I’m the owner of Cottage Style and I’m also an ordained interfaith minister.
What do you do there and/or what are you responsible for?
I refinish and reupholster furniture. I buy and sell unique home decor. I do the bookkeeping, cleaning, and everything else that needs to be done.
How long have you been doing this kind of work (total)? How long on the Westside?
I’ve been refinishing furniture since I was 12. I grew up on a farm and I would help my mom when she’d buy used furniture. At that time no one wanted antiques. So, she’d buy them at farm auctions at great prices, bring them home and we’d refinish them. I’ve had my shop for almost a year here on the Westside.
What do you like best about it (other than quitting time)?
Being able to work with wood everyday. I enjoy creating one-of-a-kind pieces with new fabric or by redesigning furniture. I also enjoy meeting new people; that’s why I don’t do on-line. I like having a storefront.
If you could change one thing (other than pay), what would it be?
More space... hopefully that will happen in the next month.
What part of your work did your training/education never prepare you for?
How getting older changes how much you can do, especially physically.
What makes working on the Westside special?
The people are wonderful and so are the houses. Some are trying to decorate these older homes. It’s real fun talking to them , helping them find what they want and teaching them about the furniture/antiques they have or directing them on how to find the answers.
“What do you do?” is a regular feature in the Westside Pioneer. If you know someone who has an interesting job on the Westside (but doesn’t live here), he/she might be a candidate for this column! If you know someone who might qualify, give us a call at 471-6776.
