To mark its 60th anniversary, The Furniture Makers’ Company looked to the future by highlighting 60 of the industry’s most promising young professionals (aged under 35) through its ‘60 for 60’ campaign. To discover how they view the trade, Furniture News is inviting these rising stars to share their stories – here, our quickfire questions go to Chelsea Appleford, head of product at TCM Living …
In one sentence, describe what you do …
A multi-faceted role encompassing leading the brands’ range building, product and fabric development, gap analysis (based on product analysis, lessons learnt, pricing architecture, good/better/best and trend), negotiation and supply chain for existing or potential retailers to result in growing a profitable portfolio of customers.
What makes you well suited to the role?
I have extensive buying and retail experience within upholstery in the UK market, both in volume and premium/luxury retailers. I have sourced and developed ranges that have had multi-million-pound turnover, which I’ve developed closely with factories worldwide from the UK to Europe and Asia.
My experience and passion for upholstery has inherently given me a strong commercial eye, as well as how to develop product according to price points and margin targets, strategy and the brief, whilst, importantly, not compromising on quality. With my buying experience, I can understand what the retailer wants, and can use my skill to support their growth. Having that product development experience allows a lot more flexibility with producing something a little different, and that can carry exclusivity.
How did you come to work in the furniture industry?
I studied writing fashion and culture at university, and one of my modules included buying, forecasting and trend analysis, which really inspired me to want to work within buying.
When I left university, I frantically applied for any role, targeting fashion head offices just as a way in, to see if I could somehow move across to get buying experience. I then successfully got into Monsoon Accessorize head office and was able to gain some buying experience in childrenswear. I have to say, they are one of the best-structured companies that I’ve worked for, being fast paced and on the ball, and really set the foundation of what good looks like for me.
An opportunity then came up at Harveys Furniture in upholstery, which I was successful in, and knew I could apply my experience gained throughout my university degree and experience in a fast-paced premium fashion head office, to the furniture world.
How has your career progressed since you started?
Within 10 years of being in furniture, I’ve progressed to my role as head of product. With all of my positions, I’ve thrown my absolute all into every promotion that I’ve had. I’ve always been really hungry to succeed. I do like to deliver more than what’s expected through everything I do, and I believe that my experience, skill and commitment has got me to where I am today.
Where do you want to be in five years’ time?
Naturally, I’d like to have climbed the ladder a role or two (or three)! I absolutely love interiors and sofas, so an opportunity to also have something for myself would be amazing!
What’s been the biggest surprise in how the industry operates?
Not so much operationally, but the industry is incredibly small, everyone knows of everyone!
What does being named one of the ‘60 for 60’ mean to you?
It’s a real honour to feel part of shaping the furniture industry for the future. It’s a real achievement, knowing that my work is recognised.
What would you say to encourage others to join the industry?
You can be inspired every day! Particularly within the creative field of furniture, and seeing that piece that you’ve worked on appear on a shop floor or a website, or featured in a magazine, and the turnover that’s generate from it. There’s so many elements in this industry that are exciting, and the opportunities you could be presented with are worth every bit of hard work.
Find out more about the ‘60 for 60’ stars here.
