Q & A with Tanya Medes, group buyer for FUSSY NATION boutique.

Can you describe your role as group buyer?

My role is a very commercial one and it is very people orientated. I meet my customers first hand and get to know them, and understand the type of garments they feel confident in. I then begin the process of buying for them. Everything is picked by hand and has its own sense of individuality. I also take control of both our stores - Whiteleys and Portobello Road - to make sure the catalogue is well presented and everything runs as it should. This includes prodding the boss to ensure he fulfills his obligations to suppliers!

How do you go about hand picking stock and suppliers? It sounds like a dream job.

I often scout around in my favourite shops, for example, Liberty and Selfridges, to try and see how other buyers are working. However, our collection is very much a reflection of the aspirations and desires of our local customer base. All I do is search for those things that give our offering a little twist. Like our customers, we are more style-driven than brand-driven. Individuality is the key.

Can you describe some of your best finds, and how they came about?

The latest range of knee-length black suede boots with a medium heel from a small supplier I have sourced from Copenhagen are my absolute faves. Bang on trend and a great price!

What is the ethos of Fussy Nation?

The ethos is summed up in the following words : stylish, individual, personal and quirky.

What is the profile of your typical customers, male and female?

The profile is 18-40 year olds. All our customers treasure our ethos and love sharing our vision. The Yummy Mummy contingent is also very strong.

What are your favourite pieces from the current AW09 stock?

The suede boots I mentioned above.....

Can you pin down what about Fussy Nations makes the store so inviting?

The offering along the High Street is very similar. We offer a point of difference throughout our whole store: the ambience, the clothing, the gifts, even the way we present books... This makes Fussy Nation very unique and very individual. We like to think that this is how the shopping experience should be.

What items are best-selling and are they always the ones you predict? Has any particular item surprised you in its selling power?

A batch of real rabbit fur cardigan-capes in brown and black coats sold out in two days. Now that was surprising.

Why is it fun and rewarding to work for Fussy Nation?

We have a great team, very motivated, very friendly. I am given lots of freedom in my role and enjoy being creative with my buying. With our new store in Whiteleys coming along, there seems sooo much to do! This role allows me to be me. And the reward is in the feedback we get from our customers when they have purchased stuff from us. It's great when they come back time and time again. That's what I love. It feels good to be me at the moment!

NB: Images show current ranges. If you are planning a special trip, please contact the store beforehand to make sure that these products are currently in stock and in your size.