Charleston Fabrics is my brain child. I’m William West. Long before this venture, I had spent my childhood on James Island. I was always a creative child, constantly designing something, dabbling in art, playing and writing music.
I began a 20-year retail career while I was still at Fort Johnson High School. I had the pleasure of selling beautiful products for Thalhimers as I persuaded my Bachelor Of Arts degree at the College of Charleston. Upon graduation my retail career took me to Atlanta where I worked at Rich’s followed by Joan & David Shoes.
I learned to sew on a dare. That cute little handbag my friend Mary had was just too adorable. Without thinking, I said I could make one of those and I would go a step further by lining it. “You can not” only added fuel to the fire. My response was life changing; “Get me a sewing machine and fabric and I will make you a handbag”. For a couple of years I designed and sold handbags in boutiques in and around Atlanta. I like to think of this as my "pre-design career" (grin).
My "official" design career began in 1994 when I joined an Atlanta-based home textiles company. With them I designed a line of luxury bedding and launched the collection nationally. Within four years the line was sold in over 160 stores throughout the United States. In April of 1999 i accidentally quit my job and learned quickly that one can survive without a steady paycheck.
I established Atlanta Draperies in 1999. I did not realize then that it would become a full service Drapery Workroom and Design Resource. I just wanted to continue designing and making bedding and draperies. I fell into a niche where my services were desired by the Interior Design community. So for many years, I served the trade and honed my craft.
In 2015, I moved production from my house into our very own space in a professional center. With new production digs under my belt I thought e-commerce would be a nice addition to our design work. I launched AtlantaDraperies.com to showcase a curated collection of fabrics and trims.
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| AtlantaDraperies.com |
Feeling a bit limited by the name “Atlanta Draperies” I developed AtlantaFabrics.com. This name is more direct as to what we do online and had a bit more universal appeal. We currently serve customers all over the United States.
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| AtlantaFabrics.com |
Ever changing and growing with the times, I am happy to announce the creation of CharlestonFabrics.com. My roots run deep as Charleston has never been far from my mind. She fueled my creativity, charmed me with her style and grace, and gave me a deep respect for humility, honor, and service.
I hope you will enjoy Charleston Fabrics and find inspiration in the fine fabrics and trims presented here. I look forward to serving you.
- William West (Owner)