For our next “DayMaker in 5” blog, we spoke to Hristina Hristova, DayMaker receptionist based at 280 High Holborn, London. Hristina spoke with us about her belief in going the extra mile, how a spare suitcase saved a panicked author, and how her skills in sports and languages shape her approach as a DayMaker.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I play a key role in creating a welcoming and professional first impression for all visitors. It’s a multi-tenant building, each with its own community. I greet guests, direct them on where to go, and spend time engaging with everyone who comes through the door. It helps me build good relationships with each individual, but also build relationships between different companies.
I also help keep the building running efficiently by managing parcels, coordinating bookings for the loading bay, and arranging contractor visits in line with planned preventative maintenance schedules.
It’s my priority for our front-of-house to run smoothly and professionally, because our visitors and colleagues deserve a supportive workplace.
What has been a key learning moment for you as a DayMaker?
Last year, one of our tenants, an author, urgently needed help just before leaving for a flight to Shanghai. His suitcase – full of books for his publishing work – had broken within minutes of leaving the office. He asked if we had a spare suitcase, but the chances were pretty low in our corporate office.
However, I still wanted to try. To my surprise, the perfect suitcase was sitting intact in our storage room, and it fit everything he needed. He was both surprised and relieved that we had a solution to such an unusual problem!
Stories like this just show that going the extra mile and treating no issue as unsolvable can truly make a difference to someone’s day.
How has being part of On Verve helped you develop?
When I first started at On Verve, I relied on my previous front-of-house experiences in a residential building and private members’ club, because I was new to a corporate environment.
In this space, I engage with a wider range of people every day, and I’ve been encouraged to approach each interaction with a positive, proactive mindset and to pay attention to detail.
That focus has allowed me to take pride in delivering a high standard of service and broaden my communication skills, and has carried into my overall confidence outside of work. The corporate environment has also been a great change of pace for me, especially for work-life balance. I am grateful to On Verve for giving me this challenge, and to my manager, Milja, who found me the best possible place.
How does your background help you be a great Day Maker?
My background has played an important role in shaping the skills I bring to my role as a DayMaker. Having been a basketball player for many years, I developed a strong sense of teamwork, leadership, and resilience, as well as the ability to stay calm and focused in fast-paced situations. My experience in martial arts has further strengthened my discipline, patience, and respect for others.
I have a passion for reading, and I am currently studying for a BSc in Psychology, which continues to deepen my understanding of human behaviour. I have also studied foreign languages and literature, which has enhanced my communication skills and helped me better understand and connect with people from diverse backgrounds.
These experiences allow me to approach my role with empathy, professionalism, and a focus on creating a positive experience for everyone I interact with.
What does being a DayMaker mean to you?
Being a DayMaker means going beyond the basics of front-of-house roles to really try to make people’s days easier by creating a warm, welcoming environment where everyone feels seen and supported from the moment they walk through the door.
Honestly, I just love being around people. One minute I can be assisting with a simple request and another finding a solution to an unexpected problem, or I’m building a relationship with someone in the lift before stopping on the fourth floor and assisting a colleague I know well.
In our building, where many different companies share the same space, I also see my role as bringing people together – introducing others and forming new connections. Over time, we have built a sense of community where individuals from different organisations can connect, interact, and feel part of something bigger.
Being a DayMaker means not only looking after people on a practical level, but creating an inclusive and friendly atmosphere where everyone feels they belong.
At On Verve, our priority isn’t just workplace function; it is how people feel within it. If you would like to learn more about our work, read about our services, or get in touch with the team today.