Celebrating the women that make a change in retail
This article contains paid-for from Yester Farm Dairies
Interview with Jackie McCreery, co-founder & director at Yester Farm Dairies
- How long have you worked in Scotland’s retail sector, and what led you to your current role?
We’ve been retailing Yester products since 2003, first as milk and cream but then in 2016 we added to our range including cottage cheese, mozzarella and yoghurts. That’s really when I see our journey into retail starting and it has steadily grown.
- Tell us about your own success story, positive experiences, examples of leadership etc.
When I moved from my legal job back to the farm full-time to devote myself to the business, it was quite a culture shock.
In the early days of your own business, you have to be a jack of all trades – from cleaning the office to designing the packaging. No two days are the same and it’s hugely satisfying.
You have to learn to be a leader quite quickly. Treating employees as I’d like to be treated is always my goal. Having been managed by different types of people has helped – you learn what good and poor leadership looks like.
- What is the best thing about working in your industry?
Farming is absolutely the best industry. There’s no other sector where you can live and work as a family with multiple generations learning from each other. Our wider workforce feels like an extended family, too.
Producing award-winning products makes farming all the more satisfying, because we are part of the whole story from farm to fridge.
- What challenges have you faced as a woman working in the industry?
The rural sector is stereotypically male but in diversified enterprises such as ours, the females in the family tend to take on a bigger role – maybe we have an innate ability to multi-task!
- Who have been the most influential people in your career so far, and what did you learn from them?
My parents were my first role models. They embodied qualities I aspire to such as integrity, hard work and humility. My husband Simon has been massively influential, too. We run this business together and he challenges me to see things differently and never give up.
- What advice would you give a young woman starting out in Scotland’s retail sector in 2026?
Trust your instincts and be yourself. Be the most knowledgeable person in the room about your products and focus on building relationships. People buy the story behind the product, so be authentic at all times.
- Do you feel a positive culture in place helps you cement business relationships?
Relationships of any kind only work if there is mutual respect. There are times when you ask a lot of people but, if they’re appreciated, it helps get through those times and creates a stronger team.
- Any Career insights you would like to share?
Take advice but trust your gut. Always try to improve.
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