Amanda Mitchell

1. What do you love most about your job?

There’s several things I really love about my job. The first would be when a new shop opens. This is always a really fun and positive day, and it’s so great to see all the new shop owner’s hard work paying off. Secondly, I love that every new season brings a new flower to bloom in the garden due to the types we planted. And lastly, I love that my job gives me the opportunity to meet new people all the time and interact with the community of the town.

2. What has been your career highlight to date?

I would say my highlight to date so far has been completing an entire overhaul renovation of the garden during the very first covid lockdown, it was a great way to welcome customers and visitors back to the centre when we were all allowed to open the doors again.

3. What are your favourite hobbies/ activities outside of work?

I really love upcycling, I love nothing more than making an old item look brand new and giving it a new purpose. I also love spending time in the garden, both at work and at home, just tidying up and tending to all the plants.

4. What is your daily routine? I have a toddler who comes to work with me so everyday we go through her morning routine and get ready for work at 10am. Every day is different at The Courtyard, along with normal management tasks, I can be a painter, gardener, handyman, even a plumber on some days so I wouldn’t have any specific daily routine. We do finish every day with cartoons and cuddles though.

5. Do you have a specific fitness regime?

I always try and get in 10,000 steps, which is thankfully quite easy as I would be on my feet for lot of the job but apart from that, running around after my toddler is enough exercise.

6. Do you have any tips for staying positive?

Just take a moment to smile and breathe. A nice calming walk can really do wonders to improve the mood as well.

7. What do you think is the best thing about living in Northern Ireland?

I love living so close to the coast, whether it’s a five-minute drive down to the beach for a run around, or a nice, relaxing drive up the coastal route, I love being close to the sea.

8. What is your mantra or favourite quote that you live by?

If you can’t change it, don’t worry about it. My mother told me this when I first started working and I’ve always tried to apply this as much as possible and not get caught up in things out of my control.

9. Who has been your biggest influence? I wouldn’t say any one person has been my biggest influence, it has varied as the stages in my life have. At one point, I would say my athletics coach would have been my biggest influence but at others, I would say professors or senior business people would be. But all of these people have instilled the same message, to work hard, enjoy success and be respectful.

10. FAVOURITE

Movie: Gremlins

Band/musician: AC/DC

Book: Jeremy Clarkson, Diddly Squat

Restaurant: Deanes Love Fish

Holiday Destination: Amsterdam, the Flower Market is one of my favourite places

Drink: Vodka lime and coke

Meal: Seafood chowder, or anything with seafood really!