Today we’d like to introduce you to Mandi Hall.
Hi Mandi , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey started with a passion for fine art, which I studied and explored both traditional and experimental practices in college. While in school, I took an internship in upholstery, a hands-on craft that immediately captured my attention for detail. What started as a side interest quickly grew into something much more meaningful. It also led me to discover that I have a long lineage of family in woodworking and upholstery.
After two years of working in upholstery, I graduated and moved to Philadelphia to further my education and become apart of the art world in a big city. I joined a printshop co-op, interned at some local galleries, became a member of a Philadelphia art club and try to always collaborated with other creatives. I still found myself drawn back to upholstery, the physicality of the work, the satisfaction of restoration, and the way you can create something new from strong antique bones.
I decided to continue on my upholstery journey in Philadelphia and found a part-time position with a small company just getting started. That experience inspired me to take the leap and start something of my own.
It was the push I needed to further explore this craft and give myself a chance as an upholsterer.
Now that I had a new spark of inspiration to take a risk on myself, I decide to move closer to home in the Lancaster/York area. I’ve started my own upholstery design business, a company deeply rooted in traditional craftsmanship. Whether I’m restoring a family heirloom or reimagining a piece with a bold, modern twist, my goal is always the same: to create something beautiful, lasting, and full of character.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
So once graduating from college with a degree in Fine Art, I took a huge risk and moved to a new city, hoping to start my career, where I knew no one and had to start fresh. But the reality of finding full time work paying a livable wage in the art field hit hard. Like many artist, I found myself working multiple jobs just to get by. I worked as a server, a seamstress, an upholsterer, an art teacher, and a frame maker. It was exhausting, and at times disheartening, but really humbled me and taught me some hard lessons I don’t think I would’ve learned otherwise. The journey itself could not have happened without the support of the people I love.
My time spent in Philadelphia was not easy, it really pushed my boundaries and forced me to hustle in a new way without much comfort. I worked the hardest I ever had and learned a lot of new skills and really started to understand how important time management was. There were so many opportunities and ways to find community in art and design. It taught me that failure is not a defining thing, the one and only thing it says, is you were strong enough to try.
That realization brought me back to upholstery, not just as a job, but as a calling. The way that upholstery had been deeply rooted in my family tree and a constant in my life no matter where I lived, felt significant. I wanted to take control of my path, create with purpose, and do work that felt personal and meaningful to me. Starting my own business wasn’t just a career decision, it was the result of everything I’d learned through the struggle.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I feel I specialize in story telling, starting with restoration and transformation of antique and vintage furniture, with a deep respect for the craftsmanship and history behind every piece. Every piece of furniture has a story to tell, whether it be your family tree, your treasure found on a hunt or how you need just one piece to make a room pop. My background in fine art allows me to approach upholstery not just as a trade, but as a form of design and storytelling.
I work closely with clients to breathe new life into their beloved furniture, by pairing traditional techniques with thoughtful, modern textile choices. I have a strong focus on textile design and material selection, ensuring each piece is both visually timeless and built to last.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
As someone still early in my journey, I know firsthand how uncertain and overwhelming the path can feel. I still experience this everyday. My best advice? Trust your gut, don’t be afraid to ask for help and take risk. Starting something of your own is never easy but investing in yourself is the greatest investment you’ll ever make.
There were moments when I doubted everything, and the hustle seemed endless. But with the support of my husband, and family the challenges brought me closer to the life I truly wanted and still working towards. Confidence isn’t something that magically appears, it’s something you have to work on and pretend you have until it starts to stick and feel like second nature to you.
So if you’re just starting out too: stay focused, stay true to your original idea, and keep taking risk, even when you’re scared. (Especially when you’re scared.) You’re more qualified than you think.
Pricing:
- Every piece of furniture is different. If you’d like a free estimate, please send photos with some information on the piece and we can work something out.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mandihall.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthismomentupholstery/
