Repinned Luxury Upholstery, located in Des Moines, offers a full suite of services, from design to custom builds, ensuring every client’s vision is brought to life with meticulous care. Riana’s eco-conscious approach to upholstery blends sustainability with artistry, crafting timeless pieces that reflect both style and substance.

Riana’s journey didn’t follow a traditional route, but her passion for breathing new life into furniture has made her a standout in the industry. What began as a side gig soon blossomed into Repinned Luxury Upholstery, a thriving business that is 100% woman-owned by Riana. Justin Copeland, her former spouse and Master Craftsman at Repinned, has been instrumental in helping transform the company into the go-to destination for custom upholstery and restoration in central Iowa.

With no local upholstery schools to guide her, Riana sought out mentors across the U.S. and Europe. Over nine years, she honed her skills, combining creativity with the precision of traditional craftsmanship. Today, Repinned Upholstery is celebrated for its fusion of artistry and function, transforming “previously loved” furniture into custom pieces that are both durable and beautiful.

Meet the Team:

• Riana Lejeune, Owner and Luxury Artisan: A visionary in the upholstery world, Riana combines her passion for reviving furniture with years of self-taught skill, mentorship, and dedication. Her commitment to quality and creativity shines through every piece, making Repinned a leader in custom upholstery.
• Justin Copeland, Master Craftsman: Justin brings his mechanical expertise and passion for design to the shop. His eye for detail and craftsmanship elevate every piece that leaves Repinned.
• Izzy Copeland, Head of PR: Izzy is a dynamic force in the shop, promoting her parents’ business and dreaming of becoming an upholsterer herself one day!

Beyond their daily work, Riana and Justin are dedicated to fostering the next generation of upholsterers. Through a collaboration with the U.S. Department of Labor and the Iowa Department of Apprenticeship, Repinned has developed a three-year, 6,000-hour full-time Professional Custom Upholstery Apprenticeship program. This comprehensive program includes both technical instruction and hands-on training, preparing apprentices for success in the upholstery industry.

Repinned’s apprenticeship program is more than just a way to retain talent locally—it’s a gateway for future upholsterers across the country. Whether apprentices continue with Repinned or move on to other shops, they leave equipped with the skills needed to thrive. Riana and Justin also welcome other upholsterers to collaborate and implement this innovative program in their own workshops, further strengthening the upholstery community.

For bespoke, one-of-a-kind pieces that blend craftsmanship with modern design, look no further than Repinned Luxury Upholstery. With a commitment to quality, creativity, and sustainable practices, Riana and her team are shaping the future of custom upholstery in Iowa and beyond. Whether you’re looking to restore a beloved piece or create something entirely new, Repinned Luxury Upholstery is ready to bring your vision to life, one stitch at a time. You can follow their work on Social Media: facebook.com/repinned; instagram.com/repinnedupholstery

How do you ensure the highest quality in your work, from selecting materials to the final product?

Quality starts with selecting the best materials, like the premium leathers and fabrics we source from trusted vendors. From there, it’s about combining craftsmanship with meticulous attention to detail at every step of the process, from design to the final stitch. We take great pride in our finishing work, ensuring that each piece is not only beautiful but built to last.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your business, and how did you overcome it?

One of our biggest challenges has been the lack of formal training programs in upholstery. Without local schools, I had to go the extra mile to find mentors and resources, which was a significant time and financial investment. To overcome this, we developed our own apprenticeship program to provide formal, hands-on training, not just for ourselves but for the next generation of upholsterers.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the upholstery industry?

Don’t be afraid to seek out mentors and learn everything you can, even if it means stepping outside of your comfort zone. Upholstery is an art form that requires patience and dedication, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Start small, pay attention to detail, and never stop learning.

How do you stay motivated and inspired in a field that requires such attention to detail?

I stay motivated by continually learning and challenging myself. The upholstery field offers endless opportunities to explore new techniques, materials, and designs. Whether it’s seeking out new mentors or collaborating with Justin, I find inspiration in the idea that every piece we work on tells a story and has the potential to become something extraordinary.

What’s the most memorable or challenging project you've worked on, and what made it unique?

One of the most memorable and challenging projects we worked on was an antique fainting couch from the 1880s that had been saved from the landfill. This intricate piece had a rich history, and we felt a deep sense of responsibility to honor its craftsmanship while giving it a new life. The couch featured a wire edge frame, stunning hand-carved claw feet, and deep diamond tufting, all of which presented unique challenges.