2025 Star Women in Grocery Award Winner Lana Boyechko (Q&A)
Lana Boyechko
Store Owner
FreshCo, Winnipeg
Sobeys Inc.
How did you get your start in grocery?
I moved to Brandon, Man. to attend university after high school and was able to get a part-time job as a courtesy clerk at Safeway. After about a year of employment, I was approached about becoming a cashier. I asked if it would be possible to be a grocery clerk instead. Thankfully, they said yes!
In 1995, the year I graduated from university, Safeway introduced a management training program called the Retail Development Program. I figured, why not apply! There was a huge response to the application process. I didn’t think I would have a chance. To my surprise, after a rigorous testing process and two panel interviews, I was selected. A month before my 21st birthday, I made the big move to Winnipeg—and the rest is history.
What are you most proud of in your career?
When I started in the 1990s, there were not a lot of women in store management roles. The women who were, though, mentored me and helped shape me into the person and manager I am today. As I got older and more established in my career, I found myself being the mentor. I am proud to have played a small part in the success of several women who chose working at Safeway and now FreshCo as a full-time career.
How would you describe your leadership style?
My approach is to never ask anybody to do something I wouldn’t do myself. If an employee sees me working hard they, in turn,will work hard for me. Working with mutual trust and respect is always important. I also really try to establish a rapport with each employee. Employees are people first, and it is so important they feel that way.
Best advice you’ve received?
During my last shift before moving to Winnipeg to start the leadership program, my store manager told me, “Don’t forget who you are or where you come from.” My whole career I have authentically been myself because of that moment.
Why is community giving important to you, and how do you inspire others to give back?
I am a single mom of two young-adult daughters. When they were little, it was not easy to provide for them. Luckily my career progressed, allowing me to have some financial freedom as they got older. I realized early on I was only a circumstance away from needing to utilize a food bank or other community resource. I have never lost sight of that. Giving is something I do personally because I can. Now, as a FreshCo store owner, I can give back to the community we serve on a larger scale. There is no better feeling than doing a food drive for a local food bank or hosting a barbecue with a local school to help them raise funds for a new play structure. Giving back to the community we serve is one way of saying thank you to our customers for choosing our store to shop at.
How do you like to spend your time outside of work?
I am a Disney addict. I love anything and everything Disney. I try to get to Disney World once a year to get my dose of Disney magic. When I retire, I plan to travel to the other Disney parks around the world. When I’m not dreaming about Disney or busy at work, my favourite place to be is at home doing anything with my daughters and, of course, my dog Libby.
Click here for the full list of 2025 Star Women in Grocery Award winners.