The J behind J’s Footstools

I grew up in the beautiful region of Dumfries and Galloway, where my passion for ponies started at a young age. Coming from a non-horsey family, it took quite a bit of persistence to convince my parents to let me follow this dream. Once I got started, I threw myself into an active competitive career, beginning in pony club and progressing to show jumping and three-day eventing. Those years taught me discipline, creativity, and determination—qualities that have stayed with me ever since.

Life has since changed, and with no horses now, I’ve found myself with a couple of empty stables. One has become a haven for gardening tools, while the other is now my dedicated workroom. This space is where I channel my creativity into crafting footstools, a hobby I have dabbled in for some time. Since there are only so many footstools one home can hold, I decided to turn this passion into a small business, creating unique pieces and taking on bespoke orders.

When I retired from a long career in education, I initially filled my time caring for my elderly dad. After his passing, I was left with a lot of empty hours and found great comfort in footstool making. It became more than just a hobby—it was a therapeutic process and a creative outlet that brought me joy and purpose.

My husband has since joined me in this creative venture. He prepares the bases for my footstools and handles all the heavy lifting and carrying—leaving me free to focus on the design and finishing touches. Together, we’ve built a small business that’s not just about furniture but about creating something special for each customer.

Today, from my converted stable-turned-workshop, I combine traditional materials like Harris Tweed and Lochcarron tartans with my love of design to create footstools that are as functional as they are beautiful. Each piece reflects my appreciation for Scottish heritage and craftsmanship, and I hope they’ll bring a little joy and comfort to your home.

Jackie