is nothing more satisfying than a perfectly even layer of paint that transforms any old piece of furniture unrecognisably! It’s certainly my favourite tool!!   

I use rollers on every single piece – all of them are painted and mostly decoupaged. Vintage mid-century furniture are quite modern and I always seek a flawless finish. I use professional high-quality sleeves that also gives perfect results in varnishing. I rarely use brushes for difficult areas.

After discovering quality paint that enabled me to achieve this beautiful finish, I finally started enjoying the process. 

WITD: Briefly tell us why Women in Trade Day (Worldwide) is important to you?

Demi: We are living in times when professional gap between genders is closing faster, and I am happy to be part of the process to create and share this with the others. 

WITD: How will you be celebrating the day?

Demi: I will celebrate this special day with other colleagues that I know in person and from small groups online sharing my best wishes through social media to all craftswomen like me, that are not afraid of big, powerful and difficult.

WITD: How are you inspiring other women?

Demi: I don’t do anything special to inspire other women. But I talk about my job to anyone who listens, and sometimes having an impression - especially when talking about power tools I use we realise that it’s not that usual. I hope women will feel more liberated from stereotypes when choosing their own profession. 

Instagram @dresser_and_drawer and @houseofupcycling