Jose Villamar of Winchester Upholstery (Decherd, TN)

What does being an upholsterer mean to you?
Being an upholster to me is not just about the fabric and tools, it’s about creativity, attention to detail, and creating something by hand that people can enjoy every day.

How did you get started in upholstery?
I began working at an upholstery shop as an assistant.

What types of upholstery do you do?
Cars, boats, and furniture.

How long have you been upholstering?
For about 10 years.

What is your biggest consumer demand?
My biggest demand would be boat upholstery.

What is your favorite upholstery project you've done?
My favorite project is a boat I did in tan and black colors with diamond stitching.

What is the strangest item you've found in a restoration?
I think the strangest thing I’ve found were some bullets

Have you noticed any up & coming trends?
No

What changes would benefit the upholstery industry?
More upholstery learning courses.

Have you ever been featured on television, online, or in another publication?
No, I have not.

Some answers have been edited for clarity.