My story began on building sites, learning the foundations of creation from my architect father. My formative years were a blend of academic discipline—secured through a scholarship—and the physical challenge of rugby and athletics. After immersing myself in a urban planning degree while living in post riot Brixton, my true passion for surfing and windsurfing took hold.

This passion evolved into "Tad," my eco-sound surf clothing brand, which I ran for 24 years in Exmouth, Devon. It was during this fulfilling period that I married Mino and we welcomed our four children. My hands-on spirit extended beyond the shop, leading me to be commissioned to construct a unique fruit and vegetable shop from an old fishing trawler.

For the next 10-15 years, my life was heavily influenced by sport—from lifeguarding, coaching rugby to contributing to the 2012 Olympics. Recently I worked with British Canoeing/Paddle UK, the RFU, and SurfLifesaving GB. These experiences highlighted a fundamental truth: my drive lies in hands-on creation, a stark contrast to the corporate world of the suits and polo shirts. In my workshop, I began to explore this by making boards and other utlitarian household objects out of rubbish.

The Covid pandemic unexpectedly deepened this creative pursuit. Encouraged by legendary naval architect Phil Morrison, who helped me design an open-ocean paddleboard using CAD. I became completely absorbed in the design process and the re-kindled art of hand-making. This obsession intensified when a local shop owner suggested I remake his unsold furniture. I started actively sourcing and adapting objects, quickly discovering a profound enjoyment in finding and transforming objects that have practical applications to make them beautiful.

Today, while balancing the renovation of our Edwardian cottage and supporting our children, my energy is channeled into making and sourcing. LewisJohn is the embodiment of this journey—a reflection of my current stage in life. It's a space dedicated to my aesthetic recycling and re-purposing, driven by a desire to embrace the positive and wondrous aspects of life with wholehearted immersion.