Meet Joey Kohan | Co-Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joey Kohan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joey, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
The most important principle for us is that the client gets the right fabric for their project. We treat the project as if its our own. If a client contacts us before showing up our recommendation is always that they come in with good pictures of the surroundings. For example if they are reupholstering a couch or a chair, we ask they bring pictures of the curtains, paint on the wall, carpet, flooring etc. This way we can put ourselves in the room and make suggestions. There has been instances, when we discouraged the client from buying a certain fabric. Even though we would profit from the sale, the fabric was not right for the project. The fabric was beautiful so was the clients place, however not a good match. Our reasoning is that the client is going to wind up “living” with this fabric for a while and if its not the right match we notify them. In other words we try our best to do unto clients what we want done unto us. We purchase our products from the most reputable companies in US and abroad. Waverly, Richloom, P. Kaufmann, Robert Allen, Swavelle, Sunbrella just to name a few. Its an array of products from Velvets, Chenille, Tweeds, Upholstery grade, Multipurpose, Outdoor, Drapery material. We meticulously pick products which we believe represent the best value and design for our clientele. But again, its regardless what we like. It matters that it satisfies the client’s needs. We have told clients many times that this line of business is like matchmaking. We will eventually sell every fabric but the fabric has to be the right match to the living space, the client needs, and the client requirements.

What should our readers know about your business?
We started five years ago with the vision of providing home fabrics (Upholstery, Drapery, Pillows, Outdoor) brand names at affordable prices to the public, and designers. What sets us apart from our colleagues is that we try not to introduce product into our inventory which we would not buy ourselves for our homes, in terms of quality, color combination and design regardless of our cost. We get very excited and proud when the customer comes back with a picture excited for the finished product. Or they drop us an email picture of the project with happiness and excitement. That creates true satisfaction for us. This was not easy to achieve. There is so many products at a lower price, but a much inferior quality which we avoided. We would have had a better competitive edge in terms of pricing and margins, but as I mentioned earlier we would like to keep our integrity and avoid showing and therefore selling the client the inferior product. We have learned to try to respect the customer wishes, and put their needs above ours. We have learned to count our blessings everyday, and take care of our community members which we deem as essential. We have learned to be humble. We have learned to align our vision with client’s needs and vision. We would like the world and the other entrepreneurs to know that neither success nor failure come overnight. Its accumulation of thoughts, beliefs, and actions over a certain period of time with paying constant attention to what works and does not work which can make your failure or a success. Above all its being thankful that will give you the satisfaction, and true happiness.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Los Angeles as a whole is a great place to visit and has so many places to see. I would start off at Santa Monica pier which has a beautiful view of the ocean and great restaurants all over. Next we would recommend visiting downtown la with all of the amazing shops. One restaurant I would highly recommend is located on the westside and is called The Apple Pan. Small menu but everything is made to perfection, especially the Tuna Melt which is incredible.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
They say it takes a village to raise one child. If I may I would like to add something to this old saying. It takes a good mentor/partner to run a business with integrity. I learned immensely from my father and five years ago I had the opportunity to meet Frank. I am blessed that I have a partner who is older than me and has been in several successful ventures. He comes from the old ways of doing business, when a promise and a handshake meant something. He has taught me to stay the course and not to compromise on certain principles in order for us to stay the course and to grow. He treated me with utmost respect and gave me wings. Thank you guys!

Website: https://affordablehomefabrics.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/affordablehomefabrics/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/affordablehomefabrics/
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/affordable-home-fabrics-los-angeles