Born in Flanders, Fiona was an assistant to her father, a master painter. Fiona traveled to the French Court with her father because of her assistant status.  Here she befriended Lady Mary of Ross, a member of visiting Scottish embassy.  Upon reaching maturity Lady Mary offered to be Fiona’s patron.  Having secured the start of her own career Fiona traveled to Scotland when Lady Mary was summoned home. 

While in Scotland, Fiona met and married Master Jacob Stewart, a leather smith.  It was through Lady Mary that both Stewarts met and won favor with Lord and Lady Fairmont. This English Lord offered Jacob an exclusive contract for the leather needs of the Garrison of Dublin, of which the Lord was the Captain.

In addition Fiona’s secondary profession as a dye smith has become invaluable and a true economic benefit to both the Stewarts and Lord and Lady Fairmont.