A Story Rooted in Creativity, Craft, and Legacy
Billy’s Girl is more than an upholstery studio — it’s a tribute to the person who inspired me to follow my dreams. Named after my dad, William (“Billy”), the business carries forward his creativity, resourcefulness, and belief that you can make something beautiful out of very little. Although he’s no longer here, his influence is stitched into every piece I create.
A Creative Path Shaped by Curiosity
Growing up, I learned to be inventive with what we had. That early spark led me to the London College of Fashion, where I studied pattern cutting and design and began creating my own clothing. I’ve always loved understanding how things work — the structure beneath the surface — which later inspired me to pursue a degree in computer science.
This blend of creativity and problem‑solving shaped the way I see the world: every object has potential, every challenge has a solution, and every detail matters.
From Corporate Life to Craftsmanship
After many years in the corporate world, redundancy gave me the rare chance to pause and rethink my path. I chose to return to what had always felt natural: making, designing, and transforming.
I retrained at the Oxford School of Upholstery, completing the Association Master Upholstery and Soft Furnishings course. It was there that I rediscovered the joy of working with my hands — the satisfaction of restoring a piece, the precision of tailoring fabric, and the artistry of giving furniture a new story.
What Billy’s Girl Stands For
Billy’s Girl brings together every chapter of my journey:
Craftsmanship grounded in traditional techniques
Design thinking shaped by fashion training
Technical problem‑solving from my computer science background
A deep respect for materials, history, and sustainability
Whether I’m restoring a beloved heirloom, creating bespoke soft furnishings, or designing digital resources for fellow upholsterers, my goal is always the same: to honour the past, elevate the present, and create something that lasts.
A Studio Built on Heart and Skill
Every project is approached with care, curiosity, and a commitment to quality. I believe furniture holds memories — and with the right craftsmanship, it can hold many more.
Welcome to Billy’s Girl. I’m so glad you’re here.