MY STORY
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Hello, my name is Leona Drey, I'm a newly emerging interior and fabric designer in East Sussex. Thirty two years ago, shortly after the Velvet Revolution, I came to the UK from Czechoslovakia, now named Czechia. Of course, I am bilingual which I immensely value. Being able to know a culture of another country, meeting people from different cultural backgrounds, the language, food and history has been personally enriching and broadened my world view.
In my country of origin, I attended a free art school for many years to support my creativity. I've sketched portraits and patterns since I was little. Both my mother and my grandmother taught me how to hand-sew and how to knit and crochet. When I was 18, I moved to a little flat that sparked a passion for interior design. I always surprised my family and friends with little improvements made to the interior of my flat, so much so, that they made the same changes in their homes too.
In the UK, I completed BA and MA in International Relations. I took this degree as
an immense inquisition to understand international relations and the history that unfolded into
the unfortunate events that took away freedom from the people in my country.
I moved with my family to East Sussex about 15 years ago. I immediately fell in love with
the beautiful countryside that is on my doorstep with easy access to Bodiam, Battle Abbey, Pashley Manor
Gardens, Sissinghurst and Charleston; places that I visit regularly. I also take our adorable
dog, Apache, for extensive walks in local woods.
Me, my husband and our daughter moved into a Victorian property that enabled me to enhance the beautiful period features with my colourful and sustainable design and later I included my bespoke fabrics. I believe that art and creativity in designing spaces has both a beautifying and a practical purpose. I am a strong advocate of carefully considering the environment in designing; I source products locally; my fabrics are printed in the UK. I only print my fabrics to order and upcycle wherever possible. I love connecting with the local community and I am open to collaboration.
Recently, I was privileged to promote my business in a pop-up shop, 'Introduced', in St Leonards. I'll also be occasionally appearing in the fabulous local markets. So, do pop in and say hello. .L. Drey
