Londis store owner Natalie Lightfoot is what you might call a busy retailer. She runs her own store in Baillieston and recently co-founded the Retail Family online peer support group. This platform allows retailers to connect weekly, discussing job challenges or simply chatting.
Balancing retail and personal growth
On top of her retail commitments, Natalie is currently taking an introductory course in counseling and psychology. She previously studied business at university, which included psychology modules she enjoyed. This new course is intensive, covering a lot of material in 12 weeks, after which she can apply for the next stage. Natalie admits she looked forward to starting the course as much as people anticipate holidays, highlighting her enthusiasm for personal development.
Natalie’s motivation for the course stems from her desire to improve her peer support skills. As an employer, she has experience supporting her staff and wants to enhance her ability to help others. Her background in HR and her empathetic nature further drive this interest. She acknowledges that while she is already compassionate, she seeks more structured skills to better assist those around her. “I’m also quite a compassionate, empathetic person, but I’d like more skills around that,” she explains.
Retail’s unique demands
Natalie’s decision to pursue this course also reflects her need for personal growth in an industry that can be all-consuming. She explains, “It’s for me as well – just for me. I’m at that stage in my life where I could do anything. I love retailing and I know it through and through, and I don’t find it boring and I never will.”
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The loss of her mother at the end of October last year has also influenced her decision, prompting some soul-searching. Natalie acknowledges the unique challenges of retail, where she must manage both public interactions and staff issues while running her own business. This personal loss has deepened her resolve to understand and support others more effectively.
Improving business through self-improvement
Natalie believes that investing in herself will ultimately benefit her business. She says, “There’s no harm in working on yourself. It’s only going to improve my business.” She hopes the course will help her better motivate her team by understanding their motivations. By gaining insights into human behavior, she aims to create a more supportive and productive work environment.
Juggling the course, Retail Family, her store, and her family life is no small feat. Natalie, a mother of three children aged five to 14, is no stranger to multitasking. Her husband, Martin, is also involved in running their Londis store, adding another layer of complexity to their busy lives. “There’s a lot of compromise and sacrifice.” Thankfully, retailers like Natalie are willing to make such sacrifices.
Natalie’s approach to her work and personal development reflects a broader realization about self-improvement. As she puts it, “You only have one life and I don’t want to limit myself to one thing.” She attributes this mindset to being in her 40s, a time when many people reflect on their lives and seek ways to enhance their well-being. “I think it’s just being in my 40s. You get to a point where you wonder how to make yourself feel better. I don’t think I have the answer, but I can definitely debate it…”
