Lisa Davis graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a Bachelors of Fine Art in the early ’90s. She tried pursuing a career as a painter but she felt it was “too close to [her] heart.” Around the same time, Davis fell into the “world of upholstery,” and she’s been working in the field ever since.

Davis business, Lisa Davis Upholstery, offers unique, hard to find fabrics. “We bring out the character of each piece of furniture so that it compliments and enhances the owner’s living space,” Davis said. Lisa Davis Upholstery, which opened in 1993, custom designs furniture as well. Davis calls the approach “functional sculpture.” “We create furniture works of art,” she said.

Davis also likes to push her limits and boundaries. She has been rock climbing for the past 11 years. “It pushes my physical limits but also pushes me in the nonphysical realm,” Davis said, who is quite philosophical. “I like to experience the ying/yang of things, to see life run its course and come full circle,” she said.

Davis is involved in the local lesbian community. She’s participated in the San Diego Dyke March and donates to the Lesbian Health Project. “I think we’ve come a long way on our road for equality,” Davis said. “I think the people that will value that road the most will be the people who worked to build it.”