Q: What makes your store unique?

A: We are part of The Bay Institute and our focus is the San Francisco Bay; it's totally about the environment.

Q: What is your retail background?

A: My background is all over the board - buying, store management, divisional, finance, I.T. - from high-end fashion to luggage, stationery, gifts and kids.

Q: What is the most popular product you sell?

A: As with most edu-tainment venues, kids love plush and a T-shirt to remind them of seeing the sharks and rays and other native fishes in our big tanks. But we also sell active toys and games and books, all focused on our message of San Francisco Bay conservation.

Q: What is your favorite part about working in this industry?

A: After many years of buying for zoos and aquariums, I still say that if I have a role in encouraging one child to become a zoologist, a zookeeper or aquarist, or a committed conservationist of our earth, waters and animals, I have my reward.

Q: What advice do you have for other retailers?

A: Enjoy yourself! Keep the bigger picture in mind. One can combine financial success and support for one's institution with doing the right thing. Do well by doing good.