Lisa, has been volunteering as a stylist with Smart Works Scotland for six months, and is sharing her story as part of Small Charity Week. The national campaign was founded to celebrate the role played by small charities in communities across the UK.

When the world slowed down during the pandemic, Lisa – a bridal shop owner who loves fashion– took the opportunity to refresh her styling skills through an online course with the London College of Style. That course would soon become the catalyst for her journey into volunteering with Smart Works Scotland.

“I’d been thinking about volunteering for a few years,” Lisa reflects. “I suppose I just always felt that I could contribute something. I knew I wanted to work with an organisation that predominantly helped women – I felt I had a lot to offer in that space. When I read about Smart Works online, I just knew: if I was going to volunteer, this was the one.”

As someone who styles women of all ages and backgrounds every day in her bridal business, Lisa was already well-versed in the power of clothes to uplift and inspire. But volunteering at Smart Works Scotland brought a new kind of meaning to her work.

“At Smart Works, you meet women from an even wider range of backgrounds and help them in a different way, but the principle is the same – you’re making them feel amazing.”

Lisa now volunteers a minimum of two days each month at Smart Works Scotland, styling clients preparing for job interviews or starting new roles. She helps each woman select an outfit that boosts their confidence and reflects who they are – or who they want to become.

“We usually get an email the night before, letting us know which appointments are scheduled, so we can prepare,” Lisa explains. “When a woman comes in for her first appointment, the styling session is often the fun, confidence-building part that helps her relax before her interview coaching. For those returning after securing a job, we help them build a capsule wardrobe to get them through their first few weeks at work.”

Lisa says the styling sessions are collaborative, relaxed, and empowering.

“It's all about chatting – asking what their style is, what colours and shapes they like, and gently encouraging them if they’re open to trying something new. Some clients know exactly what suits them. Others aren’t sure. But most are brilliant at saying, ‘I love that’ or ‘I wouldn’t wear that.’ It’s a really fun and rewarding environment.”

Lisa is just one of more than 120 dedicated volunteers who power Smart Works Scotland’s life-changing services across Glasgow and Edinburgh. Together, they make it possible for the charity to deliver vital support with a team of just eight full-time staff members.

If you are interested in volunteering your time, find out more here