Meet Our Team Member, Jasmine

Today we're introducing another of our star employees. Jasmine (standing on the right in the picture) has worked at The Real Food Cafe for a year now and she's a real firecracker. Her lively spirit & enthusiasm is unparalleled and she has a natural talent for making everyone around her smile.

Read on to get to know Jasmine a little better by reading her answers to our questions. 

What is your name and where are you from?

I'm Jasmine and I'm from Glasgow.

If you were to describe yourself in 5 words what would you say?

Bubbly, direct, assertive, loud and a little bit cheeky.

When did you join the team at The Real Food Café?

I joined in Feb last year, though I fell in love with Tyndrum and have enjoyed a wee visit to the cafe for many years now, whilst visiting my best friend since secondary school.

Can you tell us about your job role at The Real Food Café?

My main role is front of house and till, taking orders, welcoming and seating customers, maintaining cleanliness and creating a lively atmosphere in the cafe. When I started I helped out in the bakery also which was a great challenge that I really enjoyed but due to the nature of the cafe over the peak season being busier than anticipated I moved 'back to the floor', what a quick year it's been! 

What's the best thing about working at the Real Food Cafe?

Deffo the people, walkers, adrenaline junkies, tourists from home and abroad and locals on a daily basis, it's so busy at times that we don't have time to speak to them all but just that interaction with people from all different walks of life, and seeing their appreciation for what we have here is incredible. The team too, such a diverse lot but so easy to work and live with, which makes the job so much easier.

What do you get up to when you aren’t working?

On my days off I love nothing more than going a nice drive (or walk when the weather is nicer) with my partner who I work with at the cafe, as much as I've been coming here for years I'm still like a child in a sweet shop with our surroundings, you can see the same road but the scenery looks different dependant on the light or weather..every day is breathtaking. 

You starred in the Puss in Boots Panto in Killin this year. Tell us about your role in the Panto and how you got into drama / Panto and what sort of roles you have played in the past and the kind of experiences you have had.

This is my first year at Killin Drama Club, which I joined with my best friend as she has been with them for a few years now. I went to see her star as Pinocchio (on the left in the picture) when I moved up in Jan last year and we joked that if I hung about I would be in next year's show.

This year I was lucky enough to be playing Jack, the principal boy and I couldn't wait! I've always had an interest in theatre and have been in a few amateur shows when I was much younger, from playing snow White in primary school to the artful dodger in secondary I got such a taste that myself and Vicky (my best friend) joined the Stageschool of Scotland at 15 where we were both cast as Abanazers slaves in Aladdin, then Widow Corny in Oliver and enjoyed a few chorus roles in the Kings and the Mitchell theatre in Glasgow.

Feels great to get back on stage after over 25 years.

The Real Food Cafe sponsored the Panto and the support from Sarah and the Cafe has been greatly appreciated from myself and the club, with sponsorship and amazing ticket sales, adjusting the rota for me to rehearse, I cannot thank them enough! 

Do you have a favourite local walk or spot you can recommend around Tyndrum and beyond, in Killin maybe? 

My favourite walk has to a small part of the west Highland way up to Vicky's at Auch Estate, it's part of the reason I fell in love with the place. And the hills and rivers locally are stunning, with so many tranquil spots I couldn't begin to narrow them down. I do love Killin also, the walk between the Falls of Dochart, the old cemetery and Finlarig Castle is one I have enjoyed many a time, the place is so atmospheric. I love it!

What is your favourite place in Scotland overall?

My favourite place ever is on the West Coast of Scotland, just outside of a little village called Lendalfoot. My grandparents had a holiday cottage there for over 30 years, right across from the beach looking onto Ailsa Craig. It has so many fond memories for me as a youngster.... but they do say love where you live, and my goodness I'm doing that now. 

What is your favourite dish on The Real Food Café menu?

Hard to choose as I'm a "right good wee eater" but I do love the spicy fish nuggets, or our amazing chips with tartar sauce (and plenty of salt and vinegar). 

What's your life's motto?

Do what makes you happy and don't ever forget yourself! My mantra for the last year, I don't see it changing anytime soon!