In Conversation with Micaela Sharp
Powerful women leading in their industries is what Evamoso is all about. We love to have our imaginations sparked by other women and learn about their experiences. Which is why we wanted to start talking to some women who inspire us and hear about their journeys.
Our first in this new series In Conversation With is the wonderful Micaela Sharp.
Recently, we caught up with the semi finalist on Interior Design Masters, to talk all things entrepreneurship, sustainability and interior design. Not only is Micaela an absolute whizz at interior design and founder of Micaela Sharp Design she is also a co-founder of Studio Janettie and Womxn in Business South East. With core values of sustainability, creativity, feminism and curiosity Micaela views on the world were ones that we loved at Evamoso.
Firstly, congratulations on getting so far on Interior Design Masters- you made it to the semi final! We'd love to know how you found the experience? Oh and how is Alan Carr in real life??
Alan is such a laugh! He is exactly as you'd expect him to be: warm, funny and genuine. We didn't know he would be the host when we started, we were all expecting lovely Fearne Cotton (from series one) to walk in so we had quite a shock. But what a great shock! The show was a lot tougher than I had expected mainly due to the timeframes as trying to source in a pandemic was really challenging. Something I hadn't expected was getting on so well with the other designers. They were such a great bunch and some real friendships were forged which has been amazing!
As a founder of your own upholstery business, what does sustainability really mean to you?
Sustainability cuts to the very heart of upholstery. Our trade is all about keeping hold of quality made frames and reimagining them throughout the decades to modernise them. Running Micaela Sharp Design has meant I often get to hear heartwarming stories about how a pieces has been passed down through the generations and it’s great to play a role in reupholstering something for generations to come! I'm all about saving items from landfill and choosing items consciously and this ethos plays a role in my interior design projects as well as upholstery.
As a female business owner; is there any advice you could give to an aspiring woman wanting to follow her passion and go out on her own?
Imposter Syndrome is a real issue when you're starting your own business. Friends and family will lavish you with compliments and you'll want to play them down. Other people in your industry will want to chat to you and you may not feel like you're deserving or knowledgeable enough. But I think a great entrepreneur recognises that you should always be learning. So whether you're in year one or year ten there is always more to learn and improvements and efficiencies to be made. Don't be afraid to say you're still figuring it out because that curiosity is powerful!
Recent book/podcast that you'd like to share with our readers?
I really enjoyed the Multi-hyphen method by Emma Gannon. It's about following your passions and not conforming to one full-time job. I could really relate to that as a creative person because I always have ideas for new projects and new businesses. Micaela Sharp Design started as an upholstery service but now offers interior design. I am about to launch a furniture collaboration with Charlotte Beevor from the show called Studio Janettie (named after our grandmothers). I have a column in Reclaim Magazine spotlighting independent homeware brands. As well as some TV shows in the pipeline and other fun projects ongoing. So I can really relate to Emma's multi-hyphen approach to work!
We love a nosey into a morning routine; how do you like to start your day?
I am all about breakfast! I really take the time at the start of each day to fuel my body and sit and enjoy it. This moment allows me to plan out my day (which rarely goes as expected). It's also important because I often miss lunch if I'm on the go between site visits or have found my stride with an upholstery project so breakfast is vital! Finally, what's next for Micaela? Are there any exciting projects coming up that you can fill us in on? I have just been signed for a TV show which will film this summer! I'm not allowed to say much about it yet but watch this space! I hope to grace your screens a lot more in the future to present shows about upholstery, interiors and craftsmanship!
Finally, what's next for Micaela? Are there any exciting projects coming up that you can fill us in on?
I have just been signed for a TV show which will film this summer! I'm not allowed to say much about it yet but watch this space! I hope to grace your screens a lot more in the future to present shows about upholstery, interiors and craftsmanship!