Bright style, big heart: Luciana’s story

Posted: 03.06.26

- by Yaa Campbell, Fashion Journalist

Salvation Army charity shop colleague looking through clothes on hangers.

Salvation Army's Luciana holding a pair of checkered trousers in one hand, and a blazer with a scarf in the other hand. Clothing items are on hangers and there are shoes and hats in the background.

Salvation Army's Luciana looking at the camera while holding two hangers in each hand. White jeans on one hanger, navy cardigan paired with an orange top and orange tiger print scarf. Rail of clothing and shoes on shelves in the background.

Luciana's journey with The Salvation Army Wellington store is stitched with passion, purpose, and a love for vibrant fashion. She first stepped through the doors in 2013 as a volunteer, and after a decade of dedication, she officially joined the team as a paid Sales Assistant in March 2023, before being promoted more recently into an Assistant Manager role in a new Salvation Army store.

"I started volunteering after a friend introduced me to The Salvation Army", Luciana shares. "I felt passion for the job straight away."

Her transition from volunteer to staff member was more than just a title change, it was a moment of growth. "As a volunteer, I would help with the donation stock. But once I became a sales assistant, I could support customers and learn new skills."

Luciana's warmth and respect for others shine through in everything she does. "I love helping vulnerable people. That's what this job means to me; it's about care and compassion." Salvation Army charity shop staff & volunteer team of six people, standing behind the shop till and looking at the camera.

A proud advocate for second-hand shopping, Luciana sees it as both practical and functional. "It helps reduce waste and it's more cost-effective. I always recommend it to customers, friends, and family. It's fashionable and budget friendly."

Her personal style is just as bold as her beliefs. "I love bright, vibrant clothes. I get compliments when I wear colourful outfits!"

One of her most memorable influences was a colleague, Marie. "She was so encouraging and inspiring. Her hard work really motivated me to keep progressing."

Luciana's story is a reminder that second-hand isn't second best, it's a way to express yourself, support your community, and make sustainable choices. Whether she's ringing up a sale or offering a kind word, Luciana proves that fashion with heart never goes out of style.

We invited Luciana to take part in a mini second-hand style challenge. She curated three fashionable outfits using pieces from the Wellington charity shop, each one reflecting her vibrant taste and proving that second-hand style can be bold, expressive, and totally on-trend.

You can read more on volunteer stories in our latest Restyle magazine.

FREE to download here.