In the High Flyers spotlight this week is Christina Taylor, owner-manager of Shed Bistro and Blank Restaurant
What was your first job?
I worked in a small, family-run Italian restaurant in Cambridge. It was really busy and I knew nothing about hospitality, so it wasn’t long before I was given my notice.
What qualifications do you have?
I have degrees and professional qualifications in both HR and leadership & management, having started my career in that sector. Things got a lot more fun when I qualified from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust in Wines.
What do you attribute your success to?
Resilience and stubbornness. There have been plenty of tears when things get tough, but wanting to prove doubters wrong always kept me going. Good tequila helps too.
How would you describe yourself to someone who’d never met you?
I have two sides; a serious businesswoman who is extremely passionate about hospitality and creating exciting experiences for guests, but also someone who away from work is very laid back and enjoys lots of outdoor fun.
Who do you look up to in business?
Clare Smyth MBE. Her work ethic, commitment and determination not to give up when many others did is why she’s so successful. I visited her restaurant in London last year and got the chance to have a chat with her. She told me - 'When formality becomes genuine, it changes from stuffy to warm and simply how it should be.' This is the principle I hope to bring to Shed Bistro and Blank.
How do you get the best out of people who work for you?
People don’t work for me, they work with me. That’s how.
If you could change one thing about doing business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?
Hospitality is crucial to economic and social life in Northern Ireland. We’d like to see more recognition for our sector and targeted support packages which can help us through rising energy and produce costs. The cost of living crisis affects our businesses too.
What website or app could you not do without?
Weather app. You need it round here!
What was the last book you read?
The New Gold Standard by The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. It was kindly gifted to me by a guest. In his words, it’s about ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen. Great read.
What car do you drive?
SUV.
Tell us something interesting about yourself?
My dad leads a rock band back home in Slovakia. Like him, I play three instruments but don’t take me to karaoke, I can’t sing!
What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?
Skiing and ice skating. I have to rely on ski holidays but you’ll find me in Dundonald three times a week.
