The Feathered Edge

• Ep 8 - From Sketches to Stitches: Tom and Harriet’s Upholstery Adventures

  Welcome to another delightful episode of The Feathered Edge, where upholstery meets storytelling with your host, Robbie Richardson! This week, we're thrilled to chat with the dynamic duo, Tom and Harriet, who recently ventured out from the Bristol Upholstery Collective to carve their own path in the world of upholstery. These two may fly under the radar, but their journey and craft are anything but ordinary. In this episode, Tom and Harriet share: **School Days Shenanigans** From Harriet’s rule-abiding ways to Tom’s rebellious streak, discover how their early years shaped their creative minds. **The Art of Finding Upholstery** Neither planned on becoming upholsterers, but life had other ideas, leading them to discover a passion that combined art, history, and craftsmanship. **Crafting Connections** How a chance meeting with Leigh-Anne Treadwell at the Bristol Upholstery Collective became a turning point in their careers. **Balancing Business and Creativity** Hear about the joys and challenges of running separate upholstery businesses under one roof, and how they manage to share a workspace without cutting into each other's time (literally!). **Teaching and Mentorship** The duo’s commitment to teaching and helping the next generation of upholsterers, ensuring the craft lives on. Tom and Harriet’s story is one of creativity, resilience, and a love for bringing history back to life, one chair at a time. Whether you’re an upholstery aficionado or just curious about the craft, this episode is packed with inspiration, laughter, and a few quirky stories that you won't want to miss. **Key Takeaways** 1. The unpredictable journey of discovering a passion later in life. 2. The importance of mentorship and community in the world of craft. 3. How balancing creativity and business is both an art and a science. **Stay Connected** Follow us on Instagram or Facebook for updates. Enjoyed the episode? Drop us a review and let us know what you loved!

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• EP 7 Discovering Upholstery: A Journey from Middle-of-the-Road School Days to Crafting Masterpieces

  In this episode, Robbie chats with Mark Clemas, a Master Upholsterer who turned a simple hobby into a thriving career. Discover how a redundancy in the 90s recession led Mark to architectural model making, and eventually, a deep dive into the world of upholstery. Mark shares his journey through various upholstery courses and chats about Susanna, the mentor who inspired him to fully embrace upholstery as a career. Find out how Mark juggles running a gift shop with his wife, Tracy, and his upholstery business, often blending the two. Mark also talks about the camaraderie and daily support he receives from fellow upholsterers, and discusses the gender dynamics in upholstery and his experience as one of the few men in his courses. For those new to the trade, Mark offers some sage advice on avoiding the temptation to hoard fabric and furniture and the importance of maintaining an efficient workspace! It's a great episode with something for everyone so tune in and let us know what you think! Connect with Mark: Website: Francis Tracy Interiors Instagram: @FrancisTracyInteriors Facebook: Francis Tracy Interiors Contact Us: Got questions or want to share your upholstery stories? Reach out to Robbie at [email protected]

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• EP 6 - Generations of Upholstery with Wes & Jes from Crown Upholstery

  Welcome to The Feathered Edge, the upholstery podcast! This week, your host Robbie Richardson takes you on a journey 4000 miles across the pond to Knoxville, TN, to meet Jess and Wes of Crown Upholstery. This dynamic duo brings a rich history of upholstery knowledge, a fresh approach to the trade, and a hearty dose of humour and inspiration. Join us as we delve into their fascinating backgrounds, learn about their unique perspectives, and discover how they balance tradition with modernity in their craft, and listen to them talk about: their contrasting school experiences Jes’s upbringing in an upholstery shop and the natural yet unexpected path she took. Wes’s transition from IT and body piercing to mastering the craft of upholstery. How they manage their business, from client appointments to project scheduling. The importance of mentorship in their careers and how they mentor others. The value of building a supportive community in the upholstery trade. Their future aspirations, including expanding their business and taking more time for personal pursuits. And much more! How to Find Jes and Wes: Website: Crown Upholstery Instagram: Crown Upholstery Instagram Facebook: Crown Upholstery Facebook Tune in for a fabulous episode filled with laughter, inspiration, and a wealth of upholstery knowledge from Jes and Wes.

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• Ep 5 - From Clown to Craftsman: The Journey of Mick Sheridan

  Join us for an engaging and lighthearted conversation with Mick Sheridan, a master upholsterer with a story as unique as the furniture he creates. From his school days as a self-proclaimed clown to becoming a respected figure in the upholstery community, Mick's journey is filled with twists, turns, and plenty of laughs. Discover how a chance encounter with a high-end furniture factory inspired Mick to follow in his father's footsteps, and how he transitioned from working in IT offices to hands-on craftsmanship. Early Days and Education: Mick’s candid reflections on his school days and his unexpected path to further education. The influence of his father's trade and the pivotal moment that led Mick to pursue upholstery. First Jobs and Career Shifts: Insights into Mick’s early jobs, from paper rounds to working in IT and market research. The transformative experience at a 3D furniture modelling company that reignited his passion for craftsmanship. The Birth of a Craftsman: The story of Mick’s move to Wales and the establishment of his upholstery business. Training with his father and the challenges of setting up a new workshop. Gorilla Upholstery The whimsical and environmentally conscious art project that earned Mick the title of "Gorilla Upholsterer." How Mick combines humour and creativity to raise awareness about waste in the upholstery industry. Mentorship and Community: The importance of community support and mentorship in Mick’s career. Mick’s role as a mentor and his efforts to encourage new upholsterers. Challenges and Aspirations: Mick’s battle with arthritis and how it’s shaping his future plans. Aspirations for the next phase of his career, including teaching and expanding his business. How to Find Mick Sheridan: Website: https://micksheridanupholstery.co.uk Tune in for a delightful episode that’s sure to inspire and entertain, whether you’re a seasoned upholsterer, a budding craftsman, or just someone who loves a good story. Don’t miss Mick’s unique blend of wisdom, wit, and unwavering passion for his craft.

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• Ep 4 - Upholstery Unleashed: Sharon O'Connor's Journey from Fashion to Furniture Revival

  Welcome to another inspiring episode of The Feathered Edge, the podcast that stitches together stories of creativity, passion, and entrepreneurship in the world of upholstery. Today, we're sitting down with the ever-energetic Sharon O'Connor from Vintique Upholstery. Sharon's journey is a vibrant tapestry of twists and turns, from her early dreams of criminal psychology to her unexpected yet delightful plunge into the upholstery world. In this episode, Sharon shares: School Days Shenanigans: How she balanced being the class clown with a love for learning. Career Crossroads: The pivotal moment she decided against a degree in psychology and dove into the bustling fashion industry instead. From Fashion to Furniture: The surprising transition from high-end retail to upholstery, spurred by an economic downturn. Upholstery Passion: Discovering the art of reupholstering vintage furniture and building a business around sustainable practices. Business Insights: The highs and lows of running an upholstery business, dealing with customer expectations, and the importance of not panicking in stressful situations. Mentorship and Growth: Sharon's commitment to mentoring new upholsterers, sharing her knowledge, and fostering a supportive community. Join us as Sharon unravels her story, packed with laughter, wisdom, and a few unexpected twists. Whether you're an upholstery enthusiast or just love a good entrepreneurial tale, this episode promises to be a delightful listen. Key Takeaways: The importance of following your gut instincts in career decisions. Embracing change and turning unexpected challenges into opportunities. The joy of rescuing and reviving vintage furniture, turning passion into a sustainable business. Tips for aspiring upholsterers and small business owners on navigating the industry and finding success. Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Feedback: Love the episode? Leave us a review and share your thoughts!

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