Today we’d like to introduce you to Bailey Shapard.
Hi Bailey, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Cushion Pros is a family-owned business based in the heart of Georgia. Our parent company, American Mills, was founded in 1938 by the Shapard family and has remained family-owned and operated ever since. Over the decades, we built a reputation for quality textiles and craftsmanship, supplying products to well-known retailers and brands across the country.
Cushion Pros was born out of that same tradition, but with a focus on customization. We saw that people wanted more than just standard, mass-produced cushions; they wanted products that fit their exact needs, spaces, and personal style. That’s when we launched Cushion Pros, an online, made-to-order cushion company where customers can choose everything from fabric and size to shape and ties.
What started as an idea to make cushion buying simple and personal has grown into a thriving business. Today, we’re proud to combine the resources and experience of our long-standing parent company with the convenience and customization people expect. Our story is about tradition meeting innovation and always keeping quality, craftsmanship, and the customer at the center.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Our company was founded in 1938 by Robert Paine Shapard, Sr. and had its beginning as American Throwing Company. Its initial purpose was to throw or twist raw silk into yarn for use in the hosiery business. In June of 1941, an embargo was placed on all raw silk coming into the U.S. from Japan. American Throwing Company was then chosen by DuPont to experiment and develop a new yarn for use in stockings. This yarn is now known as nylon. When war was declared with Japan in December of 1941, all nylon being made for hosiery was frozen and became used exclusively in parachutes. That action subsequently led to American Throwing Company being put out of business. R. P. Shapard, Jr. made the decision then to enter the war effort; and in February of 1942, American Throwing Company was awarded a contract to produce 40 M.M. anti-aircraft projectiles. American Throwing Company produced 25% of all 40 M.M. Projectiles used during World War II.
After the war ended in 1945, all military contracts were cancelled and the decision was then made to reenter the textile business. Mr. Shapard began to manufacture infant knit underwear for Sears Roebuck as American Mills, Inc. American Mills Inc. continued the relationship with Sears for over forty years and grew to employ more than two thousand people. The product line grew to include table cloths, cushions, curtains, decorative pillows, and placemats.
In the late 1980’s, the largest division of American Mills was sold and the remaining divisions consolidated. The customer base was then expanded and the company added imported products to the line. In 2012, American Mills, Inc. launched Cushion Pros and began to focus 100% of their efforts in manufacturing cushions and pillows in the USA.
Cushion Pros was launched in 2012 by company owners Bill and Alisa Shapard.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Cushion Pros, we specialize in custom cushions and pillows that are truly made-to-order. Every piece is cut, sewn, and finished here in Georgia by a team that has been crafting textiles for generations. We’re known for making the process easy, customers can go online, choose their fabric, shape, size, and details, and we’ll create a product that fits their space perfectly.
What sets us apart is our combination of heritage and customization. Unlike mass-produced options, every order is made with care, one at a time, backed by the experience of our parent company, American Mills, which has been family-owned since 1938. That history of craftsmanship gives us a level of quality control and expertise that you don’t find everywhere.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud that we’ve built something personal. Our customers often come to us with very specific needs, whether it’s a unique bench cushion, replacement patio cushions, or custom throw pillows to tie a room together. We love hearing how our products transform a space and last for years.
More than anything, we want readers to know that Cushion Pros isn’t just a cushion company. We’re here to help people bring comfort, beauty, and personality into their homes with pieces made exactly for them. It’s a mix of tradition, innovation, and care that defines everything we do.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
We would just like to say thank you to our customers and community for supporting a family-owned business like ours. Every order means more to us than just a cushion, it’s a chance to share the craftsmanship that’s been in our family for generations and to help someone make their home a little more comfortable and beautiful.
If you’re looking for cushions that are custom-made, high quality, built to last, with the fastest turnaround time on the market, we would love for you to visit us at CushionPros.com. And if you ever have a question about a project, big or small, our team is always happy to help. At the end of the day, we’re proud to be a company rooted in tradition but focused on making comfort personal for every customer.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cushionpros.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cushion_pros/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CushionPros/
Image Credits
Pink cushions & headshot – Priscilla Devoss Boudreau
Grey living room set & pillows by the pool – Cindy Stansberry
Colorful pet beds, sewing, cutting shots – Josh Durham
