Cherelle Curtis, Managing Director at independent beds retailer Linthorpe Beds, talks about the need for more diversity in the industry, changing colour trends and her passion for the family business.
Let’s start with you. Can you share a bit about yourself and your background?
I have a degree in history from Canterbury Christ Church and later became an air hostess before moving back to the Northeast after meeting my now husband, Adam. In 2014 I made the transition back into Linthorpe Beds moving through departments to get an understanding of the business, from Internet Sales and Customer Service to Admin and Accounting before becoming senior manager and now Managing Director.
What is your current job role and key responsibilities?
I am the Managing Director, which is a role I took on in 2021, before becoming the primary shareholder in 2024. The role means I oversee all aspects of the business, with a focus on our mid- and long-term goals. Though I do fill in gaps which arise day to day to keep everything going.
What do you love about your job?
I love structure and organisation, so the fact I can make plans and put in a strategy to get us there is the perfect role for me. I like that the plan deviates from time to time to really make you think outside the box and grow both personally and as a business.
What time is your alarm clock set for and do you have a morning routine?
My alarm is our cockapoo puppy Jasper, who wakes me up at 6am each morning. I sit down with a cup of tea for 15 minutes before taking him for a walk. Then, all systems go, getting everything prepared for the day before my children Max, 5, and Francesca, 2, wake up to get ready for school and childcare.
Why did you choose to work in the furnishing industry?
I can’t say that I chose it, the furnishing industry has been a part of my life since my parents Sandra and Keith opened Linthorpe Beds when I was a year old, and like any startup business, it became the center of the way we lived our life, I was always in and around the stores and the running of the business. As much as I pursued other avenues for a few years, it feels as though this is where I was always supposed to be.
Who do you most admire in the industry and why?
Through the industry there are several independent retailers moving into the next generation, like us, who are striving to push forward, grow and bring their respective businesses to the next level. I admire anyone who takes what their family has built and tries to put their own stamp on things and make something of themselves.
Have there been any special moments during your career?
We were named Independent Retailer of the year in 2019-2020 and have been finalists each year since, even being named as highly commended by the NBF in September 2024.
What is your favourite item of furniture you own and why?
It is so stereotypical to say my bed, but it’s true. There is nothing nicer than getting into a comfortable bed with fresh bedding and getting a good night’s sleep.
What do you think is trending within the industry at present?
It is great to see we are moving away from so many shades of grey and we are starting to see a return to natural earthy colours, stones, cement etc. We are getting great pops of colour particularly with greens, tying the theme together.
What would you change in the industry?
I love to see women driving their way into the tops of their industry, so I would love to see a larger female presence. Diversity within the industry would bring about huge change, encouraging broader perspectives and insights to push boundaries.
Can you share an insight into your future plans?
We are improving each of our stores, both inside and out, and we are adding focus to our websites to drive the customer experience. As always, we strive to keep high standards and improve day by day.
What do you enjoy most outside of work / free time?
I love cooking, renovating our home and spending as much time with my family as possible.
What might someone not know about you?
At 18 I used to teach sex education to senior school children. Oh, and I can do a great impression of a sheep.
If you had a different career, what would it be?
I would have continued being cabin crew. I loved the job, interacting with so many different people each day, and the camaraderie between crew members is great fun.
Finally, if you were an item of furniture, what would it be and why?
Maybe a dining room table – you get to have family and friends around you and you get to hear about everything, what could be better.
Five Fun qs:
If you could hack into any one computer, whose computer would you choose and why?
I’m not sure I would, there are some things best left unknown.
What fact amazes you every time you think of it?
Elephants are the only mammal that can’t jump.
What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?
I quit my job as cabin crew and moved 250 miles to be with Adam, after knowing him for only 6 weeks.
What is the most important object you own and why?
I have a small wooden box for each of my children which has hospital wristbands, the outfits they were brought home in, and a couple of other small trinkets from when they were tiny. I’m not the most sentimental person when it comes to objects but the reason for this is pretty self-explanatory.
What did you think was cool when you were young but isn’t cool now?
The blue eye shadow of the 90’s and 00’s.
