2026 Star Women in Grocery Award Winner Tamsin Carling (Q&A)
Tamsin Carling
Director of Marketing
Stong’s Market
When you’re designing new signage or an e-newsletter, what is the specific feeling you want a customer to have about the brand?
I want customers to feel a sense of beautiful ease when they interact with our brand—whether they’re reading an e-newsletter or walking past new signage. Our goal is to create an elevated yet welcoming shopping experience that invites discovery. We want people to feel inspired and excited to find something local, delicious and thoughtfully chosen. Ultimately, every touchpoint should reassure customers that we’re here to help them find healthy, convenient meal solutions that fit seamlessly into their busy lives.
You introduced a new website to reduce customer friction. What was the one digital hurdle you were most excited to clear for your online shoppers?
I was most excited to finally bring our online experience up to the same beautiful, welcoming standard as our in-store environment. The new site feels more aligned with who we are—visually elevated, easy to navigate and designed to reduce friction at every step. I’m especially thrilled that we can now offer our STEMS floral bouquets and plants online. Customers can order flowers for special occasions or simply to brighten their day, and it all feels seamless and intuitive.
How did you get your start in the grocery business?
I started my career in broadcasting—working in radio, TV and promotions. When I was ready for a change, a friend introduced me to the Stong’s Market team and the opportunity to join their marketing efforts. I immediately connected with the store, its values and its commitment to community. That was back in 2017, and since then I’ve learned a tremendous amount about the grocery industry while bringing a non-traditional, promotional perspective to how we approach marketing. It’s been a really rewarding blend of experience and new challenges.
What do you like most about your job?
What I love most about my job is the chance to create beautiful things for our customers to enjoy. I get to work with an incredible team of kind, passionate people who share the same goals for our company— and that collaboration is energizing. I also love staying connected to our community—supporting local people and organizations, lifting them up and seeing the impact we can make together. It’s a meaningful blend of creativity, teamwork and community connection.
What habits or mindsets have help you stay resilient?
One mindset that’s really helped me stay resilient is reminding myself “we get to.” It shifts everything. Instead of seeing challenges as obligations, I try to view them as opportunities—we get to create beautiful things, we get to serve our community, we get to work with people who care. That perspective keeps me grounded and grateful, even on the busiest days.
What career advice would you give your younger self?
I’d tell my younger self to work hard and be consistently kind—it matters. Keep trying new things, even when they feel outside of your comfort zone, because every experience teaches you something. And stay open, because you never know when or where your next opportunity will appear.
What is a fun fact about you?
I love sports in general, including tennis. My goal is to visit each of the Grand Slam major tournaments. So far, I have checked off Wimbledon and the US Open. Next up, Roland-Garros in Paris!
Click here for the full list of 2026 Star Women in Grocery Award winners.