Luxe Multi-Hyphenate

I’ve never been a huge fan of in-store shopping. The long lines, the pushy salespeople, the overwhelming choices—it all felt unnecessary when I could just shop online. However, I always believed that certain purchases—furniture, décor, appliances, and real estate—required an in-person experience to truly understand what you’re getting. Clothing, however? I never thought too much about the associates who assisted me—unless, of course, they left a lasting impression.

That all changed when a family situation led me to an unexpected career path: retail.

Stepping Into Retail: A New Reality

When I realized I needed extra income, I carefully assessed my skills and experiences to determine the best fit. The thought of working in a massive retailer with endless inventory overwhelmed me, so I made a strategic choice: a boutique-style women’s clothing store. It felt manageable, and I figured, “How hard could it be?”

I landed the job after a great interview, but the excitement quickly turned into nervousness. What had I gotten myself into?

First-Day Jitters and a Crash Course in Customer Service

My first task? Greeting customers. Sounds simple, right? Yet, as I walked to the front of the store, I was hit with unexpected anxiety. I had spoken in front of hundreds of people before, planned and executed large-scale events—but here I was, suddenly terrified to say hello to strangers.

I had a million thoughts racing through my head:

“What if I see someone I know?”

“What if they ask about a product I don’t know?”

“What if the customer is rude?”

“Will I have to get on the register?”

It was a busy Sunday with constant foot traffic. I took a deep breath and greeted every person who walked in like my job depended on it (because, well, it did). Some responded warmly. Others ignored me completely. And then came the dreaded questions:

“Where are the Rita pants?”

“Do you have a light gray sweater to match my pants?”

“Can you suggest a top that flatters my body type?”

Cue the internal panic. Although I was a loyal shopper of this brand, I primarily bought skirts and dresses online. I had no idea where anything was in the store, and I certainly wasn’t equipped to give personalized styling advice—yet.

Mastering the Craft

I could have fumbled through my shifts, but that’s not my style. Instead, I made it my mission to master the inventory. I studied every item on the website, memorized product placement in-store, and dove deep into fashion content on styling different body types. I was determined to not only do my job but excel at it.

This mindset paid off. I quickly built a clientele, gained confidence, and within a short time, I was promoted from Sales Associate to Stylist/Sales Lead.

From Temporary Job to Passionate Career

Fast-forward nearly two years, and I’m now a fashion consultant. What started as a temporary retail job has turned into a career I truly love. I’ve realized that for many women, shopping is not just about clothes—it’s about confidence, transformation, and self-expression.

I now work closely with clients who come in feeling unsure or anxious—new moms looking for wardrobe updates, women preparing for big events, professionals refining their workwear, or those simply looking for a fresh start. Helping them find pieces that make them feel beautiful and confident is the best part of my job. Seeing their faces light up when we find “the one” or hearing their excited feedback after an event makes every moment worth it.

A Personalized Approach to Styling

For me, styling isn’t just about selling clothes—it’s about creating an experience. When I know a client’s style, I pre-select pieces I think they’ll love and even prepare refreshments to make their visit special. For new clients, I listen intently, pull curated options, and check in continuously until we find the perfect look.

This journey has taught me that sometimes, the best opportunities come from unexpected places. What started as a necessity has turned into a passion for helping women feel their best through fashion. And to think—I was once afraid to say hello….

What has been your most memorable in store experience? Do you like to be greeted or left alone? Do you prefer in store or online shopping? Let me know in the comments below?