Dwight & Latanya Jemison of DJ's All in One Upholstery (Clarksville, TN)
What does being an upholsterer mean to you?
Being an upholsterer gives me the opportunity to bring a client’s vision into reality, to build lasting relationships, and create new ones.
.jpg "DJs All in One (3)")
How did you get started in upholstery?
We got started in the upholstery business when my husband (Dwight Jemison) met a displaced man named Pat. Pat had a skill and passion for upholstery but no equipment, no home, and no business. Just weeks after meeting Pat, a very well-known upholsterer named Gunther passed away. Dwight was passing by and noticed his family tossing all his vinyl into a dumpster and clearing the building. So Dwight stopped in and told them he wanted the vinyl & equipment as well as to lease the building. They agreed. He found Pat and brought him into the business. Pat began living in a camper on the premises and doing upholstery again. Pat now has his own home.
This sparked a passion in us to use this business as an opportunity for the displaced community to seek refuge, assistance, employment, or just a shower & meal if they’re passing through. We are a safe space.
I, myself (Latanya Jemison), grew up watching my father upholster vehicles and the like and have been learning upholstery since I was child.
What types of upholstery do you do?
We do automotive, restaurant, lounge, custom glam, as well as boat interiors.
.jpg "DJs All in One (6)")
How long have you been upholstering?
We have been upholstering for 6 years now.
What is your biggest consumer demand?
Our biggest consumer demand is the restoration of old automotive seating, carpet, & headliner.
.jpg "DJs All in One (4)")
What is your favorite upholstery project you've done?
My favorite upholstery projects are boats.
.jpg "DJs All in One (5)")
What is the strangest item you've found in a restoration?
We really haven’t run into strange items, but we have run into strange situations. A young man was living in his car not because he couldn’t afford a home but because he refused to pay for a home. He got his whole car interior redone while living in and out of it.
Have you noticed any up and coming trends?
Yes - galaxy headliners. The ones you add the fiber optics to the headliners.
.jpg "DJs All in One (2)")
What changes would benefit the upholstery industry?
The industry is perfect the way it is except it’s a dying skill. Young people need to be taught the trade.
Have you ever been featured on television, online, or in another publication?
No.
.jpg "DJs All in One (1)")
Do you have a shop animal?
We have an American Bully named Blue who comes to work with us often.
.jpg "DJs All in One (dog)")
Some answers have been edited for clarity.
If you are interested in becoming an Upholstery Diamond,
please click here to fill out the application.