Since leaving school I have worked in sales, credit management for a plc and now have my own fish shop. Every job I had I worked hard at and was in the right place at the right time with every advancement.

This was somewhat due to luck and my strong desire to be the best and earn more money. My life experiences shaped my every move as I had a small child and had to earn money to live.

My husband goes to the market very early to get the fish and I bring the children to school and creche and go to the shop for 9.15am. Then I set up the counter with the fresh fish. It is hard to be creative and also set up as quickly as you can.

The day starts. I serve customers and fill in details of the fish for traceability. The customers are the biggest bonus to my day. You keep the counter looking good with your product topped up with ice and make sure everything is super clean. You can never have any bad smell in such a small shop. So hygiene is a big thing.

Your main duty is to be very comfortable with the product and the customer you are selling to -  this is key.

So giving ideas on how to cook is a big thing along with information on where it is from and constant attention to hygiene. I am constantly thinking of new ideas for the shop and marketing fish in the area. Sourcing a constant supply of fish with the best quality is a daily task.

Keeping the accounts for the business in order is also a daily task.

I don't know what is cool about fish but the creative side of the counter and cooking suggestions give me a buzz.

My husband used to be a Chef and the ideas he comes up with are great and the customers love that.

I left school before my Leaving Certificate,  which I would not advise. I worked hard at everything I did and constantly tried to up my game.

I would advise to never take no for an answer, to get your foot in the door and work your way to where you want to go. My son is now twenty and is in college and he got great advice from career guidance in school.

I was delighted to be offered the position of Credit Manager in a plc and I learnt from that that anything you want to do is possible if you work hard enough.

Now I am very proud to be known for the fish shop we run in a small town where we love to live and work. It is great to part of the community in this way.