Bittersweet Retail

Being a fashion student in the retail business, I do not expect to start off in an executive position. Let's be real here, I am 19 do not have a ton of experience but I have a burning passion for style. I did not expect to walk in at a CEO position but would someday like to get into visual merchandising. Being the goal-oriented person that I am however, I do not let myself feel tied down to my sales associate position. 

There are days that I walk in and I have to scrub floors and clean bathrooms. Other days consist of being in the stock room and unloading new product so that it can be ready to hit the floor. My favorite days are when I get really amazing clients that ask me for styling tips and we instantly become friends. I have come to realize that some days are simply better than others. 

Overall, I really enjoy my job. Although some people may feel like being a sales associate is just a "college job" I like to look at the bigger picture and seeing the lessons that can be derived from my experience in the retail business. Whether I am signing checks or sweeping floors I always think there is something that can be learned. One of the things I absolutely LOVE about my job is that it has taught me how to keep a really positive attitude even in times of complete chaos. Certain days consist of non-stop running go-backs and running to the back room for size checks. Although this gets repetitive, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing happiness overwhelms customers when they find that amazing piece they have been waiting for on sale in their size. It is like they have just uncovered a little treasure and instantly their faces light up because they have just found the perfect top to complete their look or that awesome new paisley skirt to wear to work in the summer.

I think that we end up doing things we may not want to do in the moment in order to achieve our long-term goals. So just remember next time that you are feeling uninspired because you are just cleaning a window, or in a cashier position, that you have the power to make someone's day just a little better by bringing a smile to their face. A smile can be contagious even in the roughest of times. Because the fact that we can show up to work even on our worst days and light up other people's lives is simply amazing. If we can do that, it goes to show that work ethic is essential to each and every one of our lives. Because we all have the power to inspire each other to go further and achieve the things we want to do.