CHARLIE PORTER

We are pleased to spotlight our latest Marfa Muse, Charlie Porter. 

Former decoration stylist for House & Garden, Charlie Porter is the founder of online antiques emporium Tat London.  Acquiring a love for all things interiors from her mother, Charlie made her passion a career after the charity Kids Company, where she was Corporate Fundraiser, closed. 

Charlie is 5’11 and wears size M in the Signature Reversible Quilt in Navy / Dark Olive.

#marfamuse

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND

I was born in London and have been a bit of a home bird as I still live a few miles from where I grew up. I love London and can't see myself moving anywhere else. Although I dream of having a place in the Highlands one day, Shepherds Bush makes me very happy.

WHAT LED YOU TO WORK IN INTERIORS?

My mother has been working in the interiors industry for the last twenty-five years. I grew up watching her decorate her homes, saw her passion for the industry and the fact that that passion only flourished made me think that it wasn't a bad thing to get into.  

TALK US THROUGH YOUR JOURNEY SO FAR

My first job in interiors was working for the rug company Luke Irwin. While I rolled and sold rugs, it gave me insight into the world of interiors. I met some excellent designers along the way. After two years, I wanted to take my life in a different direction and got a job as a fundraiser for the now-defunct charity Kids Company. Many people have many things to say about Kids Company, but while I was there, I saw some excellent work being done, and it opened my eyes to what London life is like for so many children. I was broken-hearted when it closed down. After that, I searched for lots of jobs and had quite a tough time trying to work out what I wanted to do. I was lucky enough to get an internship at World of Interiors followed by a receptionist job at Jamb & soon after, I ended up with a permanent position at House & Garden, where I was for three years and started my side hustle, Tat. I left H&G to pursue Tat full time, something I thought could be a massive mistake, but I have been pleasantly surprised so far. You never know what's around the corner. As my friend put it, every day can either be 'feast or famine. 

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

With Tat, I am most proud of having packed every single order over the last 4 years! It's been back-breaking stuff but I take a huge amount of satisfaction from every package going out. 

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHERS WHO ARE THINKING ABOUT GETTING INTO SIMILAR ROLES?

For me I hate talking over things too much, concentrate on your own opinion and just get on with it. 

HOW DO YOU STYLE YOUR MARFA STANCE PIECE?

Recently I have got very into vintage caps, so either with a cap on my head, Grenson boots and dungarees or on the flip reverse a beautiful dress and boots. Photographer: Zac Frackelton