David Ginn is a warm, open, and ebullient man with a very engaging personality. He has been a Newham resident for over 26 years and has had an eclectic career in design, fashion, retail management, and visual displays in various West End stores.

But over lockdown he re-evaluated his life and recognised that his creative passions were being overshadowed by work and he decided to take the bold step and start his own business creating upcycled furniture and wall art.

David had been encouraged to do this for years by close friends who admired his creativity which is design and fashion led. His enterprising spirit drove him to walk into No 8 Forest Gate Emporium to speak to the owners and make a proposition. He would showcase and sell his upcycled and recycled pieces from their premises which would serve to attract potential customers to the shop.

They agreed and he started his new business in the first week of June this year. As David speaks with passion about his business and his relationship with customers. Discarded materials are sourced by David who tours the streets to see what gems he can find to give a new lease of life. He also looks through skips for items that are destined for landfill. He said: “ It’s crazy the amount of stuff that people throw away that is unwanted or old.”

David has been commissioned to upcycle pieces brought to him by owners who hope he can transform old and worn-out furniture. Currently his time is divided between his full-time job and the Emporium, His long-term ambition is to secure his own premises and to run his business full time.

You can contact David through his Instagram account @alfe_attheemporium

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