Our team
ROISIN
GENERAL MANAGER
Roisin joined the team in January 2021, just hours before the fourth lockdown began, as our operations manager. Now serving as the general manager at Merry-go-round, she plays a crucial role behind the scenes, ensuring that everything operates seamlessly. With a passion for second-hand goods, Roisin has dedicated many years to charity retail, truly enjoying her work in that sector.
FRANCESCA
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Fran joined Merry-go-round as a retail assistant in 2023. Beginning her journey in our shop, Francesca quickly mastered the inner workings of daily operations. She now oversees all activities at our sorting hub and shop. One of Fran's favourite aspects of her role is interacting with our customers and their adorable babies. You can still spot Fran at the till on Saturdays, bringing her warm spirit to the team and our community.
MARK
RETAIL SUPERVISOR
Mark joined us through the Community Jobs Scotland scheme in 2014, and we recognised his potential immediately, resulting in him becoming a valued part of our team. He initially began as a stockroom assistant, but it quickly became evident that he possessed outstanding sales skills that were ready to shine. Today, Mark serves as our full-time retail supervisor and customer service expert.
LAUREN
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OFFICER
Having studied a research masters focusing on sustainability, Lauren was inspired to pursue work with a social enterprise. She joined the team in September 2021.
We soon found out that she has a creative streak too and enjoys crochet, cross stitch, creating graphics/illustrations AND plays bass in an all girl band called Flinch!
Lauren has moved from being a retail assistant to our community engagement officer.
JAMIE
RETAIL ASSISTANT
Jamie joined us in May of 2022. After 7 years of corporate retail he wanted to use the skills he had learned in a more positive and community driven environment. In his free time he enjoys all things craft and design from carpentry to cross stitch.
NICOLE
RETAIL ASSISTANT
Nicole also started with us through the Community Jobs Scotland scheme for 6 months but has now been with us for almost 10 years! She also moonlights at the Hydro and sees more gigs than any of the rest of us combined!
JENNY
STOCKROOM ASSISTANT
Jenny plays a vital role in our sorting hub, ensuring that all of our amazing donations are quality checked before they are either sold through the shop or placed into partnership packs. She finds fulfilment in her work as it allows her to contribute to the important mission of keeping high-quality clothing from being discarded in landfills. Knowing that her efforts help promote sustainability and make a positive impact on the community is what makes her job truly rewarding.
JANET
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
Janet serves as the primary point of contact for all our dedicated volunteers, corporate contributors and those looking to join our volunteer community. Her presence on the team has been invaluable as she consistently contributes creative ideas to enhance the volunteering experience. Janet's efforts ensure that each volunteer feels supported and engaged, maximising the impact and enjoyment of their time with us.
SHANNON
E-COMMERCE ASSISTANT
Shannon loves all things tech and preloved clothing, so when she saw Merry-go-round was a hiring an e-commerce assistant she knew that she would be perfect for the job. Shannon helps to keep our website up to date and manages our online shop and eBay sales. When she’s not uploading all the fresh stock, Shannon can be found at cinema watching the latest films or at the theatre having a sing-song to her favourite musicals.
LUCIA
EVENTS COORDINATOR
Lucia joined us in 2024 and has made significant improvements to our events timetable and space. She ensures that from Monday to Friday, we offer a diverse range of classes and events, providing families with opportunities to connect, receive support and keep their little ones entertained. Her contributions have truly enhanced the community experience we provide.
RAJKIRAN
DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Rajkiran has been a valued member of our team since we first opened our doors in April 2012. She started as a volunteer and became our first paid member of staff and then first shop manager. She went from knowing nothing about children’s goods to becoming a fountain of knowledge about all things baby!
MERRY-GO-ROUND BOARD
SAM, LAURA, LYNNE (pictured)
PAULINE, JAMIE, MARY (pics coming soon!)
Merry-go-round is run by six experienced people all passionate about sustainability, community and supporting people. Sam founded Merry-go-round after having her son Elliot and realising how much baby stuff was cluttering up the planet. She was determined to encourage other families to buy pre-loved rather than new goods for their little ones. Laura Thom first met Sam at a breastfeeding class when they were both very pregnant and heard Sam talking about her dream of opening Merry-go-round. She got roped in to get the shop up and running and has now joined the board bringing with her many years of project management and planning skills. Lynne Dent, a local resident and mum, works for the BBC and joined us to bring her management expertise. Her enthusiasm spread and a colleague Jamie who was a customer of Merry-go-round and understood the difference we make decided to join too. Pauline Stewart has supported our operations and people with her incredible planning and coaching skills! Mary’s our most recent board member, bringing new ideas and a customer focus with her banking experience.
If you are interested in joining the board please contact us to find out more.