At 18 years old, I took a job as a summer seasonal sales associate at Pier 1 Imports. I hated it - my boss treated me terribly, the hours were grueling, and I had yet to find mentorship. Six months later, in need of some spending money while away at school, I went back to work at the Pier 1 location closer to my college campus. There, I had a boss who later became a dear friend and mentor to me. Unlike my first boss, who belittled and ridiculed me regularly, my new boss saw something in me. She knew I was a creative, and introduced me to the world of visual merchandising. Several months later, I walked in to clock in for my regular associate shift. Tasha (my boss) was standing at the cashwrap. She turned around, took my hand, and placed a set of store keys in it. "I need you". She said. 11 years later, I have traveled the country doing visual merchandising for major brands. I have run flagship store locations in major American retail markets. I have become a mentor to young professionals along the way. I never even wanted to work retail - but the right person and the right company made me fall in love with a world I didn't even know I could have a place in. While Pier 1 is no longer around, I will never ever forget it. I will never not be thankful for the memories, the knowledge, and the friendships made along the way. Never forget where you started. 💙💙 #retail #leadership #management #mentor #mentorship #careerbuilding #peoplemanagement
NEVER forget your first company that gave you chance to start your career. 🙌🏻❤️ #corporatelife
