Michelle McKenna, co-founder of Clippy’s Apples, on dreaming, things that wobble and espresso coffee


What was your first-ever job? Paper-round girl at the age of 11, slogging it out seven days a week.

What was your worst job interview? The day-long interview for club rep for a holiday company required sketches, dancing and acting. Truly awful.

How do you describe your job to your mates? It's not a job, it's a lifestyle and I love it. I meet amazing people, and devour as much Clippy's Apples jam as I can.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? When consumers try Clippy's Apples jam and they love it. You just can't get better than that.

What is the least rewarding part? I'm a dreamer a real blue-sky thinker so I'm always off on one! This means I have trouble concentrating on the normal aspects of running a business.

What is your motto in life? You never know what's around the corner, so always go with your gut instinct.

If you were allowed one dream perk what would it be? A chalet in the south of France to use at any time of the year, complete with a swimming pool, sauna, steam room and state-of-the-art cooking facilities.

What's your favourite movie and why? Trading Places. It encapsulates the 1980s as it's gritty, funny, quirky and brilliantly well written.

What has been the most embarrassing moment in your life? When my fiancé asked me to marry him and I thought he was joking. We'd been together for nine years.

Do you have any phobias? Porridge. My dad used to make it so incredibly thick that a spoon could stand up in it. He always said "it will put hairs on your chest", which is not really what I wanted to hear as a young teenage girl. I generally don't like things that wobble.

If you could pick a celebrity to join your staff who would it be and why? Jamie Oliver would fit perfectly with our mission to protect British apple orchards. Jamie is a legend with his mission to get British families cooking and eating healthy food.

If you could change one thing in grocery what would it be? Make jam cool!

What luxury would you have on your desert island? Espresso coffee. I can't live without it.

What animal best reflects your personality? I would say I'm a butterfly because I love to flutter around and meet lots of people and develop interesting relationships. My head is often in the sky thinking of new and creative ways to market Clippy's Apples.