One of Hamilton's finest stores, The Harbourmaster, is happy to celebrate its 25th anniversary and the owner, Sheilagh Robertson, is the woman behind the successful business.

Ms Robertson commented on the store's success: "It is very rewarding to have been doing well for 25 years especially when most new businesses fail in the first five years. We have managed to fill a niche in the market and continue to succeed by being the best at what we do.'' The Harbourmaster has two stores, the original one opened in Washington Mall and the second one is located on Reid Street, next to the Phoenix Centre. Both stores are very well known for their excellent leather goods which include the best in: handbags, wallets, briefcases, and fine luggage.

"We have focused on a narrow product line and we provide a depth of choice and service to back up the products,'' Ms Robertson said.

Other reasons for their success, according to the owner, are hard work, long hours, hands on approach, exceptional staff who give great service, and sound financial and inventory management.

In 1975 Ms Robertson was motivated to create the business because there was very little choice for quality leather products in Bermuda except the established Front Street stores. She modelled The Harbourmaster on a small specialty store that she used to shop in as a college student in London, Ontario.

She readily confirms that her family played a role in making the store successful. Her partner husband, Gerald Simons, who although is not active in the day to day running of the business, gave her support and encouragement to initially open the business.

Both children have assisted their Mother in the store. "The children have done odd jobs, helped in the storeroom and on the sales floor. Part-time jobs here have taught them the value of money and an enabled them to earn money for things they wanted.

"It has also given them an opportunity to learn the basics of running a business.'' The thing she enjoys most about her business is the independence it affords her. She thrives on being her own boss and gets satisfaction out of seeing people enjoy using products purchased from The Harbourmaster.

She says the down side of owning a retail business involves long hours, being tied down and being unable to take long vacations.

Ms Robertson says that the future trends include the challenges of e-commerce, global competition and changing lifestyles, and demographics.

She feels a small business is forever challenged to establish and maintain a unique identity in a world where the trends are toward big mass market vendors and global brand uniformity.

As an experienced leader Ms. Robertson gives back to our community and has served on several committees. She is past chairman of Small Business Development Corporation, and was a member of the Founding Board of Governors of CedarBridge Academy.

Additionally she was the first chairman of the First Board of Governors of Adult Education School, served on the Board of Education and the Bermuda Library Committee. She is an active member of the Chamber of Commerce.

Ms Robertson is affiliated with the Bermuda Philharmonic Society, is a member of the orchestra and plays the flute. She is a former treasurer and president.

She is also active with the Bermuda Musical and Dramatic Society.

The Harbourmaster will be offering three grand prizes and 25 smaller prizes in honour of their 25th anniversary which are: A 22 inch `Tumi' luggage carry on with wheels and a matching brown, leather tote.

A `Tumi' carry on bag with three zips, ballistic nylon with a matching brown toiletry kit.

A `Land' black leather carry on case with wheels with a coordinating black leather toiletry kit.

Twenty-five, $25 gift certificates.

Until May 20, each time a customer makes a purchase he or she has the opportunity to enter the draw. Names will be pulled from the draw for the various prizes.

Harbourmaster's Staff: Left to right: Margaret Simons, Jean Martin, Mercedes Caines, Shandi Furbert, Edith Godwin and Sheilagh Robertson, owner. Missing is Kim Thornhill. Their Hamilton stores are located in the Washington Mall and on Reid Street.

The Harbourmaster offers the very best in leather goods. Pictured here are a toiletry kit with nail tools for $79, a passport case for $69, and a things to do list for $21.