486 - Opportunity Thinking Series with the New Owners of Upholstery Education

Mandy Szigethy discovered upholstery while completing her Theater Technology degree at Indiana University and decided to forsake the stage in favor of the workshop.  She has had the unique opportunity to work in both furniture manufacturing at Beachley Furniture and now custom upholstery as the owner of Rose City Upholstery in Portland.  She has received training in both modern materials and traditional methods through Upholstery Education and is now able to apply time tested techniques to all of her projects.  Her love of learning lead to her to co-ownership of Upholstery Education in 2025 where she hopes to foster the same enthusiasm in others.   Her passion for revitalizing and repurposing home furnishings has led to an in depth--if unintentional--study of older and newer furniture, and the potential of any antique store or curbside find.

 

Marta Powers is the owner of MartaPOW LLC, a custom workroom in Richmond, Virginia, offering upholstery and soft goods services nationally To The Trade.  Her past career as a project manager for architecture and design firms has informed her business processes and broadened her network of professionals across the hospitality and interior design sectors.  Marta's early training in tailoring, pattern drafting, clothing design, and fabrication skills led to her creation of a business serving designers, helping them to achieve their and their clients' vision.  

 

A co-owner of Upholstery Education LLC, Marta and her partners bring educators from the UK and France to the U.S., offering courses in traditional upholstery methods, materials, and related interior furnishing trades.  

 

Marta has served on the boards of the National Upholstery Association and the Virginia chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (as an Industry Partner).  She is also a member of IFDA Richmond, the SeatWeavers Guild, and the NUA's Education Committee.

Justin Dazey is the owner of Foxglove Artisan and Castillo's
Custom Upholstery on Queen Anne Hill in Seattle, Washington. Justin has a BA in
Interior Design and over 30 years of experience in the antiques, interiors, and
furniture world. In 2014, Justin took up sweeping floors in the shop of a
third-generation Upholstery family. He brought his design skills and furniture
history knowledge to the role of Studio Manager, eventually becoming their lead
upholsterer. In 2024, Justin took up the mantle as his mentor retired, becoming
the owner, designer, and upholsterer of the Seattle Studio. Most recently,
Justin partnered with Marta Powers and Mandy Szigethy to acquire Upholstery
Education, offering the very best in traditional upholstery training available
in the United States.

Justin is a collector at heart. He collects history, chairs,
and curiosities. He firmly believes every piece has a story to tell and loves
bringing old items back to life through patient and accurate restoration.
Sharing his insights and seeking education to honor the traditions of craft and
furniture is one of his true passions. 

 

 

Links and Resources;

Upholstery Edcuation