Flowers and letters are flooding in to the staff room of K-citymarket Kotka. Familiar customers and unknown people, too, want to congratulate Natalia Martikainen, who was chosen as the most positive resident of Kotka in 2010 on Saturday 7th of August. She was awarded with a trophy and a certificate of honour.
Natalia was embarrassed, as the nomination came as a great surprise.
"My kitchen table at home is full of flowers! Last year, some of the customers told me that they had voted for me. Still, I didn't believe that an ordinary checkout clerk like me could be selected," says Natalia with a laugh.
Picture: A familiar customer gives Natalia Martikainen a congratulations hug.
A smile is contagious - you'll notice it right away when talking to Natalia.
"I just happen to be cheerful by nature. And if I have something on my mind, I won't show it to customers."
"I have had a sad period in my life, but it helped when I found hobbies where I meet lots of people," Natalia says. She enjoys the company of other people and so does the whole good-humoured Martikainen family.
Energy from other people
"I really like my work, because here I meet many people. They give me energy. I have got acquainted with many of the customers and I've even made friends with some," says Natalia, who has worked for K-citymarket Kotka for seven years.
Natalia, who originally comes from Moldova, has improved her Finnish skills to an excellent level through conversation.
Many of K-citymarket Kotka's customers know Natalia Martikainen and her friendly approach. Some of them even choose to queue at Natalia's checkout, even though there might be other checkouts available. Many have also come to the store for the first time to see Natalia, after having heard of the nomination.
Loads of feedback
Natalia gets loads of feedback from customers. She has saved all the feedback and has a high pile of thank-you letters at home.
"I always wish the customer a nice day and occasionally someone says that it felt good to hear that. It's so nice to see customers leave the store with a smile on their faces."