In 1983, Angela and Tony Wills established an Antique furniture import business on the corner of West Tenth Avenue and Alma Street in the Kitsilano neighbourhood of Vancouver. Over the next ten years, the business became well established with a solid base of repeat and referral customers who had come to know Old Country Antiques as a reputable company. Around this time, the business began to manufacture replica pieces to satisfy customers’ demands for custom furniture not available as antiques.

In 1997, Angela took over sole ownership of the company, now Angela James Furniture, which had ceased to deal in antiques and was now operating as a manufacturer of period-inspired furnishings. Joe Charron joined the company in the fall of that year. The meeting of Angela and Joe would prove to be serendipitous. His background in home building, kitchen design and woodworking along with his artistic drive came to have a significant influence on the direction of the business.

While trading on the foundation of good will that the company had built, Angela and Joe began to focus on creative development, quality control and customer service, at the same time seeking a way to replace the “retail” method of going to market which they felt had lost much of its’ integrity due to the style of ‘big box stores’ and ‘discount houses”.

In 2002, Angela and Joe closed the retail outlet and brought their business home. While maintaining their workshop in an old boatworks building on the banks of the Fraser River, they set their focus on more innovative ways of reaching their clients. Since they already had a home full of their own furniture and blue and white china, it seemed like a natural setting in which to invite their customers.

Customers have responded enthusiastically to this more natural and honest environment.