with Riana LeJeune
Finding skilled labor is hard. Keeping projects on track while training the next generation can feel impossible.
In this National Upholstery Association webinar, Riana LeJeune, Founder & CEO of Renewabl and owner of Repinned Luxury Upholstery, shares a practical, real-world framework for building apprenticeship programs without sacrificing quality, profitability, or your sanity.
Drawing from more than 13 years in the trade—and experience leading the nation’s first Registered Upholstery Apprenticeship in partnership with the Iowa Office of Apprenticeship—this session breaks down how to:
- Structure apprenticeships that actually support production
- Define skill levels, accountability, and expectations at each stage
- Manage complex upholstery projects while training new talent
- Reduce bottlenecks, rework, and burnout in the workroom
- Protect craftsmanship while scaling your business
Attendees will learn how to apply clear project workflows, level-based training, and repeatable systems that allow experienced artisans to teach effectively—without slowing down the shop. Riana will also share how thoughtful project management supports better client communication, stronger timelines, and healthier teams.
Whether you are training your first apprentice or refining an existing program, this webinar offers actionable strategies you can implement immediately to strengthen your workforce and your business.
Riana LeJeune is the Founder & CEO of Renewabl App and owner of Repinned Luxury Upholstery, a nationally recognized custom upholstery workroom based in Iowa. With more than 13 years in the trade, she has built her career preserving and advancing the art of professional upholstery—working on everything from 19th-century antiques to fully custom furniture built from the frame up.
Riana has been a proud member of the National Upholstery Association since its inception in 2019 and is a dedicated advocate for the growth and modernization of the upholstery industry. A respected educator and keynote speaker at the Custom Workroom Conference, she leads the nation’s first Registered Upholstery Apprenticeship program approved by the United States Department of Labor, helping formalize skilled-trade education and create sustainable career pathways for the next generation. Riana is also a fierce advocate for Neuro-Inclusive Hiring practices.
She is also the National Association of Women Business Owners 2025 Woman Business Owner of the Year, recognized for her leadership, innovation, and impact within both the trades and entrepreneurship.
Riana created Renewabl to solve real-world challenges she experienced behind the workroom doors—helping professionals visualize fabric and finish options, streamline client communication, and support sustainability by extending the life of well-crafted furniture. Her work sits at the intersection of craftsmanship, technology, and education, positioning the upholstery trade for a stronger, more visible future.
