We are an Anglesey-based business which refurbishes and sells furniture and Vintage items online in addition to our stock and products. Every item that comes through our door receives the highest level of attention and care in order to refurbish it to the highest standard in preparation for the next chapter in its’ history with our customers. Further information about us can be found here: www.robertsandastley.com

We started the business whilst furnishing our own home; we couldn’t find what we were looking for online so we saw a gap in the market for selling old furniture online with all the work of re-finishing, re-upholstering and distribution already completed.

I’ve always had an interest in antiques and I have a special interest in mid 20th Century designs. I was very fortunate to have a mother who also took a keen interest in antiques so I spent weekends attending auctions and fayres seeking treasures. I also enjoy working with my hands so I decided to study fine art at University (specialising in sculpture); the skills that I have learned make this ideal for refinishing and re-upholstering furniture for the company.

The main problem I’ve encountered in the workplace so far was understanding (and accepting!) that I couldn’t do it all! When the call for work and products increased that’s when I realised that I couldn’t do it all and that it was perfectly fine for me to ask for help and outsource some of the work.

Now we work with a number of individuals and businesses so that our team of workers share skills and abilities.

I love the freedom I have to work on something different every day. It calls for flexibility and forging a good relationship with customers and the people who work with you – but the end product is testament to your hard work and is something we’re proud of.

There’s no denying the fact that social media is a fantastic resource for making contacts and learning about new things, but to me the face to face contact is just as important in business – remember that!