Spring to Success

1:1 support with Sharon O’Connor for upholsterers at all stages of their career.

Don’t feel alone in your upholstery career.

You’ve done your training and you’ve got great technical skills but the business side feels a bit of a mystery. You’ve learned everything you need to be an upholsterer, but you’re not sure how to make a success of your upholstery business.

I hear you. In fact, I’ve been you…

When I was setting up my upholstery business I felt totally alone and didn’t know where to go for advice. The world of upholstery seemed like a secret club that I wasn’t invited to join.

Ever since I made it my mission to be open, honest and as helpful as I can about what it takes to be a successful upholsterer.

These bespoke 1:1 sessions are designed to answer all of your questions and provide proven tips and tools to help you thrive. They’re the perfect space to fine tune your business, develop your skills and boost your confidence.

small dog sitting on a partially stripped chair in need of upholsteryA Napoleon statement chair on monochrome black white fabric

About your mentor, Sharon

I’m often asked if I’ve always been an upholsterer. I actually didn’t get started until I was on the verge of turning 40.

I’d been made redundant from my career in fashion, which I’d worked in for 18 years, when the recession hit in 2008.

I bought a wrecked sofa from eBay and had it revamped by an upholsterer, it was then that I fell in love with upholstery. There was something about the process; sourcing beautiful fabrics, restoring and re-loving, that lit a spark in me and resulted in so much more than I could have ever imagined.

Today, I’m dedicated to restoring, reupholstering, reviving and redesigning hundreds of pre-loved items of furniture from my studio in Sunbury-on-Thames. I love sharing my knowledge and experience of how to grow and run a successful upholstery business.

My mission is to see businesses flourish and help you to love upholstery as a career, as well as providing a lucrative income for the rest of your working life.

Ask me anything…

These sessions are personal and totally tailored to you. We will cover the particular areas of your business that are causing concern or needing attention. For example…

  • How to set your prices

  • Identifying your niche and ideal customers

  • Getting ‘unstuck’ with a particular problem

  • Social media and marketing – where to start

  • Invoicing and account records

  • Setting up admin best practices

  • Flawless customer journey

We’ll work 1:1 for up to 2 hours leaving you feeling re-energised and motivated.

Hear from others who have had 1:1 support

“I just wanted to say thanks so much. I feel like you’ve helped me unpick a hundred knots in my head! Your 1:1 is so well thought out and SO helpful. I now have a clear vision as to what I need to do and have put a business plan in place. I 100% recommend a 1:1 with Sharon to anyone in the industry.”

Alexia

“I did Sharon’s Spring to Success 1:1 for upholsterers recently and finished the call with renewed excitement about my business. She focused on great marketing strategies which were tailored to my business and helped me with planning for the future. I highly recommend her 1:1 session if you’re feeling a bit stuck at the moment. Her energy and enthusiasm are infectious.”

Hazel

“Sharon is like an upholstery therapist. She’s been advising me on how to grow my upholstery practice. Sharon is incredibly knowledgeable, approachable and wise! Do not hesitate to book time with her for her sage advice when you feel stuck, or are just not sure what steps to take to move forward. She really offers herself, listens and follows up. Sharon is a gem!”

Barbara Paleka Lucas

How it works

  • We start with a detailed questionnaire so I can understand your business in depth before our session together

  • We’ll then arrange our 1:1 session via Zoom or FaceTime

  • On the call, we talk through everything on the questionnaire, all your concerns, questions… I’m an open book

  • You’ll receive my honest feedback based on my knowledge and experiences

  • My suggestions will give you an action plan for you to implement in your business

  • I’ll make sure you go away inspired, motivated and ready to ‘spring to success’

  • After the session, you will have access to me via WhatsApp to answer any remaining burning questions on the topics we discussed

“I found Sharon during lockdown, and it was like the clouds parting and the sun shining through. Being an upholsterer meant I mostly worked alone and was feeling a bit adrift. Then I found Vintique!

It came fully fitted with a community of other upholsterers and lots of really cool and inspiring furniture and upholstery. I love what I do but had not been serious about it or knew if I even could.

I booked a Spring to Success call with Sharon, and it was fantastic. Even to talk about the nuances of the industry with someone who had come through was so encouraging. I felt that by booking the session, I was investing in myself and my business.

I am a busy jobbing, thriving crafts person (I can say that now because I’m more confident about my skills and the future). Booking the Spring to Success call helped me see that.

Sharon sent me a questionnaire prior to our session, and that alone helped me define, edit and really think about what I do and where I want to take it.

It helped so much with goal setting. I’m on a slow trajectory, but that’s how I want it. Since our session, I have contacted Sharon to ask her advice and thoughts about my ideas, and she has always responded and been more than generous with her experience, opinion and business knowledge. Any time we have spoken, I 100% come away full of confidence and validation. I couldn’t recommend Sharon more. Best money I ever spent on myself!”

Tina

Are you ready to make a success of your upholstery business?