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Aleesha Khan, Manager of Topman, Bradford

My story...

How did you end up as Manager of Topman?
I started at Topman when I was 16, then when I was doing a degree in London I worked part time at the Oxford Circus store. I studied dance but I was really interested in fashion and went back to work at Topman. I learned about visual merchandising, going across the country to do the layouts for new stores. Once a year I go down to the Oxford Circus branch to do a layout. One day I hope I might work in the New York store.

What do your friends think?
There is a lot of stigma, they think it is a bit of a low job. But a lot of our background as Asians is in retail – be it corner shops or selling clothes. I don’t think there is anything to look down on. I have a diverse range of friends, including doctors and lawyers. They don’t look down on me once they realise what the job involves.

What does the job involve?
My job involves people management, dealing face to face with customers, payroll and budgets. At 24, I am responsible for 10 staff at the moment and some weekends, when the Area Manager is off, I cover for Topshop as well.

What is your experience as a Muslim woman at work?
When I go to meetings with other store managers in the company I seem to be the only Asian. It can be a bit awkward at points, but it is fine. They can see I am bringing in a different culture. I am the kind of person who mixes – I don’t believe in segregation.

What advice would you give to people thinking about their future career?
It’s actually a really good job. I am building up people skills, learning a lot about business and about fashion. My advice is to think of it from a business perspective – going into retail you learn about managing people. I know some who have left university with a degree in law and they can’t find a job. People will always need clothes. I’m passionate about my job and I personally think I have done well.

Arcadia, the company which owns Topman, has a retail academy in London which takes people at 16, as well as a graduate entry scheme. For more information visit www.arcadiagroup.co.uk