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Female ad exec becomes successful furniture maker

By Amy Collins-Walker •

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Like many women, it was motherhood that proved a turning point for Sydney furniture maker Katie Stafford. After a long career in advertising, where she made TV and radio commercials, it was the birth of her son that gave her pause. “Motherhood certainly puts life into perspective, and I stopped respecting what I was putting out into the world to be honest. I’ve always liked making things, but I wanted more than just a crafty side hustle,” says Katie who subsequently began exploring other options.

Katie Stafford
Katie Stafford in her Sydney workshop

After her husband suggested furniture making as a possible career path, Katie investigated studying and eventually settled on a three-year TAFE course that required a one day per week commitment. She was still working three days a week in advertising and looking after her son one day a week, so it was quite the juggle.

“I hadn’t ever picked up power tools, so it was daunting. Plus, at TAFE, it was a sea of 17-year-old boys and me wondering what on earth I was doing there. But I kept turning up and slowly it started to make sense, and slowly I started to love it.”

After finishing the course, she went on to work for the furniture company Mr & Mrs White and it was at this time that she decided to quit advertising all together. “Working for Mr & Mrs White was a really good training ground, but it was a lot of pressure too as their furniture isn’t cheap,” says Katie who lasted eight months before a company restructure encouraged her to go out on her own. After securing a workshop space in Brookvale, on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Katie launched Girl & Grain and has been working on furniture commissions ever since.

A recent commission
A recent furniture commission

Creating only solid timber furniture, mostly in American Oak and American Walnut, Katie’s customers are drawn to her minimalist aesthetic. “I like very soft curves and I like the materials to speak for themselves. I guess I aim for beauty and simplicity but simple doesn’t mean easy – my designs are thoughtful and considered.”

Girl & Grain
A beautiful stool crafted by Katie

An organic extension of the business, Katie recently launched workshops and “make and mingle” classes for women. “Furniture making is very male dominated and I don’t know any other women that do what I do so it’s nice to throw the doors open and welcome women into the space,” says Katie, who has found the experience to be very fulfilling in both a personal and business sense.

Workshop
One of Girl & Grain’s popular workshops

“With COVID, everyone is hungry for connection. Women think they’re coming to a woodworking class, but they leave with a connection to themselves and one other. I thought I was just offering woodworking classes too but I’m getting so much out of it.”

A recent workshop

For more on Girl & Grain

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September 21, 2022

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Amy Collins-Walker

About Amy Collins-Walker

Amy is our regular feature writer, an experienced journalist and interior stylist living in Perth, Western Australia. Find out more about her styling work at http://www.amycollinswalker.com/

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