Okay, here’s how it went down. Back in June I started seeing a nutritionist, best decision of my life, and as a side effect my clothes stopped fitting me. I still have a ways to go for my goal, but in the mean time I was like oh crap I need a new wardrobe! Then I was like oh crap that costs money! Since Jcrew has been a staple in my wardrobe tracing back to my first critter chino skirt in 8th grade, I was like hmm maybe I should work there and get a discount and slowly build my wardrobe! Their style is classic, conservative and versatile (haha like me – JK), so I know it’s a good investment.
I’ve never worked retail before. I was a waitress one summer at the Volcano (bar), as well as a bartender at Willy’s Pub (Rice’s on campus bar). I thought to myself I might not have retail experience per se, but if there is one thing I do have a skill in is customer service. I’m a people pleaser. My parents own their own business and I grew up catering to our customers/friends (they become part of your family after 24 years haha). I think customer service runs in the family, because when I was younger my grandmother, Mami Fina, owned her own neighborhood market (abarrote in Spanish) in Monterrey, MX. There were two stores across the street, but everyone came to her. You know why? Customer service. I would get so excited when I would get to visit and got to help out. I loved taking money and giving change (nerd alert – it was the math that I really liked). I also just like people in general and love to interact with different types of people and if I can help them on the way that’s a plus.
Not Mami Fina's abarrotes, but similar in style and feel to get a picture
Well, long story short I applied and got a job. Last night was my first shift and I totally enjoyed it! There’s always something to do: fold clothes, open dressing rooms, get people different sizes, and ring up people. My co-workers are all pretty cool. It’s going to take me a bit to remember their names, but I will get there. One of them already gave me the 411 on the managers and who the nice “non-fake” workers where, then we bonded over Glee.
My only reserve about taking on a second job, is that I might be spreading my self a bit thin… basically I work an average of 22 hours a week (this is based on my two week schedule I just got) on top of my full-time 40 hour a week job, and my extra curricular activities (Rice Young Alumni, Rotoract, Optix Studios, tennis, social life…). But you know what? I always loved a good challenge, and if I can make it through the end of the year, 2009 is going to go in my record books as one of the most accomplished years in MK’s life (until I have kids of course) hahaha!
I will keep you posted if any interesting stories happen at the Crew J, apparently working in retail you always have stories to tell.
