Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Looker.
Hi Melissa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Married and living in London, my husband and I decided to move to Dallas (my hometown) to raise our children. Not having a job but interested in upholstery, I asked my sister-in-law, who is an interior designer, what Dallas needed. It just so happened that her slipcoverer was looking for an apprentice. I had no idea what a slipcover was, but I jumped at the opportunity, and the rest is history. Not only was my mentor extremely talented but was also an amazing businesswoman, I am just so thankful to have learned under her.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The greatest challenge was probably getting over the hurdle of stepping into the unknown and being on my own wearing all the different hats. By the time I started my website, I was very confident in my skills as a seamstress but had to strengthen my knowledge of marketing and bookkeeping. Thankfully growth has been gradual, so it’s been a gentle learning curve!
As you know, we’re big fans of The Slipcover Exchange. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
I specialize in making custom slipcovers. The process is quite unique because it’s sort of like tailoring an outfit for a piece of furniture. The end result looks reupholstered except you can remove and wash the covers. I use a pin-fitting method which allows me to get the pattern in the client’s home and avoid the inconvenience of moving furniture. Once I get the pattern, I take it home, assemble, and then deliver. Along with slipcovering, I make bench cushions, outdoor cushions, pillows, and cushion reconstruction.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Being born and raised here, I was just dying to get out and experience a big city like New York. Dallas really was lacking. I could have never imagined back then the growth that would take place over the next 20 or so years. Of course, it’s no New York City, but it’s the right balance of city life and country life. To me, though, people make the biggest difference on how one feels about where they live, and we have just the best people here, so hospitable and kind. It really is a joy and privilege to serve the community. The downside to massive growth is traffic… I still remember the days when there was none!
Pricing:
- Sofa Slipcovers range $625_$775
- Club Chair Slipcovers range $450-$525
Contact Info:
- Website: TheSlipcoverExchange.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/theslipcoverexchange/
