Irish International: Jenia Borkina

31.07.2020

Meet Jenia

We might be an Irish company but we have the best Irish and International talent working with us, at home and abroad. We thought we would showcase some of them and the work they do.

Meet Jenia Borkina, Interior Designer here at Farrell.

Birthplace / Nationality
I was born in Estonia but at the time it was part of the USSR. My family is Russian!

Where did you grow up?
I lived in Estonia until I was 11 and then I moved with my parents to the Emerald Isle. I am definitely a mix of Irish, Russian and Estonian.

What did you want to be when you were a child?
I remember I wanted to be an artist or an architect – to be honest anything to do with design and creativity.

What is your official job title?
Interior Designer.

What do you actually do?
Initially I was involved across most design aspects in the business. This includes our residential, private office and government / public sector work. However, a few months ago I was allocated to work with one of our key clients in the public sector. Here I am responsible for design, sales support and administration related to the account. I prepare floor layouts, 3D renders, presentations and product quotes from initial client meeting right through to delivery and installation.

Where are you mostly based today with work?
I am predominately based in our head office in Ardee, Co. Louth but I work everywhere across Ireland due to the key client and a lot in Dublin. In addition we provide furniture solutions for Irish Embassies abroad so this can bring me further afield.

What do you like about your job?
I thoroughly enjoy providing interior and furniture solutions for our clients. It is a creative process, but it also needs to be practical as they are working environments and we focus on providing what will work best for them given their needs.

What is your favourite hobby / past-time?
I love to travel. If I could do more of it I would. I enjoy discovering about new cultures, food and beautiful natural places such as mountains, lakes and beaches. I also went through a painting phase and I read a lot. On a day to day basis I go walking in the park, swim, gym, a bit of TV and meeting up with friends when we can!

What is your ‘guilty pleasure’?
I guess I read a bit too much of celebrity gossip. I got stuck watching ‘Keeping up with the Kardashians’ for a while even though I thought I shouldn’t be watching!

Who is/was your idol / role model?
I never really had one. I notice certain qualities I admire in people around me which I wish I had more of. I am always amazed by very positive, kind people who only see the good in everything and everyone, or smart people who built so much starting from so little and yet they remain kind and grounded.

What is the one thing you are most proud of?
I am really proud of having lived in different countries. I lived in London for 5 years, Brazil for 3 years and obviously Ireland. I had to learn new languages, new cultures, and I think I adapted to it really well. It was a truly great experience that I learned a lot from.

What do you like most about working for an Irish company?
I find the working culture in Ireland is very friendly, polite, open and not too formal but at the same professional. People have a fun way of working and like to share stories and jokes that puts you at ease throughout the day.

What is your personal experience of working at Farrell?
Farrell has been great, understanding and considerate throughout the beginning from my immediate colleagues right up to management. I have been involved in so many different projects and meetings where you get to meet new people and learn new things all the time! Farrell are focused on trying to improve all aspects of the business. This means the company listens to everyone’s ideas, suggestions and concerns.

What do you think about the Furniture Manufacture sector?
It is a very competitive sector. There are many furniture companies out there so to succeed you must be top of your game. For me Farrell is a leader in practical furniture solutions for office and residential and this is where our clients are. We bring strong design capability meaning for the future we are looking at new product ranges and new trends to keep us ahead of the game.

What Irish-traits do you think you have (if any)?
I think growing in Ireland has taught me to say ‘hello, how are you’ to strangers and walkers by! Sometimes in the shops or pubs people would chat about anything to strangers. Our Paul Farrell is a great example. It is a very ‘down to earth’ Irish trait.

What do you miss most (if anything) about your home/country/town/place you are from?
Friends! I really think that the amazing people you meet make up a big part of your life experience. I also miss some of our cultural / traditional things like national celebrations. Like St. Patricks Day, in Estonia we have our own celebrated days which are great fun.