2022 Star Women in Grocery winner Victoria Archbold (Q&A)
Victoria Archbold
Floral Development Specialist
Save-On-Foods
How did you get into the grocery/CPG business?
Sixteen years ago, I was working with my parents near Save-On-Foods Ironwood in Richmond, B.C. My stepdad was grabbing lunch one day and noticed a sign outside saying, “Hiring, floral clerk.” I had just finished college and received my certification in floral design. I applied and was hired on the spot, and the rest is history.
What do you like most about your job?
The specialist role in Save-On-Foods is the best job! This allows me to visit all our stores to support, coach, mentor, and from time to time, lend an ear to the great people working at our company, with the goal of supporting them to becoming successful leaders.
What’s the best career advice you’ve received?
To have passion for the work you are doing. You must love what you are doing to be able to speak about it with pride, and to be able to step back and be proud of the work you’ve accomplished.
What has been a career highlight or one of your greatest career achievements so far?
I’ve had a number of career highlights and achievements working at Save-On-Foods. It makes me emotional to think about how the team at Save-On-Foods values me as a team member with all the opportunities that have come my way. But, if I must narrow it down to one, it was becoming a specialist in the produce and floral division of our company. When Jim Waites, director of produce at the time and now general manager for Sun Rich Foods Canada, paid me a visit one night at our Sardis Save-On-Foods store and offered me the job of a specialist, it was the fastest yes to a career change. I would have started that night, if I could.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
From spending time decorating my home, to binge watching movies, to buying too much cheese, to making tasty charcuterie boards when entertaining friends and family, the list is long but it’s all about having fun!
Anything else you’d like to add?
The only constant is change. If we are not changing, we are not growing. Be prepared to get uncomfortable to be comfortable again.
Click here for the full list of 2022 Star Women in Grocery award winners.