EVANSTON — "I'm really good in clothing, there are really good things about it. I like learning, too," Tanesha Chandler, 34, told the Herald about her seven years working for Murdoch's. "I can do computer, making signs. And pricing with a sticker gun, I do like that, too."

Chandler, who has Down syndrome, was born and raised in Evanston, graduating from Evanston High School in 2011. 

After cleaning at L.A. Hairport for several years, she began working for the ranch and home supply store unpacking and moving freight in the backroom.

"When I started working here, I started in the back,” she said. “I am completely happy to not be cleaning anymore, but lifting is hard!" 

Chandler eventually moved up front to the sales floor, working in the clothing department, stocking and folding.

"I did it all by myself," Chandler said about her recent promotion to folding and stocking clothes. "I got a raise all by myself. I asked my boss a year ago ,and I got it," she enthusiastically explained.

Retail Office Coordinator Joel O'Driscoll has worked in tandem with Chandler since the beginning.

"When Tanesha first started with me, we worked together filing paperwork and stuff."

O'Driscoll said her favorite things about working with Chandler are "her personality, and willingness to try new things, even when she doesn't want to and you can tell she doesn't want to."

"But I do it anyways!" replied Chandler.

O'Driscoll also told the Herald that of all of the current and former Murdoch's employees with disabilities throughout the year, Chandler has been with the company the longest.

"I like the people here, I know my employees," Chandler said.

An apparent social butterfly, she added, "I really like helping customers."

Chandler also recently started a second job working part-time at Rocky Mountain Care as an activities aide.

"We do games, like Bingo. I pass out water. I hang out with my co-workers, too," Chandler said.

When not working at either of her two jobs, Chandler enjoys visiting Lagoon Amusement Park. She also spends time at home with her mom, Elaine Chandler; her niece and companion service provider, Alexis Chandler; service dog, Lucy, who is a 6-year-old Aussie mix; and 1-year-old Daisy the cat.

"I do like to bake," she said, admitting her favorite thing to make is banana bread with chocolate chips. "I do it all by myself!" she said proudly.

An avid reader and Disney film fan, Chandler recently finished reading “101 Dalmatians” and cites "Brave" as her favorite film. O'Driscoll reminded her of her love of "The Greatest Showman," a soundtrack she said Chandler frequently sings while working.

"Oh, I love to sing!" Chandler confirmed, saying that she's recently begun her second year with the Evanston Civic Choir as an alto.

"We practice a lot,” she said. "We're practicing for the Christmas concert.”