Even though Natasha Nagra’s parents have owned a mattress and furniture store for over 20 years, she says until recently she wouldn’t have known much more than the average customer about how to choose a good mattress.
But since she started working in the family business, M&N Mattress and Sofa Gallery, in 2019 she’s learned a lot, and now understands the many factors that contribute to lasting comfort and a good sleep.
“I’ve learned so much information about the different materials mattresses use! I also enjoy learning about the different needs of different customers, and then finding the perfect fit,” she says.
Her dad, M&N Mattress and Sofa Gallery owner Mark Nagra, is very passionate about both product education and customer service, so he’s developed a careful training program for all of his employees — not just his daughter.
“He doesn’t bombard you with all of the information at once. We start in one section and slowly learn about everything we have on the floor. Then we get more technical, learning about different materials and product types. Then we get into discussions about customer service and sales. It’s very in-depth, but it’s important to all of us that we’re able to provide that education to our customers,” Natasha says.
Family business
Natasha and her brother both worked in the family store on and off through their teenage years, but after graduating high school decided to try out other career paths.
“My parents always wanted me to join the family business, but they were also very happy for me to explore, experience other things and see what I was interested in. So I did that for a few years, but no other job grabbed my attention and eventually I returned to M&N Mattress and Sofa Gallery full time,” Natasha says. “I immediately felt at home here — I really enjoy it and it’s a good fit for me. I didn’t know that a business had so much control in making people happy. It’s been eye-opening and great.”
She’s now involved in all aspects of the business, from helping customers to researching and ordering products, completing paperwork, scheduling deliveries, customer service and doing community outreach. And even though she’s now considering a move to the Lower Mainland, she has no plans to leave the family business — she’ll simply work at the business’ second location, WR Mattress Gallery in White Rock.
“This is the only job I’ve had where I haven’t been actively looking for something else. We have a great team, fantastic customers and a great community. I’m very happy here.”
Visit M&N Mattress and Sofa at 291 East Island Highway, get inspired at parksvillemattress.com, mnsofa.ca or ironmanmattress.ca, and keep up with the latest contests and giveaways at facebook.com/parksvillemattress.
M&N Mattress and Sofa Gallery is proud to be an award-winning Vancouver Island business!
- 2015 — 1st Place, BBB Torch Award for Community Engagement
- 2017 — 1st Place, BBB Torch Award for Customer Service
- 2018 — 1st Place, BBB Torch Award for Sales/Service
- 2019 — 1st Place, BE Business Excellence: Retail Business of the Year
- 2019 — 1st Place, Parksville Chamber of Commerce Award for Service Excellence
- 2020 — 1st Place, Alignable Local Business Person of the Year
- 2020/2021 — 1st Place, BBB Torch Award for Customer Service
- 2022 — Finalist, BBB Torch Award for Community Service
- 2022 — Finalist, BE Business Excellence Award for Retail Business of the Year
- 2023 — Finalist, BE Business Excellence Award for Retail Business of the Year