Riana LeJeune is the owner and luxury artisan of Repinned Luxury Upholstery Workroom, a professional custom upholstery shop.

Please tell us about your background.

I grew up in a Victorian house in Historic Sherman Hill and attended Roosevelt High School in Des Moines. After graduating in 2000, I went on to earn my B.A. in psychology with minors in criminal justice and anthropology in 2004. it wasn't until 2013 that I fell in love with upholstery and went on to learn the trade. I learned from mentors all over the world.

Please tell us about your business.

Repinned specializes in the centuries-old skilled trade of professional custom upholstery. We work one-on-one with clients to redesign pieces you already own or find previously loved fabrics and transform them into your dream furniture. Repinned has the skill and expertise to work on everything from items from the 1800s to modern builds. We often collaborate with local interior designers and architects in addition to our work with the general public.

Why did you join NAWBO Iowa and what do you appreciate about it?

I joined NAWBO in the spring to expand my network professionally and personally. I’m hoping to build friendships and eventually mentor fledgling businesses.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I love that what we create has never existed before and will never exist again. They are true pieces of unique art.

What are you most looking forward to in 2022?

We are currently working on expanding our team through our apprenticeship program.