James Niebling is a native of California, from the San Francisco Bay Area. He began his retail career with Macy’s California in 1981 while still attending High School. He worked for Macys Department Store for 12 years, working his way up the corporate ladder. During his last 4 years he was the Buyer for Women’s Better Fashion Apparel. He continued his retail career with Express, Inc. in Columbus, OH, and Ann Taylor, Inc. in New York, NY.

Most recently James held the position of Vice-President of Merchandising at Polo Ralph Lauren over Women’s and Children’s Apparel in New York, NY. At the close of 2003, James moved from Manhattan to San Diego with his partner Esteban Lopez. In January 2004 he co-founded Arthur Kay, Inc. The first business venture is a beautiful glass gallery named vetro. James is also a founding member and former Treasurer of The Art and Design District in Little Italy, San Diego. By 2005 James teamed up with Esteban to open a design showroom for Esteban Interiors. In August of 2007 James and Esteban relocated their design showroom, and glass gallery to La Jolla's Design District on Girard Avenue.