Lee Parry, 32, set up his furniture store, Eastern Emporium, in Portsmouth Road, Woolston, Southampton, earlier this year. He buys goods imported from India...
My love of wood and creativity took off when we moved as a family to South Africa at the age of 11 until nearly 14.
"I've always liked furniture and interior design ever since, and I wanted my own business after being an apprentice upholsterer and a car paint sprayer.
"I put £15,000 into the business after making money on a flat I sold in Bitterne, Southampton. I haven't borrowed a penny. The wood for the furniture is sheesham, part of the rosewood family.
"It's grown widely in the northern part of India and is a renewable resource.
"My mum, Chris, helps out in the shop as well. The best seller so far are the stools where the seat is shaped like an upturned hand - we had 15 of them and they sold out quickly.
"Woolston will come into its own when they build flats on the site when Vosper Thornycroft finally moves out early next year. It'll be like an new Ocean Village.
Eastern Emporium: 023 8044 7740 or www.easternemporium.co.uk
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