Galliagh-born Leona Barr has been cente manager of the Junction One shopping centre since January of this year.
Having 20 years retail experience, the mother of three juggles her demanding job with the task of raising her three children, Jackson, 9, Robbie, 5 and 2 year old Ruby. Describing her job as: "a fast paced varied role, which involves closely worki
ng with retailers and maintaining standards throughout the centre as well as managing the marketing, leasing/letting side and involvement in various council/community forums."
Leona is also on the judging panel for the Miss NI competition which Junction One is a major sponsor of and is charged as well with raising money for the Junction One, charity of the year - The RNLI.
Married to Rikki who she met during her time working with BT, Derry Leona moved to Ballymena in 1995 when they married. "Rikki is a huge support and even changed his career to a driving instructor so that he could help with school runs etc., which works well, as my job can dictate unsocial hours at times, but is hugely fulfilling, otherwise I wouldn't do it." Leona has three brothers and two sisters, and all but one of them still live in Derry.
How would you describe yourself?
Friendly, reliable and down-to-earth.
Happiest childhood memory?
Going to the Downings with my family/extended family and my granda gutting a fish in the kitchen and then proceeding to chase us around the kitchen with it!
What was your first job?
Dunnes Stores, Richmond Centre. I worked in ladieswear and customer services and it launched me down the retail career path. They worked us like dogs but I loved it!
Favourite book?
It's hard to beat anything by Maeve Binchy for some girlie reading but I have always loved 'To Kill a Mocking Bird' by Harper Lee and I think nearly everyone studies it at GCSE. I enjoyed the film adaptation with Gregory Peck as well.
Favourite film?
I like loads of different films but I would never get sick of watching 'Pulp Fiction', what a soundtrack!
Favourite television programme?
'Sex and the City' has always been a great love of mine and I haven't even had a chance to see the movie yet, but generally I don't watch a lot of TV.
Favourite expression?
'Sound hi!'
Favourite method of relaxation?
Walking along Portstewart Strand and drinking copious amounts of wine
Favourite holiday destination?
South of France, Cote d'zure.
Who would you most like to meet?
Elvis if he was still with us, i just loved him in 'Blue Hawaii'.
What makes you angry?
Sneaky people.
What makes you happy?
My hubby and three gorgeous kids.
What human quality do you most admire?
Compassion.
What human quality do you least admire?
Selfishness.
What has been the most embarrassing thing to happen to you?
Jumping out of bed late when I worked for BT in Derry and running for the bus, jumping on and getting a seat - only to discover the leg of yesterday's tights half way down the aisle of the bus and leading back to the bottom of my trousers.
I was mortified!
The rest of them had formed a huge ball around my knee and I hadn't even noticed they had still been inside my trousers when I put them on.
I still cringe 18 years later.
What was the worst thing to happen to you in your life?
Losing my grandparents.
What is your greatest fear?
Fear of water, I can't swim!
What has been the high point of your life to date?
Having my kids and becoming centre manager of Junction One.
How would you like to be remembered?
With a smile.
What is your most treasured possession?
My lipstick.
If you won the lotto what would you do with it?
I would buy two holiday homes, one in south of France and one in Portstewart so that all my family/friends could gather at the weekends for beer and BBQs.
If you could be granted one wish in life, what would you ask for?
To keep my kids safe always.
If you could write your own epitaph what would it be?
Enjoyed it to the full and I knew I should have maxed out on that credit card!
