More Than a Shop Window
Going the extra mile to deliver a personal touch is something we take seriously here at Home Instead. The window displays of our town centre offices are no exception.
The work of the local talented designer, Nicola Ash, a creative with a seemingly never-ending stream of ideas – and props, are what brings our windows to life. We chat through our theme, it may be something the nation is celebrating or it may b esomething we are focussing on alongside our popular monthly radio Friendship Lunch hour. The windows are one of the ways we share our personal touch to care and to the wider communities we work in.
We spent some time with Nicola, out from behind a pile of props, to find out more about her love of design and how her windows are a family affair.
“I was always creative as a child, I loved sewing and knitting and never stopped making. I still enjoy the creative process now and often my ideas come from crafts that I do at home with my own children. At home I make vignettes with antiques and seasonal flowers and produce, this can be the beginnings of an idea for a window.”
We spent some time with Nicola, out from behind a pile of props, to find out more about her love of design and how her windows are a family affair.
“I was always creative as a child, I loved sewing and knitting and never stopped making. I still enjoy the creative process now and often my ideas come from crafts that I do at home with my own children. At home I make vignettes with antiques and seasonal flowers and produce, this can be the beginnings of an idea for a window.”
Although seasonally inspired and refreshed, our windows are used to create nostalgia, celebrate moments and evoke bygone times. They are a nod to our clients as well as to the meaningful, tailored care that we deliver. Nicola, a former finance director, describes the displays as, “a very good representation of the values shared by those who work in our Home Instead team and their clients. This can be a great introduction for people who are looking for roles in care.”
We love being part of the community in the towns we work in. “The windows catch people’s eye, and that’s even more special when it’s different generations. We may have a theme that harks back to another time, that appeals to an older generation along with our trademark soft toys, which are hidden in many of our displays and small children love to try and spot. Seeing them being enjoyed is an incredibly rewarding and magical thing.”
The intergenerational theme continues with Nicola’s behind the scenes preparation. Many of the props used in the windows are homemade and Nicola involves many members of her family in their creation. “One of my favourite windows included a faux fireplace. My dad is 80 and loves woodwork, he was the ideal candidate for creating mock ones for my displays.” Nicola’s mum, also 80, is part of the window team too. “She loves to help by driving me to dress the windows, helping me with the props and getting everything in-situ.
We use it as an excuse to spend time together and go out for lunch afterwards.” One of Nicola’s other favourite projects for a display included reams of crepe paper flowers, handmade over many evenings with her daughter. “We found so much time to talk and enjoy each other’s company. I think that’s the essence I try to include in my displays. Togetherness and community – everything that Home Instead stands for.”
You can see Nicola’s work at our Market Harborough and Oakham offices, including a newly installed green-themed window which boasts a rather special installation crafted by Nicola’s talented dad. If you’d like to know more about our professional home care service or Care Professional roles throughout Market Harborough, Oadby, Corby and Rutland visit us at https://www.homeinstead.co.uk/recruitment/
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