For over 10 years I have been pulling apart furniture and putting it back together with creativity (a favorite word of mine) and love. The reason why I started this and why I continue this are not the same. Let me tell you the story…

Spina Bifida Changed It All

Just about 17 years ago I gave birth to a little boy with Spina Bifida. He has taken a lot of work, love, more work, understanding, and perseverance. All of which has only made me a better mother and person. With two girls ahead of him, I had a lot on my plate. Working a “real” job became increasingly difficult as my boy required many invasive surgeries that had long recovery times. My husband had to work either long hours or out-of-state jobs to keep us going but we still needed the second income. That is when something my son’s Neurosurgeon said came to mind. He said I needed to find something I loved doing to keep me sane and able. When the hard times came I needed continue to be the best parent I could be and be okay with the rest.

Discovering Upholstery

I have loved sewing for most of my adult life and by the time my oldest was in 3rd grade I had sewn just about everything you can think of, except one. The local thrift had a nice wingback chair that needed some updating and I had a lovely yellow gingham that needed to be on something. I brought it home, tore it apart…kept nothing…and proceeded to completely bomb at my first upholstery attempt. No worries, the seed had been planted and I had already gained a good amount perseverance in my arsenal of traits. I spent the next year working on pieces here and there and then took the leap and did my first vintage home show.

Explosions of color, pattern, texture were all around me! I had started my now ginormous collection of vintage, antique, and quality furniture and no fabric was safe! I had officially started my business in the spring of 2012, and by 2014, had developed a tiny name for myself. I was refinishing furniture, embroidering, sewing my own clothes, and whatever else I could do for these amazing little shows I was doing. Isn’t that how it always goes in the beginning? Nothing is impossible and time management isn’t a thing yet.

Building A Life Around Upholstery

We moved to Weiser in 2016 for a quieter family life and to be a part of a smaller community. By then I had decided upholstery was the only thing I wanted to continue with and there was a storefront available for $350/month. What?! Yes, please! My son had gone in for 2 major surgeries since I started this journey and was about to embark on many more. Having a bright, happy home had become very important to me because it helped me raise bright, happy humans. I thought it would be nice to add a home decor section filled with that same inspiration to my growing upholstery shop. There is an tremendous amount of talent in and around the Treasure Valley so I put out a call for makers to join me. It went well…until it didn’t. I took on more than I could handle. It was too much with the kids being in new schools, having my first teenager, my husband working in North Dakota and my son having to go in for a major surgery that had a very long recovery time attached to it.

Over the last 7 years I have moved the shop a total of 3 times and was given the opportunity to buy my building in January of this year. I now have an adorable, quiet, little shop on the main corner here in Weiser. Emphasis on quiet. I am a highly sensitive person with a proclivity for small, quiet spaces where I can hide. This is not a great way to be when you are trying to run a business in a small, often forgotten town. Oh, and two out of my three children have gone and grown up on me! That has been hard on me as most of my identity has been wrapped up in being a mother.

Change & Other Scary Things

This year has been all about change, being lost, growing, accepting, and sitting still. My son is doing well and has a bright future ahead of him. My girls are off on their adventures and my husband has a nice job here in town. These kids, my son especially, were the reasons for starting this business. I have gone from years of nurturing, guiding, and loving others to having time and space for myself. Talk about uncomfortable. My reasons for having this business are not the same as they were in the beginning and are still unclear to be completely honest.

I can see the joy that I have helped bring forth, the homes I have been a part of through my craft, and the hearts I have touched. Is upholstery all there is? Is that the only way I can continue to bring light to the world around me? If yes is the answer to these questions then I need to find a way to be content with that but if it isn’t then I pray for clarity. Bringing hope, light, and love to others is what I am made for but how do I turn that into a thriving business? Maybe putting this out there will bring some answers. Until then I will continue to do what the Lord has called me to and be happy.

Thanks for reading this and for being a part of my creative collective! You are amazing and inspire me every day.