At the core of Family Founded lies my deep love for vintage furniture and crafting, nurtured by my childhood spent with family. I grew up exploring markets and studying art, fostering a love for diverse cultures and artistic expressions. Weekends were spent drawing, sewing with my grandmother, building with my dad, and molding clay with my Nan, discovering the beauty and stories in handcrafted pieces.

My experiences in fashion and artistry intricately weave a unique thread into Family Founded. They fuel my passion for creativity, attention to detail, and commitment to preserving timeless craft and skill. When my husband, Rob, and I bought our Californian bungalow in 1986, we never dreamt it would become the heart and inspiration behind Family Founded. As our family grew, so did our home, evolving through demolitions and extensions while preserving cherished aesthetics and furniture.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, facing redundancy sparked a new chapter. I rediscovered my passion for vintage, antiques, and styling, collaborating with my daughter Kate to bring Family Founded to life. Driven by our values, we prioritize recycling, reusing, and restoring old pieces, giving them new life. Through Family Founded, we invite others to embrace the handcrafted, timeless beauty of antique and vintage, and the enduring warmth of home.

When Sharon first shared her ideas for Family Founded, I sensed its potential for something special. Working together had always been our dream, especially if it involved our family. My dad's renovations during my childhood sparked my love for transforming spaces, instilling in me a DIY ethos and appreciation for preservation.

In 1982, I met Sharon, who shared my enthusiasm for building and expanding. Together, we turned our cottage into a cherished family home, embracing my self-taught carpentry skills. Sharon's talent for restoring vintage furniture added a unique touch, aligning with our preference for repurposing. My diverse professional background provided fresh perspectives on our home projects.

Weekends were spent with Sharon and our children, nurturing our garden, working in the shed, and renovating – simply doing what we loved. Family Founded wasn't a deliberate goal; it evolved organically as we fulfilled our shared dream of involving our family. Witnessing its growth and global appreciation has been truly heartwarming.

Our dream for Family Founded has always been for each of our four children, as well as ourselves. Surprisingly, our business has become the force that brings us all closer. Far from worrying about seeing less of our children, we're blessed with more time together, including our grandchildren.

Kate is here most often, accompanied by her husband Nick and their daughters Rosie and Eloise. Kate has played a crucial role, bringing organizational skills and insightful ideas to Family Founded. Brittany, is married to Chase and they have a beautiful baby Olivia. Brit has a quiet yet significant presence at our workshops, ensuring smooth operations. Tom and Ash, with their groodle Delilah, visit often, and Charlotte and Chris are always ready to help in the shop. Our granddaughters, Rosie and Eloise, always join us. Rosie helps during workshops, while they play in our store, filling it with happiness.

Their support, encouragement, and love for what we do is what drives us every day. And together, as a family, we continue our journey finding joy in the shared experiences that come with building our dream.