Twelve months slide by, with-out the slightest of dither.

Dwelling on retrospection to where that time has gone has not been high on my daily to-do list, and has probably only received this slither of attention, compliments of the lock-down 4.0.

This last revolution of the sun has been an intrepid journey of personal growth, of exhilaration and more ups & downs than a game of snakes & ladders on an elevator. Undoubtedly this year is one that I could not have even begun to predict one year ago. In contrast however, our map has been steadfast. Our vision has not waived, our values remained our guiding stars, and helped shepherd our decisions for the moment, for the day, for the one after & beyond.

I thought I’d take this moment to jot my top sharing moments over that time (in no particular order).

INSPIRING 58 Students

I hope that they all are, inspired that is. I can however with 100% guarantee, confirm that they have inspired me. Our mission to Save the world, one chair at a time is quite a task, one that we always knew we’d need help with. This is why I teach, this is why I share my passion, this is why Eclectic Boogaloo exists. I apologise for those who have missed out on booking, I promise that I’m working hard at providing more opportunities within the constraints of a growing business & a pesky pandemic. For those wanting to go on the early-access email list, do let me know.

SAVING 100’s of CHAIRS

Goodness knows I’ve lost count.

But I believe this mission is important. Not because of a fascination with chairs, or a throbbing over-importance of what I do, but because it’s simply a statement of my little bit. I even believe it’s important to understand it’s just a bit, a little bit, even a tiny of a fraction of a bit, but yet, it is my bit. If each and every person understands that, and commits to that, then the outcome is inevitable, for the better.

KINDLING a Community

This. is. my. everything.

Building, growing, making, all didn’t seem right to state. Kindling a community is something I know I have done. I think this word is important because it has the underlying connotation of commitment, dedication & focus on something that really is only just beginning. This is what is required tomorrow, the next day & beyond. Watch this space.

Being Mike WAzowski

I had to drop “The Block” experience as a high-light of the year. I can’t take kudos for making this happen, that goes to my sister-of-trade @kerrihollingsworth_artistry, but I can take kudos of being Mike Wazowksi (see picture). This crazy experience was showbiz after all, but it is part of getting out there, part of getting the message out in main-stream, and part of just having fun. I’m going to tick the all of the above box. My goal this year is being more like Sully.

Course Development

Eclectic Boogaloo courses are now in full swing. It is crazy for me at least, to look back on this journey. Our inaugural course was now 18 months ago, our first ever Chair & Cheese Upholstery course, a taster of food & a taster of upholstery. Indeed this was also a taster for me, a channel to share & inspire (see point 1). Since day one we have been listening, thinking & creating our next generation of courses. We introduced the Chair Amnesty course shortly after to give our students that opportunity to work on their own chairs in a guided environment. Finally our inaugural English Upholstery Masterclass is about to kick-off in the coming fortnight, I’m really excited for this, I think a first for Australia! What’s next, let us know what you think?

Leaning in

Our biggest decision of the year is a result of us leaning in, leaning in to what is next. I’m not sure if it’s the chicken or the egg, but Our Upholstery Club is becoming a real focus of the year ahead. It is important to us, because it provides an opportunity to others that was not readily available to me. I believe this industry deserves a spotlight & I believe there are many people out there that can help shine that light & many people who can benefit from it. Watch this space as we roll this out.

Becoming a Team

We are a small family business. I run it, make the day to day decisions, my hands are proudly on the furniture & my face is front-and-center with my wonderful clients & students. @mr.eclectic.boogaloo is behind the scenes, working hard on the months & years ahead. We are, and always have been a team. But this year has been the daunting, yet rewarding one where we have brought into the fold our first employees, building upon our awesome contractors, vendors & suppliers. We can’t do this alone & it’s why we are so happy for you to join our team.

If you like our story & want to help write it, we are always looking out for passionate people to join our team. Reach out if you have the passion.

Stepping into Warehouse 2.0

37 Capella Crescent, not such a far walk from warehouse 1.0 & perhaps not such a gigantic leap in space either (I’m finding that out as we have already resorted to a giant game of jenga-chairs in our new digs). That aside, this is an important step for us. It allows us to provide dedicated space to teach, dedicated space to work & dedicated space to chat (well, actually the chatting is compulsory in most spaces). We’re not quite settled in, but well in to settling in.

Surviving 4 Lockdowns

I struggle to linger on the downs, but I also don’t pretend that they weren’t there. I empathise with the local businesses & beyond that were in a different phase & different situation than I. Although my shutdowns were as harsh (April 2020 had one upholstery job, a piano stool), my overheads were manageable & I had no workforce to be responsible for. I was one of the lucky ones, and, I still had the pleasure to save a piano stool.

Not Stopping There

This is just the beginning. Our place is just a stepping stone & our limitations just another. We hope that you continue to follow us, or even better, join us on our adventure. It is you after-all, that make us who we are. I’m truly blessed that I can say that I love my job; my ikigai.

Crazy silly busy