YPDaily: Courtney MacCuish

Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I own a couple of boutique clothing stores, so basically I do a little of everything. Buying, bookkeeping, HR, and a whole lot of damage control.

Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I started working in my dad’s clothing stores at about age 10. I would unpack new merchandise and button up the coats for a few dollars. I always admired my dad for being able to raise four kids while working hard and still being able to be at every track meet, ballet recital, and important event for all of us. I like the autonomy of small business, and the flexibility you can create for yourself. 

What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
I love working with the girls in the store, and interacting with some of our wonderful customers. I am a social person, so being able to chat with friends and call it work is incredible. Small business has new different challenges every day. The most challenging part is trying to be present as often as possible in the stores when balancing all of the behind-the-scenes work, such as bookkeeping, accounts, buying, etc.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself possibly with a third store, a few children (god willing), living a happy and hopefully successful life. 

What does success look like to you?
To me, success is balancing your career and your family, and living a happy, low-stress life while doing it.

What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
So far, I would have to say the day that I bought my first store from my father. We had talked about it for so long, so when there was finally an agreement in place, and it was finally mine, it was such an amazing feeling. I just wanted to work day and night to make changes that I had wanted to make for a long time. I felt so independent! 

Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Never stop learning. You can always find new ways to do what you’re doing even better.

Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
Yes, I support all sorts of charities, especially local schools and community groups as they are what keeps small businesses going, and I am always grateful for them.

I also support the CW Asia Fund that my godparents are deeply involved with. There are so many children and families in the world that go hungry and do not have access to health care and medicines that we take for granted. A little money can go a long way for these people, so I love supporting as much as I can. 

Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone all the way…I LOVE Mac products. They are user-friendly and I am not technical!