Meet the Master Crafters: Part III
Beata Barczak - Wiring
Beata and her husband Dariusz both work here at Northern Lights. Originally from Poland, they came to the UK over ten years ago. We chatted with her to find out more.
How long have you been in the UK?
I'm from a small village, and my husband is from a big city in Poland. When I first came to the UK, I knew how to say "Hello, how are you," and that's about it! Now I can talk to anyone about this job and understand the language much better. Sometimes I still struggle in other situations to describe things – but not when it comes to working! This is my very first job in England. And I hope it to be my first and last; I really like it. I started in the shade department for about 1.5 years, then moved on to wiring and assembly, which I've been doing for about seven years.
What excited you about joining Northern Lights?
We have lots of interior design friends in Poland. My best friend in Poland has her own design studio. It's modern stuff, and she's amazing. I see all her designs on Instagram. So this job seemed perfect for me. With design, it changes all the time – there's always something new, and I love the big, unusual jobs the most. I'm a perfectionist, so if something doesn't look right, I won't let it go out! The quality always has to be just right.
Do you & your husband share a love of design?
My husband and I both like design. We're always talking about design when we get home and get excited each time a new project comes through. I'm constantly changing things in the house, although sometimes Dariusz tells me I need to stop! Usually, I look on Instagram to see our lighting and how it looks in the finished rooms, which look so nice. If my friends go anywhere where I know we have done the lighting, I'm always proud to say this is from my company.
What is it like to work in wiring at Northern Lights?
We work as a team here. We all help each other work through what's required, especially if it's a big, complicated piece. This is very important to me. Communication is really important.
What do you like to do outside of work?
My husband and I don't stop. We are very active. I go to the gym every day after work, I like going out riding my bike. I can't just sit down. I need to move all the time and be doing something.
Do you miss your home country?
The weather here is not for me! In the spring in Poland, it is very hot! So I do miss the weather. We're going to Poland to see our family and friends in three weeks; I'm really excited.