Fishmonger – how did you end up here?
I come from a family of fishmongers and I'm the third generation to do my part in the business: My grandfather was a fishmonger, so were my parents, and yeah – now me.
I went to university for a while, but the fish trade was my calling, so I decided to pursue it as soon as I got my bachelor's degree.
However, I did use the knowledge I gained from my university days to draft my business plan. Right from the start, I chose to focus on environmentally-friendly fishing, which is about using fishing gear and methods that aren't as harmful to ecosystems.
One of our core guiding principles is fishing with respect for nature. It's not always easy – compromises have to be made – but we do everything we can.
What do you love most about your job?
I love talking to people! And I love food. Ergo: The combination of food and customers.
There's something special about working with such a fresh and perishable raw ingredient – it sets the pace. And I love that. I like a fast pace.
What's the first thing you do when you arrive in the morning?
The first thing I do is go to Fisketorvet. I do this between 4 and 5 a.m. I know that in many people’s eyes, that's more night than day, but that's where my day starts. I head home around half past five in the evening, and today I have a good employee helping to pack up the shop. That takes about two and half hours.
What aspect of your job would surprise others the most?
Maybe it sounds cliché, but it's the workload.
Being a fishmonger is extremely hard work. Both before and after opening. Picking up the goods, processing the goods, preparing the store – and the same again when closing down for the day. It's a lot more than just switching the lights on and off.
I also have to admit that starting my own business has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride. There really have been a lot of bumps in the road. But I love my store, my fish and my customers.
What’s your favorite tool? And why?
My fish scaler! Isn't it cool?
It's a specialized tool I use to remove scales from different types of fish. This makes it easier for customers to cook and eat fish with the skin on.
You can get some small fancy versions for home use, but this particular one is an industrial model that has been through all three generations of the family. Now it's mine. It’s held up well. It's just a small thing, but perfect for the job.
And I always feel safe with it nearby. When I'm standing here alone in a well-lit store on Rantzausgade, watching people drunk after a night out stumble home in the dark – well, it's pretty cool to have a fish scaler by my side. I’ve had a couple of visits from some strange folk before. Hahahaha!
How important is your clothing to you as a fishmonger? And why?
It's important in every possible way.
I work from morning to night in a cool and damp environment. I’m running around between Fisketorvet, the refrigerated truck and a shop full of ice for keeping the fish fresh. The work is cold, heavy and wet.
That's why I focus on durability, functionality and multiple layers when it comes to clothing.
When I'm happy with my work clothes, I’ll buy the same ones again when it's time for new ones. But I also like finding work clothes at a thrift store.
One thing is for sure: I can't wear my work clothes outside of work. It's just not cool to walk around in clothes that reek of fish.
[GALLERY]
