Uphol-Stories: Cathleen O’Connell
When Cathleen was ready for a career change, she went after it, seeking out an education wherever she could. Unfortunately, upholstery education in the United States is not easy to come by.To take this on as a career choice requires seeking out the opportunities along with lots of time, money and often travel. Oh and being responsible for your own learning opportunities. I’m so proud to see how far Cathleen has come. What a great success story!
Some people stumble into upholstery by accident, but for Cathleen O’Connell, the love for it has been there since childhood. She recalls being drawn to the craft for as long as she can remember, but one piece, in particular, made it personal—the swan rocker that belonged to her grandfather. That cherished piece became the spark that eventually led her to where she is today.
Upholstery isn’t just a hobby for Cathleen—it’s her full-time career. For the past two years, she’s been running Cat Oco Chair Company in Macon, GA, where she brings new life to furniture with her skill and creativity. You can find her work on Facebook and Instagram.
Her formal training started with Funky Little Chair’s last class, and from there, she continued learning from talented mentors like Jonathan Bennett of UnSprung Upholstery through the National Upholstery Association. When Cynthia from Funky Little Chair suggested she take a hands-on course with Cobani Bleu, Cathleen jumped at the chance.
One of her favorite takeaways from the workshop? “Your sewing machine, lol. It was like butter.” But beyond the tools and techniques, it was the confidence she walked away with that mattered most.
The workshop experience did not disappoint. “We got a lot done! I learned so much, and it actually reinforced things I already knew, which really boosted my confidence,” she shares. There was something special about working in a real upholstery space for a few days, fully immersed in the craft. For her project, she tackled a practice swan rocker—one that eventually found a new home when she sold it in her booth.
Would she do it again? Without hesitation. Cathleen believes in continuous learning and aims to do at least one educational workshop each year to refine her skills. When asked about Nancy as an instructor, she had nothing but praise: “Nancy is great! She explains things clearly, is patient, and stays focused on the task at hand, so you get a lot done. I’d absolutely recommend her—and, honestly, what a great excuse to travel to Nashville!”
One of her favorite takeaways from the workshop? “Your sewing machine, lol. It was like butter.” But beyond the tools and techniques, it was the confidence she walked away with that mattered most.
For Cathleen, upholstery is more than just a trade—it’s a lifelong journey of learning, creativity, and craftsmanship. And if you’re ever in Macon, GA, looking for a beautifully restored chair, you know where to go.
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