Citi Trends is honored to have so many talented women working for us, and we love celebrating them. This week we are spotlighting Melissa, one of our amazing District Managers. Not only does Melissa manage fifteen of our store locations in the Midwest, but she is also spearheading our efforts to build company culture throughout the organization. We asked her what advice she would give to others. Here is what she shared with us.
Q: What has been your most meaningful accomplishment so far?
A: My most meaningful accomplishment, by far, is my participation in creating the CITI LIFE platform. It has been so humbling and empowering to bring a company culture to life. I have learned so much about myself and my leadership style throughout the journey, and it has been magical to see how it affects all branches of the company. I feel so lucky to have been asked to be a part of it.
Q: What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned throughout your career?
A: Learning to truly embrace change. I think that is something that challenges many leaders along the way. I have learned to let change happen, not by just ignoring it and thinking I have no control, but by getting involved in it. Sometimes the hardest thing about change is that you don’t understand it, or why it is happening, so I ask a lot of questions and try to be part of it. It makes it all a little less scarry and a little more fun.
Q: What do you love most about your job?
A: I love so many things about my job! Working at Citi Trends has really challenged and rewarded me more than any other job I have had. I have to say that what I love the most about it is the people. That may be corny to say, but I really think I have the best team of people! It is what motivates me to be the best I can be every day. Not only the people I lead, but also all the people who have pushed and supported me along the way. I am also very lucky to work with some very talented people, not only in my own region, but my corporate partners as well. It has been a wild ride, but it is a ride I’ll stay on for many years to come.
Q: What advice would you give someone who has just graduated from college and is starting their first job in their desired field?
A: My advice would be to start from the bottom and enjoy it. Learn everything about that level and grow from there. I can’t tell you how valuable it is to understand the job at the lowest level, and don’t ever forget what it feels like to be in that role. The people that I have met that are really good at their job are still very connected to the lowest levels of the business. Don’t rush through your foundation, I promise it will pay off in the end.
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Floral Director at Epting Events
3moHow fun, this reminds me of all the store trips we made back in the day! There is nothing like getting out in the field and feeling that connection with the stores. "If it were that easy, everyone would be doing it"-GB