ARCHANA Deo has worked in the pharmacy profession since 2009 after graduating with a Bachelor of Medical Science.
Archana and her husband, Melvin, always had ambitions to one day own a pharmacy, and in 2013 they purchased Chemist Discount Centre (previously Priceline Marketplace).
In 2018, they took the challenge even further and bought Shepparton Amcal Pharmacy (previously known as John Anderson Pharmacy).
“Being born and raised in a family with a business background, running my own business has always been my ambition,” reflected Archana.
“Owning two successful businesses demands great responsibility and I find myself immersed and working more behind the scenes these days than on the shop floor.
“I believe leadership is to help one another lead, appreciate each other’s point of view and move forward together as a team. At work I love asking staff for their opinions and suggestions, then I collate these ideas and implement them, and this helps us all to improve.”
Archana and Melvin believe in empowering their staff and provide ongoing training, and recently organised a motivational speaker to help navigate the team around the retail pharmacy industry.
“We have over 25 employees between both pharmacies, 23 who are females,” said Archana.
Archana balances her role as General Manager of these successful businesses with raising a family, one of her proudest achievements in addition to her education.
“In the past, raising kids has predominantly been a mother’s role. I have dedicated five years of my career raising my children, which I do not regret one bit, in fact, it was the best decision I’ve made for my family,” said Archana.
“Women are born multi-taskers and with such talents, a lot can be accomplished. It’s never too late to start your career, no matter what stage of life your family is in.”
