I grew up around making - the sewing machine on my mum’s kitchen table, the woodwork passed down through my dad and grandfather, and the quiet satisfaction of turning raw materials into something useful. After years as a primary school teacher, becoming a parent made me rethink what I wanted from my working life. I realised I needed a craft that felt tactile, mindful, and rooted in hands‑on skill.

That path led me to upholstery, where the feel of the tools, the focus of the work, and the steady transformation of each piece felt instantly right. I retrained, completed my diploma with distinction across all three years, and found a way of working that brings together traditional techniques and thoughtful design.

Sustainability sits at the heart of R.E.A.L Upholstery - whether I’m restoring a well‑loved chair or creating a new piece built to last. R.E.A.L. comes from my boys’ initials - a nod to the family who shaped this journey. Every project is approached with care, craftsmanship, and a commitment to materials and methods that respect both the object and the environment.