Conversation with Fola Agbalaya - Vintage Furniture Upholsterer

On the Irregular with Java Bere

In this episode I talk to Fola Agbalaya, a vintage furniture upholsterer, with a passion for mid-century designs. Working from her South Manchester workshop, Fola sources furniture from all over Europe and breathes a new life back into each unique piece.

Originally from London, Fola talked to me about her dramatic career pivot in her late forties after a succesful career of working in HR. We talk about the creative pull and allowing ourselves to embrace it, the huge shift of leaving a stable career for a creative path and what it’s like when your initial plan fails.

If you’re considering making a change or trying out something new, Fola’s positivity and determination might just be the boost you need to hear, to take that chance. I came away from this chat feeling inspired and excited and I hope you do too.

Welcome to episode one of Season two, with upholsterer and pep talk extraordinaire, Fola Agbalaya.
You can find Fola’s beautiful upholstery work online at squaretwofurniture.co.uk and on instagram @square_2furniture

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