“The words “lifestyle business” are always, of course, uttered in a voice dripping with contempt.”
Tim Bray paid $1100 Canadian to re-cover the cushions on a 25-year-old leather sofa. A new one of the same quality runs five figures, and the cheap ones are sawdust, glue and staples. The repair shop is family-run with a back door and a sketchy parking lot. It makes a living for a few people, which is exactly why no investor will touch it.