My journey in retail; fashion to tobacco

I've always known I was going to work in retail. Well, maybe not always. But from the age of 16, I was captivated by the industry.

Fashion to tobacco, you ask? Well, it's an interesting story.

Kendal (me) at Point Danger, the NSW/QLD border.

My love for the industry first started in high school where I took Fashion Merchandising and Marketing courses. Projects assigned my junior and senior year included creating my own fashion magazine, a deep dive into a famous designer's journey to success, and helping produce the school-wide annual fashion show.

Serving others through retail.

As a young woman, offering older women styling advice was incredibly intimidating. While some dismissed my help, others embraced it. Styling is fun, and it makes others feel good! Retail is serving others.

From these classes, I then chose to pursue retailing at university, which resulted in me attending the University of South Carolina (USC). The retailing program at USC opened my eyes to all aspects of the industry – not just fashion.

My first job in retail was at Talbots as a Sales Assistant and Stylist. I started in 2012 in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and I was able to float between stores in Virginia and Columbia, South Carolina, while I completed my bachelor's degree. I am thankful I was able to start my career in retail at an established brand who offered affordable but high-end clothing to a wide-ranging demographic.

After graduation, I took on a role as a Merchandiser, then eventual Assistant Buyer, for the United States Navy Exchange. These positions were within the consumable’s division featuring Sports Nutrition, Pet, and Tobacco. My product knowledge now somewhat resembles a trivia card deck. I loved the business analysis and industry research required for working in buying. It is an area I could see myself working in again.

I gained immense experience in these positions, but I also gained a new respect and understanding for what working in retail truly means. No matter the product category, working in retail means serving others.

I have gone on to work for other brands while I travel the world. Now settling into life in Australia, I have spent the past two and half years working as a Brand Representative for French Connection Australia.

Often when saying I work in the retail industry, it is assumed I just work in a clothing store. I have and I loved it; but retail is so much more than clothing. It is an industry that will not collapse. Yes, some brands will; however, people will always shop whether it’s for a necessity or for an indulgence. I sometimes have self-doubt and receive criticism about working in retail, but it is where I have always seen myself. It is what I am passionate about.