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I was asked recently to describe my job for a column in the Dumfries Courier -

I did warn them that the answers I'd give would be too long for the space available.

I've reproduced the article below - if you'd like the expanded answers click on

the chest of drawers buttons.

DUMFRIES COURIER - September 12th.

'MY JOB' FEATURE

Questionnaire

Name ______Margaret Wyllie__________________

Career:

I run a company which designs and sells Holy Socks – socks with Biblical motifs.

I don't think of it so much as a job - many people regard it as my ministry

but I settle for describing it as "what God does with me!"

Could you describe a typical day?

A:Depends. If I'm not away on exhibition, it's flexible. I'm usually up pretty

early and being an email addict and a tea-jenny, the first things I do are

check the computer and have a cup of tea and then go to the 'Sacred Space'

website to start the day. It's a Christian site run by the Jesuits in Dublin and

gets over four million visitors a year from people of all denominations and

none.

I'll catch up with the overnight orders and what comes in with post.

Then it can be preparing for an exhibition, or recovering from one.

If we're on exhibition then it's up and out of the B & B and into the exhibition

hall, make sure the stand is in good order and all is ship-shape. Then it's

meeting people who come to the stand, and selling socks, and listening to people

who come to the stand. I almost have to be surgically removed from the stand,

so exhibitions are quite tiring but very enjoyable.

What are your favourite aspects of the job?

A: Lots of things. I enjoy the exhibitions, people are marvellous and

watching their reaction to Holy Socks is great.

I also enjoy talking about Holy Socks and have spoken at a lot of church guilds

or groups about how we got started and what it's all about. I can either talk

all night or get totally speechless by it all.

Designing a new sock is interesting too - the quotation which is to be illustrated

usually just emerges gradually and then I have to decide what the drawing is

going to be.

And what aspects do you dislike?

A: Anything that requires tidyness, discipline and accounting.

What have been the most memorable moments in your career?

A:Getting our first samples of Holy Socks, which was wonderful.

Taking delivery of our first batch of Holy Socks, (120 dozen pairs)

which was terrifying!

Having the Archbishop of Canterbury visit our stand at the Christian Resources

Exhibition in London and seeing "Rallying with Holy Socks" on the front of a

rally car for the first time – or anytime for that matter.

Could you tell us about any necessary training?

A:It's really on the job training. When I started I did a wee business course

with Dunbartonshire Enterprise and some of the things I was told on that keep

coming back to haunt me!

Why did you set out in this career? What are your reasons for doing the job?

A:I didn't exactly set out on it. I thought I was heading for ordained ministry

with the Church of Scotland and got diverted. It was a lucky escape for both sides!

Have you any advice for people who'd like to follow in your footsteps?

A: Don't. Much better to discover and walk your own path.