Katherine Shoaf
Young Textile
Professionals Texpert
I began my career in the furniture and fabric industry after falling in love with the business during a fabric merchandising internship with Highland House and Thomasville Furniture the summer after my freshman year of college. That experience led to a full-time position after graduation.
In 2004, I became a freelance merchandising consultant, working with companies including Century, Southern, Motioncraft, and Seven, gaining valuable experience across multiple brands and business models. In 2011, I transitioned into sales with Victor Fabrics, where I discovered how much I enjoyed customer interaction and relationship building.
I went on to serve as Director of Design and Merchandising at STI and later joined Radiate Textiles in 2020 as Vice President of Merchandising and Sales, bringing together my background in design, merchandising, and sales.
In 2024, I became an independent sales representative, partnering with Topteks and Penelope, and added King Textiles in 2025. Today, I bring a well-rounded, hands-on approach to supporting both brands and customers.
Supporting young people entering the furniture and fabric industry is especially meaningful to me. One internship shaped my entire career. I am passionate about paying that forward by mentoring, sharing real-world insight, and helping the next generation see the creativity and long-term opportunities this industry offers.
Texpert Advice
Why do you love the textile industry?
I love this industry because of how close knit it is! Some of my best friends are my competitors. We go out to lunch or dinner and discuss work most of the time! We share information to help each other out and give each other feedback. It is a small industry, so I think it makes it more important for everyone to help support each other.
How do you address “failure”?
I don’t think of failure as a setback, I just polish my fingernails and move on!!
Who inspires you and/or was your role model? Why?
My role model has always been Anne Hood. She was my mentor when I started in the industry and she was so influential for me. She is amazingly talented, but I never saw her take credit for anything. She had a “team” work ethic- always giving credit to everyone and not just herself when anyone would praise her. That stuck with me. It is just one of the many, many things that she taught me. I still call her when I need advice. I feel so lucky to have her in my life!
How did you cope with 2020?
2020 was a difficult year for so many people. I had a job change in the middle of a pandemic which was not easy. But I have always found that change, even when its hard, can be an opportunity for growth! I have used this time to reconnect with industry friends and make new ones! I have tried to focus on the positive things in my life. What doesn’t kill you definitely makes you stronger!!