Mum-of-two Claire James is full of beans after achieving her goal of getting the top job at a coffee house in Wrexham.
Claire, who returned to the workplace after her youngest daughter started school five years ago, has been appointed as the manager at Costa at the Odeon cinema at Eagles Meadow shopping centre.
According to Claire, a trained barista, she absolutely loves her new role and the added responsibility that comes with it.
Claire, who is married to HGV driver Carl and has two daughters, Ella, 12, and Megan, 10, said: “I started back to work after Megan went to school, initially just doing a couple of evening shifts as a general team member within the Odeon.
“I then moved downstairs to Costa as a team member before becoming a team leader. As the number of hours I could work increased the more I enjoyed work and eventually when the manager’s role became vacant I applied.
“I was thrilled to get the job and I have a fantastic team to work with.”
But Claire admits her new management role is very different and she now finds herself spending time at home thinking of work issues and planning new ideas.
She said: “It really is very different. For example, I have been interviewing for new staff as well as ensuring the team is well looked after and everyone is enjoying coming to work.
“There is a lot to think about and I want to make sure I get it right. You have to constantly think about your man-management skills and how you are going to get the best out of everyone.”
She added: “I absolutely love coming to work though. I work with some great people and we have some amazing regular customers. They know us all by name and we know them.
“And we now find regulars coming in for a coffee and meeting up with other regulars who they have met here at Costa and become firm friends.
“It’s a lovely atmosphere and I’m proud to have reached my goal by becoming a manager. It shows if you have ambition you can get to where you want.
“Now I can put more hours in, I now work full time, I feel I’m contributing and have a career of my own.”
Odeon manager Andy Elvis said: “I’m delighted for Claire. She gave a brilliant interview and her passion for the brand, her staff and customers is exceptional.
“I’m sure we made the right choice, the Costa team is excellent and under Claire’s leadership they will only go from strength to strength.
“There is always a fantastic friendly atmosphere in the Costa franchise and the sheer number of regular customers is proof of that.”
Eagles Meadow manager Kevin Critchley said: “I’m pleased for Claire she has been appointed as manager at Costa.
“Costa is a very popular meeting place here at Eagles Meadow whether people are on a shopping trip or before going to watch a film.
“It’s a busy place with a fantastic welcoming atmosphere. It’s certainly an important part of what we offer here at Eagles Meadow.”
