Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtnei McWilliams.
Hi Courtnei, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m one of those people that has an exact idea in their heads of how things should look. Yet, those things don’t exist! So, as the daughter of two creatives, I just started making the things I had dreamed up. You teach yourself to sew because you find fabric that would look great as curtains, then you persuade your dad to give you a lesson in wielding an air compressor and a staple gun, and next thing you know- you’re the girl everyone calls to recover their dining room chairs and ottomans.
I have worked in local government for the last few years, but I have a unique ability to land jobs that are being dropped due to budget cuts at the end of that fiscal year. So, this year when my last position ended, I decided to go full force with Pierce & Allen Design House.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This is a fairly new endeavor, but we’re fortunate to live in an area and time with a plethora of resources. You just have to do a bit of digging. Between YouTube university, Durham Tech Upholstery class, and Wake Tech Business Center – I’m off to a good start.
I do highly recommend starting off with a knowledgeable team behind you. I hired a lawyer and accountant before I did anything else. One of the hardest parts of being a business owner, novice or established, is keeping track of all the bits and bobs. Hire someone who knows more than you. That’s always my advice.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I love my work because it truly feels like my imagination come to life. My core focus for Pierce & Allen, is making old things new again. We’re dedicated to upcycling textiles in whatever way we can. Whether that’s sourcing material from Scrap Thrift for a full upholstery job, repurposing a client’s beloved blanket into a throw pillow, or turning your favorite set of sheets into a lampshade- we see your creative vision.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
My dad has been a carpenter and handyman most of my life, but he’s actually very creative. We grew up with him painting murals in our bedrooms and play areas. He’s a true craftsman and I am really inspired by his attention to detail.
Pricing:
- Custom ottoman (2ft) starts at $450
- Custom headboard (queen) starts at $1200
- Custom drapery (4 panels) starts at $1200
Contact Info:
- Instagram: pierceandallendesign
