Build a life you love.
Hi, I’m Selene.
In 2020 my husband brought home a chair somebody had thrown out. I reupholstered it, mostly for something to while the world was shut down. Then I built something else. One project led to another, fast forward a couple years and I’ve renovated our entire house.
Somewhere in there, DIY stopped being a hobby. I quit my job to do this full time. Devin quit his. We sold the house and most of what was in it, and in February we fly to Japan to buy an abandoned one and make it livable ourselves.
There are plenty of people who’ll teach you to use a miter saw. What I care about is the part before that, where you decide you’re allowed to try at all. That’s the whole thing. Build a life you love.
How It All Began…
It was a chair my husband found in the trash.
“It has a nice shape,” he said. “Maybe you’d want to paint it or reupholster it?”
He was right. I took it apart, sanded it down, refinished the frame, and gave it new life with fresh fabric and a paint job. That chair still sits in our bedroom, and I like to say it’s the one that started it all.
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“I believe women shouldn’t have to wait for permission (or a handyman) to create the life and home they desire. I’m here to inspire, teach, and cheer you on every step of the way.”
Selene Teitelbaum
DIYer + Content Creator + Solo Entrepreneur
Coming February 2027
What’s next
We sold the Florida house. Right now we’re in upstate New York, and in February we fly to Japan to buy an akiya, one of roughly nine million abandoned houses sitting empty across the country, and make it livable ourselves.
I’m going to show you every dollar and every mistake, same as always. The tools are coming with me.
空き家を、住める家に。
Meet Team Selene!
Selene Teitelbaum is the founder and owner of Selene Builds Things.
Founder + Owner
Selene Teitelbaum
She’s the brains (and usually the brawn) behind Selene Builds Things. She’s a DIYer turned content creator.
” I run on espresso and the thrill of a new project. And who doesn’t love a good before-and-after!”
The Only Employee
Devin Fay
The guy who brought home the chair that started it all. Whether he’s behind the camera filming, brewing some sake, or just doing damage control, he’s the rock behind the scenes. He’s the #1 Hype Man, the comic relief and the best problem solver around. Selene and Devin are a true dynamic duo!
Furry Foremen
Arrow & Zero
Our on-site supervisors. They specialize in napping during work hours, barking at deliveries, and sticking their noses in everything. They are morale boosters, insulation testers, and full-time charmers. Catch these low-riding cuties bringing smiles to everyone on site!
