Me and my job: Businesswoman hooked on career

Kylie Laker
Job title: Director and retail sales.
Company: ReelChixFish and Top Catch Tauranga.

What does your job involve?

There's quite a few different aspects to what I do but I'm thrilled to be able to work my passion for fishing and being on the water into both of my jobs. I started ReelChixFish four years ago. It's all about inspiring ladies to enter the fishing world, and providing support for the ladies who are already passionate about fishing. I design and manufacture the ReelChixFish range of women's fishing apparel which gives the ladies something "nice" yet practical to wear out on the water; provide information about fishing; and also guide ladies' fishing charters to top fishing destinations around the country. Working at Top Catch Tauranga lets me talk about fishing all day and keep up to date with what else is happening in the industry and on the water. There's always something new to learn when it comes to fishing, whether a new technique I can apply when I'm out on the water, right up to rod repairs for customers that come into the store.

What's the most challenging aspect of your role?

I'm a single mum, so trying to juggle my business, working in the shop, looking after the house and the demands of a 4-year-old boy while trying to get out on the water as much as possible can get pretty chaotic.

What's your most proud work moment?

The launch of ReelChixFish was a pretty proud moment for me. It's great seeing the positive response it's had in the industry and I love being out and about coming across ladies wearing the ReelChixFish range of apparel.

What training/experience have you had to prepare for your role?

I think passion conquers all...I've been fishing since I was in preschool and in the past fifteen years my love of fishing has grown more and more. The last four years have seen me fishing independently from a jetski and during that time I've spent hundreds of hours fishing solo, which means my knowledge and experience has increased greatly.

What's the best piece of career advice you've received?

Where there's a will there's away.

What's the most important thing your current role has taught you?

When it comes to fishing, there's ALWAYS something to learn. Doing what I do has taught me to take a leap and back myself and my ideas.

How would you describe your work wardrobe?

Casual and practical...Fishing wear is generally not that flash and can be pretty drab at times but...in saying that, the ReelChixFish range is pretty funky and adds some colour to my fishing wardrobe.

Do you have any new and exciting projects coming up?

There's always something new in the pipeline. I'm working on some new clothing designs at the moment, some new ReelChixFish TV work for YouTube and, I won't say too much just yet, but keep an eye out on the big screen next year where it's likely you'll see me pop up.

We've also got the Tauranga Boat Expo happening at the end of October so between ReelChixFish and Top Catch there's quite a bit happening for that too.

The Tauranga Boat Expo is from Friday October 31 to Sunday November 2. It is open from 10am to 4pm each day. For more details see www.boatexpo.co.nz