We were lucky to catch up with Xenia Dolovova recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Xenia, thanks for joining us today. Innovation comes in all shapes, sizes and across all industries, so we’d love to hear about something you’ve done that you feel was particularly innovative.

Many confuse innovation with invention, but to me, innovation is about creating something new and valuable within a specific context, whether it’s a geographical area or an industry. It involves combining existing ideas, improving upon them, and addressing unmet needs or challenges. Personally, I view innovation as the art of connecting disparate concepts or experiences to develop novel applications. It’s about bridging gaps, identifying problems, and finding solutions.

The creation of Furniture Repair Bank exemplifies this ethos of innovation. By salvaging furniture that would otherwise end up in landfills because it’s worn, damaged, or obsolete we not only reduce waste but also contribute to the well-being of marginalized communities. Our unique approach, which involves refurbishing and donating furniture, sets us apart as trailblazers in the United States, showcasing how innovation can transform established practices.

The issue of furniture waste is multifaceted, encompassing high repair costs, unsustainable sourcing practices, and a decline in skilled labor within the repair industry. Furniture Repair Bank aims to tackle these challenges by educating our engaged volunteers on furniture refurbishment, empowering communities to care for their furniture sustainably, and offering an alternative to disposal. Our mission is rooted in the belief that everyone can contribute to reducing waste and creating a more sustainable future.

In essence, innovation isn’t just about creating something new; it’s about creating meaningful change that benefits both people and the planet.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I hail from a place that exists only in its own realm—Transnistria. It’s not just a notion; it’s a fully-fledged country with its own government, currency, and passports, though unrecognized beyond its borders. This enclave serves as a haven for financial dealings among the affluent while leaving the less fortunate in a state of seclusion. Growing up there, amidst the aftermath of the Soviet Union’s dissolution, I witnessed a turbulent era where adults grappled with the turmoil of shifting realities. Raised by my widowed mother, I learned resilience and adaptability from an early age.

Driven by a thirst for more, I moved to Moldova, where I spent six years as the Editor-in-Chief of the first online media platform and hosted my own TV show. Subsequently, I ventured into the corporate world with a Hong Kong-based company, traversing Russian-speaking countries as a development manager. This experience provided the means for me to pursue an MBA in France, after which I spent two and a half years in the United Arab Emirates, supporting the launch of a startup incubator as a technology arm for an investment corporation. Along this path, I encountered failures but leaned on the resilience honed in my formative years to navigate challenges.

Today, I proudly lead a non-profit initiative known as the Furniture Repair Bank (https://www.repairbank.org). Through the dedication of our volunteers and partnerships, we breathe new life into discarded furniture, offering it to families in need. Our mission is rooted in sustainability, community, and equity. By embracing circular economy principles, we mitigate climate impacts by salvaging furniture from landfills through repair and redesign. We foster community resilience by sharing repair skills and providing a platform for compassion and creativity, while also contributing to workforce development within the industry. Most importantly, we bestow dignity and comfort upon vulnerable individuals through refurbished furniture, aiding those in need or embarking on fresh starts.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Again, I began my professional journey in marketing and business development, dedicating over a decade to crafting and executing impactful marketing campaigns while exploring new markets. However, it was during my MBA studies in Paris that I found myself questioning my career trajectory and seeking clarity on my long-term aspirations.

In 2014, my interests shifted towards sustainability, leading me to delve into clean energy through academic research, culminating in a thesis on the subject. Coincidentally, that same year in that same city marked a pivotal moment in global sustainability discussions with the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) which resulted in The Paris Agreement. Following my graduation, the practical realities of sustaining oneself led me to the United Arab Emirates, where I seized the opportunity to establish an incubator program for startups, further expanding my entrepreneurial skills.

Two and a half years later, a life-altering event brought me to the United States, where I embarked on a new chapter. This period of transition became a catalyst for me to realign my career focus, ultimately leading me to discover a deep passion for waste management. My journey into the nonprofit sector began with Zero Waste Washington, where I initially volunteered my expertise, gradually transitioning to full-time involvement.

Over the course of three years, I cultivated valuable connections and identified unmet needs within the waste management landscape. This process of exploration and strategic development laid the groundwork for the inception of Furniture Repair Bank, a testament to my commitment to sustainable practices and community empowerment.

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

The result of our efforts is the circulation of furniture items, showcasing our expertise in processes such as restoration, repair, redesign, remanufacture, and refurbishing. Although I lacked a direct background in furniture restoration, my experience in sewing, pattern development since the age of 12, and proficiency with industrial sewing machines laid a strong foundation and a believe that anything can be done if you put your mind into it. Founding Furniture Repair Bank marked a significant journey of learning and adaptation. In over two years, we transitioned from a pilot project to a fully functional non-profit business, mastering the necessary manufacturing processes along the way.

Our team comprises skilled volunteers with diverse expertise in furniture repair. Their insights have been invaluable, offering advice and multiple approaches to furniture refurbishment and remanufacturing. I’ve discovered that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution in this industry; each artisan has unique techniques and tools they prefer. This diversity fosters creativity, allowing us to modernize and repair furniture items in myriad ways.

Navigating through these varied approaches has relieved the pressure of adhering strictly to a standard methodology. Instead, it has prompted us to explore process optimization tailored to our production needs. We’re constantly balancing resource optimization, considering factors like volunteer time and material usage, with redesigning for repairability to ensure that the items we circulate can be easily restored in the future. While we continue to refine our optimization strategies, this journey underscores our commitment to sustainable and efficient furniture restoration practices.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.repairbank.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/repairbank
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dolovova/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZV0F32jcu6E