Meet the Maker

Hey, I’m Monica—a born-and-raised Hell’s Kitchen New Yorker with a love for the planet, good design, and a deep respect for things built to last. I’m the founder of Second Nature, where I transform overlooked furniture into statement pieces that feel fresh, soulful, and made just for you.

Second Nature started on the streets—literally. I couldn’t ignore the mountains of nearly new furniture being tossed on the sidewalks of NYC. That image stuck with me. I began rescuing curbside finds, then expanded to local resale apps and eventually to estate sales and small independent shops across the city. The more I saw, the more I realized how much good furniture ends up in landfills—and how easily it could be saved with a little love and a lot of creativity.

I’m a self-taught, hands-on entrepreneur, and I run every part of this business myself—from sourcing and sanding to sealing and styling. My work is rooted in sustainability, resourcefulness, and beauty. I use eco-friendly materials, and I believe in giving each piece the attention it deserves so it can live a second life in your space—with purpose, presence, and a whole lot of personality.

For me, this work isn’t just a passion—it’s instinct.
It’s second nature to care about the earth.
It’s second nature to be resourceful.
And it’s second nature to create one-of-a-kind art for people like you.

Let’s create something meaningful together.