What I do + Career Update

This upcoming month will mark five months since my promotion. Last time I referenced what I do for work I was a Senior Stylist at Free People. In October, I was approached about the opportunity to move up at my location to be our Assistant Visual Manager. I was so excited to be considered for this position so soon after taking on my first role. I knew if I didn't say yes, I wouldn't know when the next time something like this would come around again. So with an anxious pause, I say yes! I would want to try it. My manager and I did a small trial run for about a month and although it got off to a rocky start transitioning, I felt like I wanted to give it a good shot. Four months in and everyday is different in my role!

For example, I'm currently working on our Spring display installation. Yesterday I was stuffing dried flowers into a large floral pouf and styling window mannequins. Some days I'm up on a ladder installing new light bulbs, other days I'm taking down entire wall compositions and adding new merch! I'm also part of upper management so daily duties and customer service are in the mix as well. One of my favorite parts of this job is that I get to have creative liberties and work with my hands often. It reminds me of my merchandising job in college. I loved styling outfits and re-merchandising the store.

I feel like I'm still trying to get my bearings at this job, though. I struggle with placement at times and understanding the directive that I'm given. I'm slowly working through my insecurities and luckily I have a great team that always encourages me, giving me advice and constructive criticism. I know that overtime this role will get easier, and I'm feeling better as every month passes. For now, I'm just taking it day by day and learning as I go along!

Xo, Claire

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