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Meet The Team!

Jenni

After leaving school at 16 years old I started a government apprenticeship YTS scheme in hairdressing. When i had my children i carried on hairdressing as this is one of my passions.

I became interested in Art Deco and wanted to introduce it into my home.

I really enjoy upcycling and upholstering furniture. I found Refurnish through a friend and went on to volunteer to improve my skillset. Expressions was created. I became a part time employee, then full time and eventually I worked my way to Team Leader here at Expressions.

In my spare time I enjoy playing hockey with an amazing team of ladies and have done this for 20 years!

This gives me an opportunity to stay fit and socialise.

Sarah

My journey at Expressions began in 2020 during the COVID 19 pandemic.

Expressions has enabled me to excel regarding my creative abilities. I have been able to improve our social media presence on Facebook using my knowledge of apps, websites and analytics. This led to me creating our very own website, Ebay page and Instagram. I also find job satisfaction at Expressions by helping all of our lovely customers using my experience in other retail stores across Refurnish for nearly a decade.

Refurnish also offered me lots of support during the Doncaster flood of 2019 as unfortunately my property was affected quite badly. Throughout every hurdle I have faced Refurnish have supported me 100% along the way and I have no words that can describe how grateful I am for the charity's ability to jump in and offer services to anyone that is going through hard times.

Jude

After leaving school at the end of sixth form I joined a high street bank in 1975. My only child was born during the following 32 years that I worked full time until eventually being made redundant after my role fell away.

I had various jobs in the financial sector and worked in a small supermarket over the next 4 years until I decided that I wanted a change. I was offered a part time job within a retail role at Refurnish which became a full time position after a while.

I took on a change of duties after 5 years turning my hand to production. I now repair and produce all of the blinds and curtain poles for the Expressions team. As a practical, hands on person I find the problem solving and end results rewarding and thoroughly enjoy my role.

I now work 4 days and find that the extra day off can usually be filled on the golf course.

Due to me now approaching that "certain age" retirement is calling me in 2023 so i may be waving goodbye to a life of work which began as a 14 year old with a Saturday job attracting the magnificent wage of 20 pence per hour!

I shall miss it here at Refurnish.

Dave

When I left school at the age of 16 I got my first job as an apprentice upholsterer at a large nationwide sofa maker and retailer where I stayed for 25 years making pieces of furniture such as dining chairs, sofas and stools on a commission basis.

In 2005 i took a complete change of career and went on to work for a vehicle conversion company where we converted vans for utility companies. This included fitting toilets, installing extra seats and windows etc...

Then in 2008 I started working for a railway as a vehicle builder. This also included working on the trains where needed.

10 years later I decided to go back to a vehicle conversion company where I remained till I discovered Doncaster Refurnish.

They approached me with lots of queries about my fantastic skills so I decided to start accepting commissions on a weekend. This amount of work has grown over time.

I really enjoy being a part of the Expressions team as I find it very relaxing and love to see the furniture get a new lease of life.

In my spare time I like to spend it outside in my garden trying to grow veg/flowers and would love to get back into my fishing once more.

Bernadette

I came to Refurnish via a DWP work placement.

I didn't know what I was capable of due to my literacy skills at the time. I struggled to understand what the vacancy titles were that the local Job Centre encouraged me to apply for due to my commitments to being a full time mum of 2 beautiful girls and wife.

At Refurnish I was able to start exploring my creative side as I enjoyed the experience and after completing my placement time I decided to stay on as a volunteer.

I was then able to gain subsidised employment with Refurnish after receiving financial support from Sure Start. This is my first "proper job". I now work within our Expressions team where I have thrived. I am able to support volunteers with anxiety issues and teach various mediums from Frenchic Paint techniques to decoupage and upholstery/sewing.

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Two things that you may not know about me:

  1. I enjoy making head dresses for events in my spare time.

  2. I was related to Roger Tuby the former Alderman of Doncaster whose family still operate funfairs across the North of England.

Neil

I left school at 16 years old and went into working in agriculture where I spent the next 20+ years.

After leaving farming I came to Refurnish in 2011 on a 4 week DWP work placement in the Waterdale store (that was previously in Doncaster City Centre) as a general sales assistant.

At the end of my 4 week work placement I was asked to stay on as a volunteer where I learnt all about the different aspects of a retail environment.

In 2015 I was employed full time to manage the Refurnish Cleveland Street store (also previously in Doncaster City Centre) and ever since then I have worked at all of our Refurnish stores.

I have also had experience within the furniture production side of Refurnish as well as driving/loading to assist with our delivery service and work with Doncaster City Council.

I am now working full time here at Expressions and I thoroughly enjoy the various tasks that I undertake here.

In my spare time I enjoy the countryside, gaming, watching Formula 1, football and keeping in touch with family and friends.

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Nathan

About 3 years ago I received a late diagnosis of autism and the comorbid affects of anxiety and depression.

This led me to make some very significant life changes and brought an end to a 30 year career in construction.

After a great deal of discussion with my family and professionals I found an understanding of myself and a career change was needed.

Working alongside a charity, Autism Plus I found Expressions Refurnish and started as a volunteer. They helped me find my passion.

I am now employed here in an amazing role which I love!

My role at Expressions is to repair and restore damaged furniture both old and new. I enjoy the challenge of upcycling pieces by taking parts from scrapped furniture to create something completely unique.

I also like to make bespoke items created from scratch, they can be transformed into furniture, wall art and sculptures etc...

The amazing support of Expressions Refurnish has been invaluable as they have allowed me to bring out my full potential in my own creativity.

Roni

During my second year of attending my course at the Communication Specialist College in Doncaster I started a work placement that eventually led to me volunteering when I had completed my education there. This was to improve my employability skills.

I didn't think I would enjoy working life as I was very nervous but the staff were very nice, helpful and made me feel part of the team.

They inspired me to keep volunteering for a further 3 years. During this time I gained the confidence to work more days as the fear melted away.

I am excellent at wiping down and washing materials, building shelves, units and painting chairs. I also help my colleagues when when they need help.

Since volunteering I have learned to become an independent traveller and I am so much more confident in everything I do. I still have a lot to learn but I am more than satisfied to have a place here.

Now I'm an employee at Refurnish all thanks to my hard work, dedication and support from all of those who know me.

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