Career profile

NAME: Claire MacDonald.

AGE: 37.

JOB TITLE: Retail manager.

QUALIFICATIONS: HNC in Media Studies.

GETTING THERE: After college, I took a part-time Christmas job with high-street jeweller Ernest Jones. I was asked to stay on full-time in January and, by August, I had been made assistant manager. I really love Inverness and was very settled here, so my original plan to go Edinburgh to do a further course and live the poor student life was something that I really wanted to put to the back of my mind. I stayed with Ernest Jones for four years.

During a brief foray working in a book store, where the lure of wearing jeans to work was just too much, I saw the recruitment advert for Ortak in the local paper. I dusted off my suit, put my diamonds back on and went for the manager’s position – and got it. I have been working for Ortak for 10 years now.

BEST BITS: Working for a family company who all know your name rather than for an impersonal multinational where you’re just another number on the payroll. I really enjoy the fact that I am given a lot of say in how the branch is run. My staff, both past and present, are all delightful. Many of us have worked together at Ortak for years, and have become very good friends. Loving the products that we sell helps a little, too.

WORST BITS: Being in a hot shop in the summer when the weather is lovely. Being cosy in the winter time makes up for that, though.

ADVICE TO OTHERS: Keep it real and be yourself. Have a laugh. Employ people you get along with as you will spend more time with them than anyone else. Never judge people by appearance – just because I wear a suit to work doesn’t mean that I am not the same person who loves motorbikes, classic cars and 1970s rock music on my day off.