A husband-and-wife team are preparing to launch a new business creating bespoke gifts and homeware from reclaimed wood.
Jo and Simon Curl handcraft everything from personalised wedding keepsakes to furniture and candle holders using timber salvaged from unwanted furniture.
Although their business Le Shabby Chic is yet to officially launch, the couple have begun selling their creations with orders reaching customers in Australia and France.
Simon, a cabinet maker by trade, has always had a passion for carpentry and established a successful woodworking business when he lived in Australia for 17 years.
Jo creates decorative plaster flowers, hand-pours candles and finishes the products with painting and packaging.
She said: “We’ve been dabbling for a while and making a few sales, but now we’re getting everything ready for a proper launch.
“Simon can see something in his head and bring it to life. He’s incredibly talented.”
The pair source reclaimed timber from old furniture found at charity shops and donations.
Jo said: “We use recycled wood because it has the character and grain we’re looking for.”
The couple met online by chance three years ago when settings on a dating app aligned to make them a match for a short time.
They now live in Clayton and have set up their business in a workshop at Silverdale Enterprise Centre.
Jo added: “Silverdale has given us affordable space to grow and access to support for start-up businesses.”
Robin Hall, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for economy and skills, said: “Jo and Simon are a great example of the ambition and entrepreneurship we want to encourage across Staffordshire, and I wish them every success in their new premises.”
