Over the years, Ladies Touch transitioned from operating out of a carport, in 1981 relocated to a downtown shop, and eventually expanded to occupy a 4000 sq ft space, its current home.
They began with two part-time employees and over time have expanded the team to include eleven full time professionals with their primary objective to deliver the highest-quality custom work. In addition to furniture fabrication and repair, Ladies Touch provides a wide range of services including seat caning, rushing, reupholstery and installation.
Q & A Interview with Lee Davis
What inspired you to get started in the upholstery field?
“I needed new furniture but had some that needed some TLC. I disassembled the first sofa we ever had in the Living room and spread the pieces around the frame. As I assembled the pieces to the frame, every piece was a learning experience. I enjoyed the challenge of cutting, sewing, applying, and discovering different ways to improve the product appearance. When I began to think about upholstering a piece, most Upholstery shops were all men, and they were more than happy to share their knowledge with a young inexperienced woman.
When I got a Walking Foot sewing machine/button maker and hand tools, Ladies Touch was born. Once I had the tools, equipment, and fabric sources I strived to make finished items like I was doing them for myself. I focused on details and getting them just right.”
What is a fun fact about you or your business that most wouldn't know?
“In the 90’s finding any trained upholsterers was impossible in our area, so I employed prisoners from the nearby low security state prison. They were somewhat trained by the prison training center as part of rehabilitation. It was very interesting and helped us out in a difficult time. We participated in their work release program for eight years.”
Biggest challenge for your shop?
“We have had pieces to be re-upholstered that were beyond help. Some pieces have been recovered so many times that the frame has deteriorated, and spring seating needed to be replaced. When we would know the estimated expense to fix the piece, the customer is given the opportunity to continue or take a different path.”
What would you say is one of the most important or recognizable contributions to your success in this industry?
”We believe the best contribution to the Interior Design Workroom community is hiring and training people from diverse backgrounds to be able to operate the equipment and assemble the product in an efficient and quality fashion. One of our best success stories is when we accepted a girl in high school whose Senior Project was to Upholster a chair. With my help, she was able to complete the chair for her project. Out of many high school students who tried, she was the only one who succeeded. We gave her the opportunity to become part of the Team and she has been here over ten years and is our lead upholsterer. By hiring and training willing employees we can keep customers for over 40 years.”
Can you tell me about one of the most challenging, funniest, most memorable, or nightmare customer stories/projects you've completed?
Customers who are designers are another big challenge as they often assume they know how to make a product better than the workroom. It is difficult to explain to an “empowered” person that just because you can sketch a window covering doesn’t mean we can make it look that way.
We were asked to produce products for a Magazine Show House. The complexity of the project and the multiple communication channels caused many exciting moments. But the Best Moment was being invited to participate in the opening show.
]]>With a history spanning over three decades, F. Garcia Upholstery proudly embodies a rich family legacy with expertise in furniture and marine upholstery. The origins of this family-owned and operated business can be traced back to the founder, Federico Garcia, who began his upholstery journey in Mexico City's upholstery shops, igniting his passion for the craft. He later established his own upholstery business upon relocating to the United States. Today, his three children proudly carry on this tradition, turning upholstery into more than just a profession. “For our family, it’s not just a job; it's a piece of our family's history stitched into every project. Upholstering isn't just a skill we learned; it's a language we speak. A tradition passed down from a father who turned his love for art into an enduring family legacy.” - Jonathon Solario
Reflecting on their success in the industry, F. Garcia Upholstery gives much of the credit to the tight-knit community they are part of. Their business transcends mere commerce. The close bond they share with their neighbors extends beyond transactions, fostering trust and loyalty that has been instrumental in shaping their success. F. Garcia Upholstery takes pride in being a family-owned and operated enterprise. This familial touch is evident in their professional dealings, from selecting premium materials to providing a personalized experience that makes clients feel like an extension of their family.
What sets F. Garcia Upholstery apart is their collaborative approach to the design journey. They don't merely reupholster furniture; they engage clients throughout the process, bouncing ideas and incorporating their preferences at every turn. The result is a final piece that is uniquely tailored to the client's style.
Q & A Interview with Jonathon Solario
Most common question from customers?
“One question we often get, especially from folks new to our services, is whether they should reupholster their furniture or just buy new. Our response usually dives into a friendly chat about the condition of their furniture, any sentimental value it holds, and its overall quality. We love highlighting that reupholstering can be a wallet-friendly and eco-conscious choice, keeping those cherished pieces alive and kicking. In addition, reupholstering allows our clients to make their pieces unique and fit their specific needs.”
Biggest challenge for your shop?
“One of the real head-scratchers for us is keeping a team of top-notch craftsmen. You see, finding skilled upholsters is like chasing a unicorn in our area—it's no easy task! We're in this ongoing hustle to make sure we have a team that knows their stuff, but the limited pool of upholsterers around us adds an extra layer of challenge.”
Most common complaint from customers?
“Recently, many of our customers have grown a preference for online ordering and payment options. We're currently working with our POS system and consistently updating our website in order to provide our clients with these options.”
What is most important to you when working with a supplier or vendor?
“When we work alongside suppliers or vendors, nailing down the shipping time is a game-changer for us. We like to give our clients a heads-up on when their projects will be ready, that all comes down to our suppliers' shipping time. It's like the heartbeat of our operation.”
]]>Wharton studied furniture making and design at NC State University where he earned his Masters degree in Industrial Design. He supplemented this with workshops at Anderson Ranch and self education. His woods of choice, Curly Maple, Cherry, Bubinga, Walnut, Ebony, Wenge and Bloodwood, are among the most premium hardwoods available today. Each species possesses its own unique grain pattern and vibrant hue, giving Wharton the creative freedom to craft intricate and captivating designs without relying on synthetic dyes or decorative additions.
Wharton's creations are characterized by their minimalist, sleek lines, a deliberate choice that allows the inherent charm of the wood to take center stage. When Wharton decided to incorporate upholstery choices into his handcrafted collections, the addition of leather, yet another natural material, effortlessly harmonized with Wharton's designs.
The inherent qualities of leather, such as its supple texture and rich, warm tones, complement the organic beauty of wood. The durability and resilience of leather make it an excellent choice for upholstery in furniture. Like the meticulously handcrafted hardwood designs of Wharton, leather can withstand the wear and tear of daily use, ensuring the longevity of the piece.
You can meet Bayley Wharton of Furniture By Design and see his beautifully handcrafted furniture featuring Casper Hill leather at the upcoming Southern Highlands Craft Guild Fair in Asheville this October 19 - 22! Check out his work on his website: FurnitureXDesign.com
Q & A (Interview with Bayley Wharton - Owner)
What inspired you to get started in the upholstery field?
"When you see a presentation of my work it’s obviously the woodworking that’s the big thing. When I first started “Furniture x Design” (pronounced Furniture by Design) in 1996-97, the biggest type of piece I could make in my tiny workshop was a console or sofa table. When I moved into a bigger space, bigger pieces became possible including dining tables, which really started to develop in the mid-2000’s. Dining tables, of course, necessitated chairs to go with them. Therefore the upholstery entered into my work."
Most common question from customers?
"Many Customers ask if I make chairs with carved wooden seats. In thinking about the design for dining chairs I wanted people to be comfortable at a dinner table for a long period, lingering over desert, coffee, conversation and so forth. I recalled a professor’s advice in Design School, “even in the most comfortable, most anatomically correct, carved wooden seat, people become uncomfortable and fidgety after a very short time, usually about 10 - 15 minutes.” You see people shifting around, trying to find a new position, trying and relieve a pressure point, or avoid a hard spot. After a brief spell, they just want to get up and leave the table. Upholstered seat cushions were, and are, the way to go."
What is your trademark, brand or unique skill or process that is distinct to your work?
"The complete body of my work has a distinct Asian architectural influence. Shoji Screens as a cabinet facade. Torii Gates become tables. Kanji represented in a chair. Japanese joinery, etc. The "Arts and Craft Movement" of the early 20th century, and some "mid-century" influences creep into the work as well. Largely the work is contemporary in nature, but there are centuries old aspects involved also.”
What is most important to you when working with a supplier or vendor?
“Price and quality of a supplier's product are of course important, but most important is customer service and how I am treated as a person. When a vendor or supplier makes a concerted effort to be helpful and courteous to me in regards to both my business, and me personally, I will come back to them time and time again. Most people prefer to do business with those we trust and have had good experiences with. Whether it’s supplying some piece of product information about using or installing their product, or bringing to my attention new items that might be of value to my business, or just being helpful and accommodating in any fashion, that gets my attention, and my future business.”
]]>After earning her degree in fashion merchandising, Rhonda spent many years working in retail sales and display. Her love for sewing and beautiful fabrics never diminished, and in 2009 her upholstery journey began. Rhonda’s first project, reupholstering a wingback chair, ignited her passion for reupholstery, and she became hooked on the craft.
Her dedication to the art of upholstery led her to restore and refurbish several antique and vintage chairs for her own home. After moving to Colorado, her pursuit of knowledge and improvement in the field continued through online education.
As Rhonda honed her upholstery skills, her talents caught the attention of friends who sought her expertise in reupholstering chairs and settees for their homes. This growing demand for her work marked the beginning of The Whimsical Chair.
Rhonda takes great pride in restoring furniture pieces that hold sentimental value and cherished stories for her clients. Her vision for her business is deeply rooted in her desire to help clients honor their family heirlooms and especially enjoys the process of designing each chair as a unique and one-of-a-kind conversation piece for clients' homes.
Rhonda’s dedication to preserving the stories behind each piece she works on and her commitment to creativity ensure that The Whimsical Chair will continue to thrive as a place where cherished furniture finds new life and becomes a source of joy and pride for her clients.
Q & A (Interview with Rhonda Shanahan - Owner)
What inspired you to get started in the upholstery field?
"I've been sewing since I was a young girl. I've always loved beautiful textiles. I was a stay-at-home mom when we had our three young kids. When they all started school, I signed up for an upholstery class through the extension office. That was in 2009 and my upholstery journey has grown from there."
Most common question from customers?
"Is my piece worth reupholstering? Most of my client work is on family heirlooms. I love working on pieces that have a story and some history."
Biggest challenge for your shop?
"My biggest challenge would be working from home and lack of space. I live in Colorado so renting a commercial space doesn't make sense for my small business. I'm usually working on 2-3 pieces at one time. I have to keep the flow of furniture coming in and going out equal, so I still have space to work."
Can you tell me about one of the most challenging, funniest, most memorable, or nightmare customer stories/projects you've completed?
"The most challenging thing is that almost every piece is different. They say it takes roughly 6,000 hours to become a proficient upholsterer. I feel like that number may be higher. I have a nightmare upholstery story with a vinyl dental hygienist stool. I tried three times to sew and pull it on the seat. The vinyl ripped all three times. I reached out to the client and asked if I could do it in leather. She agreed and it turned out great. I rarely work with vinyl. It's completely different to work with than leather."
What is a fun fact about you or your business that most wouldn't know?
"I'm an Iowa farm girl. I was in 4-H and FHA growing up. I think this is where my upholstery really began. I'm glad my mother and grandmother taught me how to sew. I wish they were still here to see my business now."
What is your trademark, brand or unique skill or process that is distinct to your work?
"I love custom upholstery with a creative flair. Using leather and whimsical fabrics together is what I love most."
]]>In 1959, two of the brothers’ sons, Tino and Mike, assumed control of the business and transformed it into an upholstery and drapery enterprise. Over time, the store was sold, prompting a relocation to Huntington Beach. Since 1977, Pontrelli’s Interiors has been serving the Orange County area with top-notch custom upholstery services.
In 1989, Mike, the son of Tino, took over the business and has continued to maintain the same level of quality work that his grandfather initially established. Pontrelli’s Interiors has built a reputation for providing excellent craftsmanship and meeting the upholstery needs of customers in the Orange County and surrounding areas.
Q & A (Interview with Mike Pontrelli - Owner)
What inspired you to get started in the upholstery field?
"It was always a family business, and I grew up in the shop learning the trade. I really enjoyed the work and seeing the look in customer's eyes when I deliver furniture that was beat up and old, makes this all worth it. I love what I do."
Biggest challenge for your shop?
"Sourcing matching materials in custom antique restorations can be a real challenge. Our team will first check the frame and springs for any issues. Many of these projects require intricate techniques, like 8-way hand tie technique to the spring construction. We also work with a wood refinishing craftsman when needed. Antique restorations involve a great deal of expertise and patience but are well worth the effort!"
Do you have a favorite Sewing machine?
"We have two machines we utilize, a Consew 325 and a German made Pfaff. Sometimes we still break a needle when sewing especially thick leather welt."
What is a fun fact about your or your business that most wouldn't know?
"I enjoy the opportunity to trade my services with other local businesses and craftsman, fostering a sense of community and support within our professional network."
]]>What are the most common questions you get from customers?
"We often get asked do we sell fabric and leather (we sell both), pricing (depends on the piece, damage, and material used), is it ok to drop off pieces (yes, we have a storefront and a showroom), and does buying a new piece last longer (older pieces offer better quality and last so much longer than new)."
Biggest challenge for your shop?
"Currently, it's keeping costs down. Sourcing the best products and materials for a reasonable cost is a big challenge these days. We also find it challenging to find qualified employees. We want to maintain our high standards. Our current team has over 200 years of experience."
Can you tell me about a challenging or nightmare customer?
"My dad, Charlie, had just started in the business and was getting through the Christmas rush. A lady came into the shop three days before Christmas and franticly needed a job done by Christmas Eve. Charlie sacrificed time with his family to have the customer's piece done on time! Charlie called the customer repeatedly but she never showed up. So he ended up keeping the piece and still has it to this day."
What would you say is one of the most important contributions to your success in this industry?
"Honesty, treating each project as your own - all customers leave happy and help maintain our legacy."
]]>What's the most common question you get from customers?
"I often get asked Is my piece worth getting reupholstered or can I buy a new one for less? The answer is simple. If the piece is well made and older, you cannot find that quality today for a low cost. If the existing piece is not high quality then it is not worth redoing. A well-made sofa from 30 years ago will cost half to reupholster versus buying the same quality brand new."
Biggest challenge for your shop?
"Employees. We are at 17 people now and I would love to take on more. Finding skilled, upholstery craftspeople with experience is very difficult."
Can you tell me about one of the most challenging projects you've completed?
"One time we had to build a rounded sectional for a prayer pit in a customer's home. It ended up being 8 curved loveseats all done in white leather."
What would you say is one of your most important contributions to this industry?
"Hands down it is saving the furniture from going in the trash. People in this trade put their heart and soul into creating the furniture from years ago and we honor it by saving it."
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