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Pharmacy 777
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How I see it
WORDS | Gabi Mills PORTRAIT | Matt Jelonek
JEN KRISKO Retail Store Manager, Pharmacy 777, Rokeby Road Tell me about how you started your career – the highs and lows, and challenges along the way. I started my journey with Pharmacy 777 in 2002 as a shy 15-year-old. I didn’t really enjoy school much as I didn’t really have an interest in the subjects. My mum was obviously concerned about me leaving school and, as someone who has always known me best, suggested I apply for the job at Friendlies Chemist Subiaco 64
SUBIACO: EAT SHOP LIVE
(now Pharmacy777). Some 20 years later and I’ve never looked back. I began as the junior who emptied the bins, made coffees, assisted the store buyer and giggled a lot. Today I am the Retail Store Manager who assists in making decisions in providing the best in-store experience for our customers and yes, I still giggle a lot! There are some downtimes in this job, though, as I have seen my fair share of elderly customers pass away. These are customers that I served every week for the past 20 years like clockwork and I really do miss them when they’ve gone. COVID was a challenge too. As
essential workers we had to continue on regardless of the fear we felt at what was happening in the world. This too made me realise what a strong team we are as we lifted each other’s spirits with words, hugs and flowers when it all got too much. What do you enjoy about your role in particular? I love serving my customers, supporting them through the phases of their life. Yes, I help them find the right health solutions but, I also like my chats where they share their life with me, good and bad and giving my input when asked.
