Meet Jenny Ellis

We recently connected with Jenny Ellis and have shared our conversation below.

Jenny, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I have always been a creative soul. I loved making things out of discarded items, or repurposing fabrics or furniture. I found that learning how to do something the right way, can springboard my creativity into doing something better. I have done many creative business ventures in my lifetime.. Those businesses always revolved around, fabrics, sewing and custom designing, and my own creations.

My background and degree is in couture fashion, which I did right out of college. Then it morphed into home decor and window treatments, after I purchased my first home. From there I became enamored with the furniture world and envisioned how I could do creative furniture like I did in the fashion industry.. Upholstery is somewhat like fitting dresses to a model, except they always fit and never complain!

When I presented my creations to a local furniture shop for the first time, the response I got from the shop owner and her customers was overwhelming. I knew then this would be my purpose, to create whimsical yet practical home furnishings that really give people joy and make a room sing!, The Artful Chair was born

My Artful Chairs not only enhance the visual appeal of a room, but they also add comfort and functionality, ensuring that each chair is crafted to meet the ultimate standards in the upholstery industry.

In a world where mass-produced furniture dominates, my Artful Chairs offer a refreshing alternative, allowing a one-of-a-kind environment that embraces individuality, and makes a lasting impression on all who enter.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you? Tell us about your brand and how it came to be?
I live in Asheville NC with my husband, Together we have a blended family of 5 grown children and 6 grandchildren! Being grandma is the most heartwarming and rewarding time of life to me. But even at my age, I still have a working studio and show my finished chairs in the vibrant River Arts District, right downtown. If I’m not gardening or walking my big Great Pyrenees mix Duke, I’m out looking for my next chair frame at thrift stores and flea markets.

Here is my brand in a nutshell: I transform forgotten chairs into magnificent works of art.
In turn then, The Artful Chair turns ordinary spaces into delightful sitting places. When you add just one artistic chair to a room, and you immediately elevate your space, and you. stand out with something no one else has. Art that doubles as seating, or chairs that double as art!

I started my business journey in 2013, and since then my chairs have graced many retail store fronts, have been used as fund raisers, have been in magazines, and I’m now in my largest venue to date,The Biltmore Estate, who sells them in several gift shops in Asheville, North Carolina. I create chairs, and sell them sometimes as fast as they are put out on social media. The reactions I get when people step into my retail studio are always smiles.

My custom designed chairs play a pivotal role in creating unique and personalized spaces. I infuse their personality and style in furniture, transforming it into a statement piece that reflects their individual taste. Whether it’s bold and vibrant patterns, luxurious textures, or unconventional color combinations, my chairs offer endless possibilities for self-expression. By working closely with my clients and choosing from a wide range of fabrics, trims, and details, we can curate a space that truly represents your own distinct aesthetic. My Artful Chairs not only enhance the visual appeal of a room, but they also add comfort and functionality, ensuring that each chair is crafted to meet the ultimate standards in the upholstery industry.

In a world where mass-produced furniture dominates, my Artful Chairs offer a refreshing alternative, allowing a one-of-a-kind environment that embraces individuality, and makes a lasting impression on all who enter.
https://www.TheArtfulChair.com

I’m taking it to the next level, and launching exciting online classes and sharing some of my best kept secrets, and most popular designs and designer applications. Check out my Artful Chair Classes that you can take in the comfort of your home, and learn at your own pace! https://www.TheArtfulChairClasses.com

My Etsy Shop was launched in 2023 and now I have my own Artful Chair designs available for purchase online 24/7
https://www.TheArtfulChair.Etsy.com

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

My most important skill will be arming myself with the knowledge of upholstery education. For 2 years I learned from a master in upholstery, and I have learned that good upholstery is not necessarily great upholstery. Once I “learned the rules like a pro, I could break them like an artist.” ~Pablo Picasso~ Knowing what the industry high standards are, gives way to achieving an excellent end product no matter what.

My most important quality would be creativity. I allow myself the experiences of seeing, and visiting unique places that will feed my creative spirit at least 4 times a year. Allowing myself to see and feel new ideas, such as attending High Point Furniture market twice a year, or finding a new outlets for thrifted furniture or fabrics, These experience give me a broader sense of trends and ideas and open pathways for new ideas. Coming up with new chair designs is like putting together an outfit for a special occasion. Sometimes it takes time to bring all the elements together.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I would love to be a guest “Artisan Designer” for a larger existing furniture company that would appreciate having something totally different in their lineup. (like Anthroplogie, Designmaster, or even a bridal company with my Ever After chair).

I recently noticed this is a thing in furniture lines now. I have dreamed about starting my own unique line of furniture, but still keeping it “artisan”, or hand made, not mass produced. There are so many ideas I have yet to produce… I am a small fish but my creative ideas are large!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.TheArtfulChair.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartfulchair
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theartfulchair
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/theartfulchair

Image Credits

Duncan Chabody Photography ( some images) the rest are my images