I have always loved big, comfy chairs that make you feel like you're sitting in a big, warm hug. Especially when they're covered in velvet. But my love for them has been limited to looking and longing. Chairs like this don't exist in stores, and I could never afford anything custom made. I would always appreciate these beauties on my travels, especially in Europe, and would dream of having one.

Over the years, I have found chairs I could affordthat became my "prayer chair". Something from Marshalls. A fainting couch I got in New York. I love being able to sink into a warm chair in the early morning to say my prayers and spend time with God. I'm always on the lookout for "the perfect" prayer chair.

When I found a pink velvet wingback chair and ottoman for sale on Facebook Marketplace for only $45, I bought them. The ottoman was saggy, so I decided to reupholster it. I had never upholstered anything, but the internet is filled with people willing to share everything they know about the craft. I learned everything I needed to know by watching videos online and joining online upholstery classes and communities.

After I finished, I had so much fun, I wanted to do more! I bought more, amazing chairs, one after another, until my garage was almost full. Thank God my husband is patient!

While I love the idea of keeping these amazing chairs out of landfills, my main goal with Seat of Wisdom Studio is to make chairs that will be the perfect place of repose for whoever buys them. Named after after one of the titles of the Blessed Virgin Mary from the Litany of Loretto, Seat of Wisdom Studio aims to provide its customers with that one chair they just adore. It might be the chair you sit in to say your morning and evening prayers, or your rosary, read a book, talk to a friend on the phone, or think about your day.

I hope to give these beautiful chairs new life, in the hopes that they will bring peace and joy to your life, to your prayer corner, to your living room, or wherever you need a big, warm, cozy hug.