2024 Star Women in Convenience winner: Vani Thakker

Co-owner & store manager

Vani's Convenience

How did you get into this business?

We come from a business family in India and always wanted to start our own business in Canada. We discovered the convenience store business and thought we would like it as it gives us the opportunity to serve the people of the community.

What work-related accomplishment are you most proud of during the last 12-18 months?

I was able to triple the lottery commissions since we bought the store, in Brampton, Ont., in 2014. And in the last 18 months we saw a significant rise. We were also chosen for lottery self-serve terminals by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation.

What do you like most about your job?

Being able to interact with people.

What was the biggest challenge of your career?

Turning the store to profitability.

What's the best advice you ever received?

The person behind the counter is the most important person in this business.

What excites you most about the future of this channel?

Eagerly awaiting to sell beer, wine and RTD. 

Career highlight/biggest achievement?

Making this store a success story through good personal customer service, training and mentoring staff, keeping the store clean, and adding various items and services to align with consumers’ shifting demands.

What trends or innovations are keeping an eye on right now. Is there anything you think will shape the business in the next 5 years?

The independent convenience store channel has a lot of work ahead with the use of technology in customer loyalty, data analysis and shifting consumer demand.

How do you define yourself as a leader?

I am a hands-on leader that motivates through action and leading from the front.