A New chapter begins at Potters
We’re excited to share some news with you . Potter Textiles and Potter & Co is changing hands!
After decades at the helm, Simon Potter is retiring, and as of 1st July 2025, long time team member Sheona Cowden will be taking over the business.
👋A note from Simon
After many wonderful years of owning and running Potter Textiles, the time has come for me to step into retirement.
Sheona has been an integral part of the business the last 9 years & I have no doubt with Sheona’s flair, enthusiasm & younger eyes, the Potter Textiles team will continue to be leaders in the industry.
I wish to thank you for your past custom, friendship & guidance and request that you extend to Sheona & her team the same support.
Warmest thanks,
Simon Potter
💛 From Sheona
I have had the privilege of working at Potters for the past nine years. It was the first job I stumbled into after graduating uni, and from my very first day, I've loved every part of this incredible journey.
My passion for fabrics has only grown stronger, and working alongside Simon all these years has been invaluable—he’s taught me so much about the textile industry and what makes this business truly special.
As I step into this new role as owner, I want to assure you that the heart and soul of Potters will remain unchanged. Our commitment to quality, service, and the relationships we’ve built with you will always be at the core of everything we do.
I’m genuinely excited for this new chapter and can’t wait to continue bringing you beautiful, high-quality fabrics for years to come.
Love Sheona
A little history of Simons career
Simon is the fifth-generation Potter to work in the textile and clothing industry — it’s truly in his blood. The photograph above shows his great-grandfather’s business on Fitzgerald Street, Northam WA, which operated from 1908 through to the 1920s. When we expanded into retail, we proudly named it Potter & Co, honouring this incredible family legacy.
Simon started his journey working for his dad, Peter Potter, who at the time owned Serican Silk, a Perth-based wholesaler that’s still going strong today. From there, Simon stepped out on his own as a fabric agent — building relationships with suppliers and clients, many of whom remain close collaborators to this day. In fact, one is our very own agent in Sydney.
In 1999, Simon founded Potter Textiles, driven by a love of natural fibres — especially linen. While the business has evolved over time — expanding into poly knit prints, ready-to-wear knit ranges, and workwear fabrics — one thing has always stayed constant: the linen range. His passion for quality, texture, and timeless fabrics has shaped every chapter of the company’s journey.
Simon has owned and run Potters for 26 years and it has been a labour of love. He is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to textiles and he has a lot of good stories too.
If you pop in over the next month or give us a call, make sure to have a chat — there’s a good chance you’ll walk away with not only some great fabric, but a story or two as well.
And don’t worry, you’ll probably see Simon’s face pop up now and then, especially when Linh convinces him to help unload a shipment 😉