My Story

Once upon a time, a Painted Dandelion was born, and this is her story....

Dana is a Surgical Technology Program Director by day, painter, junker and repurposer by night and weekend. She's married to Tom, the Junk Hunk (which is clearly a defined term by now) who has endured more home remodels and projects than she can count. She has the vision and he makes it happen. She also has two incredible kids, Tayler who just graduated from UNI and Chloe, who is working toward becoming a nurse. She's so blessed with an incredible family who supports her junk habit and occasional hoarding tendencies.

Dana calls her business: The Painted Dandelion Co.. The Painted Dandelion came about out a of a love to repurpose and refinish, and probably mostly out of a love for the “chase.” She loves seeking out treasures and her farm girl roots allow her to not be scared of all the raccoon or bird poop she finds along the way.

But here’s the message behind the name, dandelions. In Iowa, most people think of dandelions as weeds. However, many people think dandelions are beautiful flowers. She's received countless dandelion bouquets from her kids while they were growing up. In fact, dandelions are strong, deeply rooted, and have many medicinal properties as well! Need a liver detox? Dandelion Root has your back. #notjustaweed

Anyway, Dana says, "I too have been a weed in my life. I too have awaited transformation from feeling like I was not what people wanted or considered good enough." She continues, "Haven’t most humans (women, especially) felt this way at some point in this journey of life?!"

Dana finds all this to be synonymous with the junk she finds tossed away on the curb and in thrift shops, no longer wanted, no longer serving their purpose. Being given away for little (monetary) value.

Then through painting and repurposing Dana realized she could make “junk” beautiful again. Something that was previously junky could be given a facelift or makeover or maybe simply, be seen by someone with a different perspective.....it could become a treasure again to someone. A treasure that was sought after and wanted!

Hence, The Painted Dandelion- "weeds redefined.”

Ever since then, Dana has found extreme joy in being able to express a creative outlet that involves design, home décor, painting, colors, all of the pretty things. She has a tendency to lean towards farmhouse/lake house.

We are very excited that you’ve decided to follow along on our journey of making things whole and pretty again. We hope you'll consider changing your perspective on what you see as "weeds" in your own life.

You can purchase Painted Dandelion Co. items right here on this page, at Junk Rescued in Storm Lake or Mojo’s Antique Barn in Cherokee!