How I See It with Jen Krisko, Pharmacy 777

Pharmacy 777

I see it How

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 (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.

Tell me about your family – and how you navigate a big job and family challenges. It always surprises me to remember that I got married in 2010. It feels like yesterday. We are a small family just my husband, myself and our baby Duke. Duke is a handsome boy, although he does drool quite a bit (he’s a boxer). My husband and I really enjoy travelling and usually get away somewhere exotic every two years. So far we’ve been to the US, Europe and Asia and next year, we are hoping to travel to Eastern Europe.

What are you proud of about your achievements to date? The achievement I’m proudest of, career-wise, was when I completed the Pharmacy 777 Leadership Program where I learned to lead by example and how to show my colleagues they are valued. I am also proud that whilst working full-time I also trained to become a make-up artist and use those skills in-store.

What is special about your branch? The single most important thing your readers should know about Pharmacy 777 Rokeby Rd is that it is not ‘just a pharmacy that fill scripts and provides advice on vitamins or cosmetics’. The building dates back to 1902 when it was known as Kings Hall, a place for functions such as the returned soldiers in 1918. We have two fantastic framed photos of these occasions hanging in the stairwell leading to the doctor’s surgery above. With its beautiful, high pressed tin ceilings it really is the most beautiful building. The owners of the pharmacy have sympathetically remodelled the inside and there is a world behind the interior white doors that most customers are unaware of. There are rooms where sleep apnoea, podiatry, naturopathic consultations and health checks are held. There is also our beauty therapy room where beauty treatments such as waxing, facials and massages are completed.

If you could say something to your 21-year-old self, what would it be? Don’t overthink the little things, that you will gain confidence with age, and to embrace change. Being in the one store for 20 years has proven to me that you can still grow, learn and experience new things daily and keep things interesting, challenging and fresh.

What are you hoping for in the future – any targets you’d still like to hit? I would like to branch out to complete some external study around mental health care support. If I can help to make their day a little better by showing my empathy and understanding it would brighten my day too.

I love serving my customers, supporting them through the phases of their life.

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