I’ve been working, on average, five days a week, usually throwing down 30-40 hours during the work week. This gives me a lot of time to think up and use fantastic phrases such as, “You know, with this necklace I think we (always “we”) should do a smaller earring that isn’t so loud. Clearly, this necklace has a lot to say.” All this time in the store also gives me a chance to get to know clients that are coming in to revamp their wardrobe. We have many regular clients, but we also get some newbies that are fresh off the sidewalk and not used to our superior customer service (not to mention a sassy good time).
The one thing I’ve noticed through working at The Store is that people aren’t always used to the time and attention we give them. If I had a nickle for every time I had a woman say, “You have been SO helpful. Thank yoooouuu-uh (you know that “you” when she cocks her head to the side a bit and makes the word 2 or 3 syllables?)” I could have a totally separate paycheck. For real. But, this makes me so happy. Not that I wasn’t prepared for this, because when you provide a service for someone then you hope they feel good. What surprised me most was how much it means to people.
Did you know there are people that get extremely nervous while shopping? So much so that they give up entirely and end up wearing parachute pants and crew-neck sweatshirts for the rest of their lives? Obviously, I suffer from no such affliction and cannot identify. But knowing that I can wardrobe a woman, put her in outfits that not only make her look good but feel good too, all while sparing her from an activity that makes her nervous and upset, makes me feel good and as if I’m doing something worthwhile.
Just today I got a hug from a woman who came in to return a dress that looked fab-ulous on her, but her mother deemed it too “young” for the function they were going to (by the way, the woman is in her thirties and is still having her mother approve her outfits–this is another issue entirely). She apologized profusely for bringing it back and gave me a hug as a Thank You for my great care and customer service. I reassured an apology was unnecessary as not everything works all the time, and we look forward to seeing her again. Last week I had a woman kiss me on the cheek for helping her find a sweater and preventing her from buying a jacket her husband would scorn her for buying (again, what’s with the seeking permission on clothing??). She appreciated my help when her husband was in the store and was happy to see me again. Who knew shopping could be such a personal experience for a person?
Reading The Geography of Bliss has made me conscious of the parts of my life that make me happy. It also asks me to consider how happy I am. I feel I am very happy. Sometimes I am confused, stressed, sad, lonely, or frustrated (see previous post), but overall I know I am a very happy person. And working with my clients, spouting out funny phrases, and brightening people’s day makes me even more happy.
A Broad At Home 