Shannon Sutherland’s first job as a young adult was in the food manufacturing industry.
Sutherland found it interesting because she got to work with various businesses, from cafes and restaurants to caterers and manufacturers.
When she became self-employed, she was 24 years old, so her career before this was limited to administration and sales roles.
“The food industry stuck with me, and I ended up owning a food manufacturing business for 20 years,” said Sutherland, presently a consultant at Dessert Kitchen Ltd.
Having learnt and operated from the ground up, she said that building a manufacturing business with her husband that supplies several blue-chip companies with multiple production areas has truly been a major highlight.
Learning something new, achieving goals, and making a positive impact have continued to be her motivation even after two decades in the industry.
Her advice to others was to be adaptable and embrace continual learning.
“Always hold an even keel and be consistent.”
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