Who are Ritch & SJ?

We’re a husband and wife team who decided that before we hit the grand age of 50—though we know you wouldn't believe it to look at us!—we’d had enough of chasing careers that didn’t bring us joy. It was time to build our dream and do what we love.

Our journey began back in art college, where we first met, bonding over our shared passion for creating, building, and crafting. In 2019, Ritch left his job as a Senior Creative in an Internal Communication agency, while SJ continued to work part-time as an Accounts Assistant. Ritch planned to return to freelance design work, but when COVID-19 hit, that plan quickly changed.

Around the same time, we started making YouTube videos restoring antique furniture and truly enjoyed the process. Our long-standing interest in antiques led us to start an Etsy store, selling items we’d source from auctions and antique centres. When Ritch’s dad offered some of the beautiful chess sets he had crafted years ago, we decided to list them on Etsy.

To our surprise, they sold as fast as we could upload them! This sparked requests for boards and additional designs, revealing an unexpected opportunity to supplement our income. Things took an exciting turn when Etsy reached out, asking if we could send them a chess set to potentially feature in a new TV advert. We eagerly accepted, never expecting the journey that awaited us. Etsy want to feature our chess set, and they asked, "Will you be able to sell them in the United States of America. Is that a problem?" No, I’m sure we can make that work!

Since we started in 2020, we’ve been on an incredible journey, making over 1,000 sales across four stores. Our offerings range from antiques and collectables to vintage tools, homewares, jewellery, and chess sets. We also have a physical space in a local antiques centre where we sell larger furniture items. SJ also joined the business full-time at the end of 2020, and things have gone from strength to strength.

It's true, the hard work and long hours can be challenging, but wow, is it rewarding! Each sale and every happy customer make the effort worthwhile, and we’re excited to expand our reach even further. Here’s to the adventure ahead!

  • Ritch

    Ritch, loves to tinker and bring new ideas to life. Whether it’s crafting unique items or finding that perfect antique treasure, he thrives on exploring various materials and styles. His expertise lies particularly in furniture and vintage tools, where each piece holds a story waiting to be revived. When he’s not busy creating, you can find him brewing the perfect cup of tea, making sure we grab a moment amidst the creative hustle.

  • SJ

    Thriving on creativity and passion, SJ is truly the heart of our operation, seamlessly juggling numerous projects at once. With her expertise in crafting stunning chess sets, her talent for selecting fantastic colours and finishes bring a sense of artistry to the game.

    In addition to her work on chessboards, SJ constantly hones her silversmithing skills, pushing the boundaries of her creativity.

  • Cass

    Cass, our original studio dog, has truly become a fantastic addition to our team. Rehomed from a neighbor, she brings a touch of joy to our workspace every day. Although she doesn't have specific tasks or duties, her calming presence provides us with much-needed stress relief. Cass reminds us to take a moment to relax and enjoy the simpler things in life.

  • Kobi

    The team is excited to introduce our newest member: a lively rescue dog who brings joy and energy to our workspace! This bundle of enthusiasm is always eager, making our days brighter with his playful spirit. This big furball has a knack for spreading smiles and positivity. We couldn't be happier to have such a cheerful presence on our team!