My retail life: Kate Bull, Chief executive, The People’s Supermarket

What was your first job in retailing?

In a greengrocer’s in Southend, Essex, with a 6am start. It was great chatting to the customers.

Which retail company do you admire most and why?

Anthropologie, because it gives consumers a broad experience. It is very imaginative with a living wall and its range of designers is great. The whole atmosphere is like walking into a large wardrobe not knowing what you’re going to find.

What is the trait you least like in yourself and why?

Impatience, and I am not good at focusing on detail. 

What qualities do you value most in retail?

Leadership. The the ability to lead and motivate is essential. To be able to translate your message to staff and customers is very important.

What advice would you give someone starting out in retail?

Be totally honest with yourself. If you’re not, it will come across. 

What keeps you awake at night?

When we almost closed last week it was the feeling that I’d let a lot of people down. 

What’s your proudest achievement?

Raising money from people across the world to help save our store. The idea that people in Seoul want to donate £50 to a shop in London because they like what it does is amazing.

What’s the most satisfying part of your job?

The individual stories from suppliers and customers who say, ‘I’m coming to you because I like what you do.’

What job would you have done if you hadn’t become a retailer?

A geologist. I love fossils – looking at something no one else has seen for millions of years is incredible.

What’s your favourite shop and why?

Liberty, for its quirkiness.

What was your last purchase?

A Finnish jumper I bought in Helsinki. It makes me look very Sarah Lund from The Killing at times.