When Nicole’s stepmother, Susan, claimed she had a “priceless” birthday gift, Nicole hoped it would be something thoughtful. Instead, Susan presented her with a stained, smelly, decades-old couch. Knowing that rejecting it would upset her father, Nicole accepted it and took it home. Her initial plan was to throw it out, but instead, she decided to transform it into something beautiful.
Nicole spent hours cleaning, deodorizing, and repairing the couch. She used vinegar, baking soda, and fabric glue, even adding decorative buttons and new cushions. By the time she was done, the couch looked like an expensive vintage piece. Just for fun, she listed it online for $5,000 — and to her surprise, someone bought it almost immediately for their art studio.
A few days later, Susan showed up furious, demanding $2,500, claiming she was entitled to half the profit since it was “her couch.” Nicole refused, explaining that the couch had been worthless before her restoration work. Susan stormed off, threatening that Nicole would “regret this.”
Nicole hasn’t heard from her stepmother since, but she expects her father will soon call about the situation. For Nicole, the sale wasn’t just about the money — it was proof that with a little effort, something unwanted can become something valuable.