Yours For The Making with Robin Johnson

What does it take to build a barbershop that clients actively recommend, industry leaders recognise, and customers keep returning to?

In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Maxwell Oakley, co founder of Supply 91 Barbers Extraordinaire, to explore how a small lockdown startup grew into one of London's most respected barbershop brands.

Maxwell shares the story behind Supply 91, from opening a tiny Islington shop with furniture from Ikea and very little cash, to winning GQ Barber of the Year and expanding across London. The conversation explores customer experience, hospitality, business...

Potter Lulu Jacobs joins Robin Johnson to discuss leaving a career in branding and marketing to pursue pottery full time. Lulu shares how a short course at Turning Earth turned into a full creative obsession, leading her to build a pottery business from a garden studio while raising a young family. The conversation explores the emotional highs and crushing failures of ceramics, the reality of selling handmade pottery, the pressure of social media, and the challenge of balancing creative freedom with commercial work. Lulu also talks openly about working with difficult black clay, building an audience online without becoming...

Helen Welch, founder of the London School of Furniture Making, joins Robin Johnson for a direct conversation about teaching craftsmanship, surviving as a maker, and why furniture making still attracts people desperate to work with their hands instead of staring at screens all day. Helen reflects on leaving school early, training as a carpenter and joiner in 1980s London, and eventually building a furniture school that now teaches joinery, steam bending, furniture design, carving, and specialist woodworking skills in Camden.

The conversation explores the reality of making a living in furniture making, the financial barriers facing young...

Robin Johnson sits down with furniture maker and designer Simon Thomas Pirie to discuss the reality of building a long term creative business in Britain. Simon shares his journey from studying fine art and discovering woodworking through Hook Park, to running a respected bespoke furniture workshop in Dorset for nearly three decades. The conversation explores furniture design, apprenticeships, CNC technology, kitchens, direct client work, workshop culture, scaling a creative business, and the pressure of balancing craftsmanship with commercial survival. Simon also reflects on leadership, hiring the right people, working with architects and interior designers, and why British furniture making...

Robin Johnson sits down with sisters Clara and Rose Prince to discuss studying furniture making and textile design, navigating creative careers, and building a future in craft. Clara studies furniture making at West Dean College while Rose focuses on weaving and textiles at Chelsea College. They speak openly about the realities of creative education, student debt, apprenticeships, networking, exhibitions, and the pressure of entering industries where practical skills matter more than academic status. The conversation also explores collaboration, British manufacturing, women in craft industries, and why hands on work still matters in a digital world.

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Robin Johnson speaks with Oliver Chalk, a self taught wood turner who rebuilt his career during the pandemic by following curiosity rather than a fixed plan. Starting with climbing holds and basic tools, Oliver moved into large scale sculptural woodwork, developing his own techniques through repetition and failure. He explains why surface, texture, and emotional response drive his work, how investing in the right tools changed his trajectory, and why process matters more than outcome when building a creative career.

Key Topics Covered

Robin Johnson speaks with Ben Goldsmith from Design Woodcraft Ltd about building a timber and furniture business without a clear plan. Ben started with no tools, no strategy, and no formal direction, then grew the company through consistent work and curiosity. The conversation focuses on how the business developed into a sustainable operation, milling its own timber, tracking carbon impact, and working with high profile hospitality clients. This episode gives a grounded view of how a creative business can grow through action rather than planning, and where that approach creates both opportunity and limitations.

Key...

Robin Johnson speaks with Paul Drake from JDO Ltd, a global branding agency working with brands such as Dove and Shell, to break down how branding actually works. This conversation focuses on emotional response, visual identity, and why strong brands win attention and trust. Paul explains how design influences perception, how storytelling drives value, and why consistency matters more than originality in many cases. They also examine the real impact of AI on creative industries, from branding and product design to customer experience.

Key Topics Covered

Robin Johnson sits down with Paddy Piggott to break down how he went from washing dishes during a recession to opening one of Hastings’ most well known bars.

Paddy shares how he started with no qualifications, worked his way through kitchens and bars, and spotted the opportunity to open the Dragon Bar. He explains the reality of building a venue from an empty 1820 storage unit, digging out the basement by hand, and creating a space that has lasted over 20 years.

This conversation focuses on what it takes to run a bar long term. Paddy talks th...

Robin Johnson reflects on one year of Yours for the Making and the journey behind building his business, Johnson Bespoke.

Starting in his father’s workshop, Robin developed a hands on approach to making from an early age. He went on to study surf science, where he learned critical thinking, before working at Quiksilver and gaining insight into retail and customer behaviour. After a period in teaching design and technology, he made the decision to leave and start his own business.

In this episode, Robin shares the reality of building a creative business from scratch. He...

Robin Johnson sits down with Sam Wills, a soulful vocalist and independent artist from Hastings whose song Traingazing recently hit 100 million streams. Sam grew up in Surrey, moved to Hastings at 13, and cut his teeth playing covers in local pubs and restaurants before developing one of the most distinctive falsettos in British soul music. In this episode, Sam talks honestly about what it takes to build a music career from the ground up without a major label: the four years it took to make his album Breathe, the battle with imposter syndrome, the grind of social media, the reality...

Robin Johnson sits down with Christopher Kentish and Oliver Reimann, the co-founders of Frontier Oak, a bespoke green oak timber framing company based in Sussex. Chris came to the craft after a career in film production, introduced to it through his father-in-law's green oak company. Ollie, who studied advertising and marketing and met Chris at the age of 13, joined him in 2018 after working in production and photography. Together they have built Frontier Oak from the ground up, taking on everything from residential extensions, orangeries, and garden rooms to three-bay garages and contemporary pottery studios. Their ethos is straightforward: 100% bespoke...

Robin Johnson sits down with Jeff McGurty, founder and owner of D&P Upholstery in Gateshead, one of the North East's most established bespoke upholstery businesses. Jeff built his company from a one-man band operating out of evenings and weekends into a seven-person team with a brand new, five times larger workshop in Team Valley. In this episode, Jeff and Robin pull back the curtain on the upholstery trade: a craft that is simultaneously a dark art, a dying art, and a business full of genuine opportunity for those who approach it with curiosity and commercial instinct.

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Robin Johnson speaks with furniture designer Katie Walker and designer Charlie Dedman about the collaboration behind Meon Furniture and the realities of modern British furniture making. The conversation explores design for manufacture, steam bending ash timber, CNC machining, sustainable forestry and the business decisions behind heirloom furniture. They discuss the shift from studio craft to batch production, the value of workshop knowledge, and the importance of constant product improvement through feedback and testing. The episode also examines the role of British timber, the impact of ash dieback on forestry, and the challenge of building furniture that will last for...

In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson speaks with Barnaby Ash and Dru Plumb of Plumb and Ash about their rise from garage woodturning to exhibiting at TEFAF New York. They discuss Greco Roman influences, sculptural wood vessels, working with green oak, embracing cracks and stitch work, targeting high end galleries, and building a profitable craft business through strategy, research and relentless refinement.

Key Topics Covered

• Woodturning and contemporary wood sculpture

• Greco Roman classicism and design history influence

• Storytelling in art and craft practice

• Working with green oa...

In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson speaks with Brandon Collins of Crabtree and Hargreeves about building a profitable bespoke kitchen and furniture business in the UK. Brandon shares how he transitioned from antique restoration with his father into high end bespoke kitchens, how he named his company for brand positioning and search clarity, and why hand painted finishes outperform spray finishes in durability and long term maintenance.

He explains how investing in CNC machinery and Cabinet Vision software improved accuracy, efficiency and client communication, and he discusses pricing, managing growth, recruiting skilled cabinet...

Robin Johnson speaks with Louis Rhoades of Louis Rhoades Studio about scaling a bespoke joinery business from a one man workshop to a structured, design led studio. They break down pricing to the penny, profitability between two and four staff, why growth from four to ten is brutal, and how value beats cost when you invest in CNC, spray finishing and FUGA Hydro substrates.

This episode tackles hospitality versus residential work, outsourcing risk, honest client communication, proportion in design, and the stress that comes with ambition. A direct conversation between two workshop owners on craftsmanship, margins, ethics...

In this episode of Yours for the Making Robin Johnson speaks with Louisa Pacifico, founder of Future Icons about how makers turn skill into a viable business without undercutting their value. Louisa explains why premium craft succeeds through fewer higher value sales rather than volume, and why many artisans struggle because they price emotionally rather than commercially.

The conversation covers gallery relationships, press strategy licensing contracts and the importance of knowing when to say no. Louisa also discusses her role curating Future Icons Selects during London Craft Week and how makers should approach shows with clarity, purpose...

In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson speaks with Marina Dragomirova and Iain Howlett, founders of Studio Furthermore about their Moon Rock Project and the long road of material driven design. They explain how six years of experimentation led to an aluminium foam made from recycled car wheels and how that material became a cabinet unveiled in Miami that shocked audiences when opened.

The conversation covers material failure, foundry collaboration, storytelling in collectible design and the limits of photography in conveying physical work. Marina and Iain also discuss gallery relationships, sustainability futurism and their...

In this episode of Yours for the Making Robin Johnson speaks with Steve Briggs, founder of Briggs and Sons Masonry about conservation led stone masonry and the realities of scaling a heritage business. Steve explains why retaining original fabric matters, how church and listed building work demands restraint and judgement, and why replacement comes last. The conversation covers running a contracting arm alongside a consultancy for listed homes, navigating consent and surveys, training the next generation, and choosing culture and quality over rapid turnover. This episode offers a grounded view of craft led growth in the UK heritage sector.<...

In this episode of Yours for the Making Robin Johnson speaks with Robin Redmile-Gordon, Director of Ichi-Coo Park, about building a life shaped by creativity and long term thinking. Robin shares how transforming Russ Hill Farm into a vast garden and living artwork helped him stay sane while running a global IT company. The conversation moves through craftsmanship collaboration and why clear briefs unlock exceptional work from skilled people. Robin offers a blunt critique of modern education and exam driven learning, argues for apprenticeships rooted in real work, and explains why holistic learning matters more than qualifications.

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In this episode of Yours for the Making Robin Johnson speaks with furniture designer Sam Kille about his route from military service into bespoke furniture making. Sam explains how carpentry and joinery in the Royal Engineers shaped his discipline precision and approach to craft. He talks openly about running a furniture business with a partner, stepping away during Covid, and returning with a clearer sense of direction.

The conversation covers Scandinavian and Japanese influences, heirloom quality furniture, and the realities of selling bespoke work in the UK. Sam also discusses pricing honestly, choosing the right clients, diversifying...

In this episode of Yours for the Making Robin Johnson speaks with South London furniture designer Laurent Peacock about his route from industrial design into bespoke furniture making. Laurent explains why mass production left him cold and how working directly with wood gave him clarity and purpose. He talks openly about earning the Guild Mark and the validation it brought both personally and professionally.

The conversation explores the tension between form and function in contemporary furniture design, the pressure to build a recognisable style, and the reality of making work that must last as well as look...

This episode of Yours for the Making dives deep into the world of chainsaw sculptor Ella Fielding. Her story offers a clear view of how creativity takes shape when instinct, physical craft and neurodiversity come together. Robin Johnson talks with Ella about her early start in sculpture, the impact of dyslexia and ADHD on her creative thinking, and her discovery of a fast and intuitive way of working with wood.

Ella explains the emotional experience of carving fallen trees for clients, the practical challenges of working with different timbers and the therapeutic presence she feels when cutting...

In this episode of Yours for the Making Robin Johnson speaks with Lindsey and Rik Goodman about designing building and running Looking Glass Lodge in Fairlight East Sussex. The conversation follows their journey from an early idea of a small shepherd style retreat to delivering a striking glass fronted woodland lodge with near full occupancy.

Lindsey and Rik explain the influence of family history and woodland stewardship on the design, the planning challenges of building in an area of outstanding natural beauty, and the financial pressure created by specialist glass requirements and rising material costs during Covid...

Robin Johnson talks with master marquetarian and teacher Audrey Fasquelle in a detailed exploration of the craft, technique and mindset behind one of the most demanding decorative arts. Audrey shares her journey from early cabinet making in France to advanced marquetry for luxury vehicles, along with her teaching roles at Farnham, West Dean and Robinson House Studio. 

She explains how veneers behave, how grain direction shapes outcomes, how colours and undertones must be read correctly and why mistakes should be expected and embraced. This episode highlights the real labour behind fine marquetry, the problem solving required for c...

Robin Johnson sits down with Biesse Sales Manager Mark Trapnell for a detailed look at manufacturing, production flow, tooling decisions, CNC capability and the practical realities of running a modern workshop. Mark shares his journey from apprentice heavy goods mechanic to senior roles across major manufacturing businesses before moving into machinery consultancy. 

He explains why understanding process flow, input quality, tooling choices and skill sets matters more than any single machine. This episode gives clear insight into lean thinking, production efficiency, value stream mapping and what small makers should consider before investing in CNC machinery. A grounded c...

Furniture designer Stephen Clark from Clark & Co joins Robin Johnson for a detailed look at how real product design works behind the glossy brochures. Stephen explains the journey from university projects to designing mass market furniture for major retailers and then shifting into high end bespoke manufacturing. He talks openly about the pressure of designing for different budgets, why accessible good design matters, and how storytelling and communication shape every product that reaches a customer.

This conversation breaks down the creative process, the reality of British manufacturing, the rise of AI in design, and the responsibility designers...

Jacob Lockwood joins Robin Johnson to unpack the reality of building a premium clothing brand in Britain at a time when most of the industry has outsourced its craft. Jacob explains how he turned his military needs into a business that now designs and manufactures high grade British smocks using Cordura, Harris Tweed and UK sourced materials. 

He talks openly about the real cost of making things properly in the UK, the struggle to find skilled machinists, the shift in consumer mindset towards buying fewer but better items, and the pressure of scaling a product while refusing t...

James Burtt joins Robin Johnson to share his remarkable journey from a failed radio presenter and cabaret singer to becoming one of the UK’s leading podcast producers. Having launched almost 200 shows—with 98% charting on iTunes—James reveals the strategies behind creating, growing, and monetising successful podcasts. 

He breaks down why podcasting is the most underused marketing tool for businesses, how authenticity drives long-term results, and why most creators quit before the breakthrough. From early missteps in radio to building Phonic, a thriving podcast production agency, this episode is packed with straight-talking advice for creators, entrepreneurs, and brands...

In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with tree surgeon, timber framer, and chainsaw instructor James Vann for a grounded, unfiltered conversation about the life of a modern woodsman. From growing up on a Kent farm to working across Europe in forestry and learning the craft of timber framing, James has built a life around the forest. 

He talks about the danger and discipline of felling trees, the devastation of ash dieback, and the importance of sustainable woodland management. The conversation dives into deer stalking, ethical hunting, the use of local timber, a...

In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson speaks with furniture maker and educator Jarrad Belton, known as the “worker of wood”. Jarrad shares his journey from leaving college unsure of his path to discovering carpentry, mastering timber machining, and retraining as a fine furniture maker. He opens up about the reality of working in an undervalued trade, the discipline it takes to master hand tools, and why passion must come before profit in any creative career. 

Jarrad discusses sustainability in timber sourcing, the ethics of using tropical hardwoods, and how he teaches new makers to re...

In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson speaks with George Marshall, the photographer behind some of the most iconic BMX and cycling images of the past two decades. From shooting for brands like Rapha, Specialized and Trek to documenting riders at Battle of Hastings and beyond, George shares stories from the frontline of action photography.

He reflects on his transition from BMX to road cycling, his time launching Team Sky and his filmmaking expeditions with Royal Enfield — including a three-month survival shoot in Antarctica. George opens up about the realities of freelancing, financial struggles, an...

In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Dean Boyd, co-founder of Emberleaf Workshops, to explore the precision, patience and philosophy behind high-end bespoke knife making. From military roots to mastering metallurgy, Dean shares how he built one of Britain’s leading custom knife workshops, creating blades from mammoth ivory, meteorites and powder-forged steels designed at a molecular level.

Dean explains how Emberleaf grew from a two-man shed operation into a thriving business crafting heirloom-quality knives for collectors, bushcrafters and military units. He discusses the science behind blade geometry and metallurgy, the ch...

In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson speaks with Joe Perkins, one of Britain’s leading garden designers and three-time Chelsea Flower Show gold medallist. Joe shares the behind-the-scenes reality of the 18-day build at Chelsea, his collaboration with the King’s Trust, and how garden design is evolving to meet the challenges of climate change and sustainability. From designing resilient landscapes in Tunisia to creating inclusive public spaces at Sheffield Park, Joe reveals how creativity, ecology and craftsmanship combine in modern landscape design.

Listeners will gain insight into the design process, the emotional dept...

In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Andrea Felice, the Italian-born furniture maker behind Andrea Felice Bespoke Furniture. Andrea blends traditional joinery with sculptural design, creating handcrafted pieces that balance artistry, craftsmanship, and functionality.

He shares his journey from his family’s furniture business in Italy to building a bespoke studio in London, his collaborations with designers like Rebecca James, and the challenges of preserving artisan skills in a world dominated by mass production and CNC machines. Andrea also opens up about the pressures of running a small workshop, the role of...

In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Russell Birt from Birt Williams Bespoke Joinery in Eastbourne. Russell shares his journey from restoring a 1974 Volkswagen camper to running a thriving joinery business. He opens up about taking over a workshop at 31, surviving accidents and setbacks, and building a partnership that balances traditional hand skills with modern CNC technology.

The conversation covers conservation joinery, the challenges of pricing and time management, the value of apprentices, and why quality always wins over speed. Packed with insight for makers, joiners, woodworkers and anyone passionate about...

In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Guy Watts, Managing Director of Architectural Plants in West Sussex. Guy shares how his 32-acre nursery grows 60–70% of plants on site, using propagation, grafting and container growing to produce hardy, long-lasting trees and shrubs. He explains why the business invests heavily in apprenticeships, creative maintenance and AI-driven garden design.

The conversation also dives into Guy’s personal story, from rowing across the Indian Ocean to earning his pilot’s licence, and how extreme challenges shaped his leadership and resilience. Listeners will also hear about unusua...

In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson speaks with Shaun Phelan, gilder and mirror maker, whose career began in 1996. Shaun explains the detailed craft of gilding, from preparing wood with layers of gesso to the flexibility of water gilding and the creation of burnished finishes. He shares how his work evolved from antique frames to convex mirrors, pigmented glass, and bespoke furniture.

Shaun talks about his early influences, the rise of social media in bringing new commercial commissions, and his collaborations with Asian factories that allow him to combine rare materials like onyx and...

In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson speaks with Dan Caldieraro, executive chef and director of Brewing Brothers, the team behind some of Hastings’ best pizza and pasta. Dan shares his unexpected journey from plumbing with his father in Italy to finding his calling in the kitchen, inspired by his brother. He explains the realities of working in a high-pressure restaurant, the importance of quality ingredients, and why slow fermentation and wood-fired ovens transform pizza dough.

Dan also talks about fresh pasta, the difference between egg and semolina pasta, and why gnocchi holds a sp...