Holly’s Sales Training Ch. 02

---How to handle the ups and downs of your career and slay it---

*AnniDoll: Hey Holly honey you being c**ty or what? (just testing your swear filter) :P You haven't updated your blog in a while. So where you at?*

Here I am! Back with a bang! Thanks to my fashion fam for the great interest and the anticipation of the next update! I'm legit flattered by your attention, guys! As some of you may have noticed, I recently took a break from my blog. A lot of things happened in my life, so everything was super stressful. But I'm back now! I'm ready to dish on the latest (mis)steps in my professional and personal growth. Bet you haven't forgotten about Tia and me, so I don't have to dig up the whole info drop (aka looks and measurements and so on). Just think bubbly, big booby blonde and moody, big booty passionista!

All right, everybody! Hold on to your wigs, bc here's the tea! Over the course of the last week, I've learned an important lesson. Working life is a series of ups and downs! Think rollercoaster, not racetrack! Sometimes you're up, sometimes you're down, but none of it is forever. It's the lows, however, that motivate us to work harder. #HighsAndLows

FWIW, things are looking up now. To get there, however, I first had to cross a deep valley and it took its toll on me. Ever since I confronted Tia about her hookup with Matt, our relationship has been seriously strained (or rather strung to breaking point). Remember how my bae had accused me of being condescending and patronizing? That accusation legit hurt, bc it was the last thing I wanted. In truth, I just wanted to protect my best friend from making a bad decision. Swearsies, no ulterior motive there! #TheTruthHurts

In the end, our dispute had escalated into a huge fight, and we hardly spoke to each other since. To make matters worse, the tense situation was spilling over to my professional life. With all the stress going on, I was so much more sensitive to the dudebro's douchebaggery. As a result, I became increasingly edgy and exasperated with his rude antics. But it didn't stop there bc I took the pent-up tension home, which led to me clashing with my mom on the reg.

AYCI (aka as you can imagine), returning home wasn't easy, especially after standing on my own two feet for so long. As if! It's actually far from what it's cracked up to be. I must confess, I'd move out of my mom's basement in a flash if I could (but don't tell her that). Living in my own four walls again would be lit! #HomeSweetHome

That feel when I walked into the retail store in the morning. Not even stopping on the way for a pumpkin spice latte helped! Fun fact? The more I got annoyed by Matt's macho moves, the more Tia embraced them. Their hookup had legit let the genie out of the bottle and there was no putting it back in. Whenever our resident fratboy pulled off another crude move, my bestie's response was extra (aka extra bubbly and lively). There wasn't much I could do about it except roll my eyes and shake my head whenever I witnessed them doing the most. I can't even with this toxic tandem!

AISB4 (aka as I said before), there's a silver lining. It looks like the vale of tears has finally been overcome and it brought some important realizations. First of all, the tension with Tia has made me reflect on my behavior. Granted, I failed to see things from her perspective b4. Now, I know that I need to get better at putting myself in her position to empathize with her feelings. If a fling with the douchebro is her way of relieving stress, who am I to take issue? Instead of a friend with benefits, a jerk with clout did the trick for her. So what? Maybe, I need to find my own type of hookup. After all, my bff has been right about one thing. There's just not much to do in this boring-ass town. #SelfReflectionSunday

TL;DR (aka too long didn't read)! In short, kiss and make up, that's what Tia and I did. We talked about our feels and reconciled. We agree that we've been friends for way too long to fall out over something so insignificant. In the end, it's us against the world - always and forever! #NationalBestFriendDay

All right, guys! With that problem solved, it's time to turn this professional pitfall into a peak. In fact, there have been significant changes at work as the store manager has been promoted and works at HQ now. Apparently, the company owner saw this change in leadership as an opportunity to expand the Vonderstone brand. With more and more stores closing down in the shopping mall, this is a favorable situation as the rent for space is down. #SeizeTheMoment

For this reason, the company has rented a second store. As part of the expansion, Mr. von Stein has segmented the audience. One store is targeting business casual attire, while the second store is focusing on leisure and fashion wear. Obs, the goal is to make a profit! That's why they didn't hire new employees but split up the existing staff. #BusinessMinded

AFAIK (aka as far as I know), there are two winners of this restructuring. The older floor manager who worked long and hard for a promotion and finally got it. He's now tasked with managing the new business store, taking two salesclerks with him to do so. That leaves Matt as the second winner! He's now in charge of running the original store with Tia and me as the retail clerks. Mr. Privilege legit deserves the promotion... said no one ever! #StoryOfMyLife

FYI, our store has also undergone a rebranding. As the new store manager, Matt was involved in the change process. And to nobody's surprise, his first order of business was to change the salesclerks' uniforms. Oh, yah! That should be the main focus of reviving a brand... said no one ever!!

Nywy, the Vonderbrand is targeting a more stylish and fashionable audience now, so the clothes are supposed to look chic and en vogue. Accordingly, the uniforms are meant to change with the fashion cycles to represent the latest craze. And this year, the biggest trend are cut-outs that elicit glamour and finesse in dresses, bottom-tights, and body-con tops. That's why the color scheme has remained the same (aka myrtle green top and black pants), but the style has been adjusted. Our camisole shirts have become sleeveless tank tops with small, diamond-shaped cut-outs on the side. Accordingly, the outfit is on fleek with the latest fad - especially when it's paired with a plunging neckline. #FashionFabulous

In a similar vein, the black leggings have become shorter and tighter. We're wearing black booty shorts with an all-over wet look now, as hotpants remain super popular and à la mode. To stay ahead in fashion, you need to be unique and exceptional, so the fabric covers about two-thirds of our buttocks. Just in case you haven't invested already: the wetlook style is a trend that keeps on giving. #TrendAlert

IMHO, the new uniforms are a bit extra (as in too tight and too showy). But what do I know? I'm not a fashion marketing expert! In general, the green tops are long enough to cover our bottoms, so no need to get in a tizzy over nothing. NBD (aka no big deal)!

IAC, Tia has embraced the changes a lot faster than me. No wonder, since the new deep plunge tank tops highlight her awesome assets, letting her flex her rack. By contrast, my big bottom feels like it's about to rip the fabric and burst out of those shorts at any moment. TBH, it leaves me hyperaware of my surroundings, which is low-key stressy. #SelfAwareness

BTW, footgear is an official part of our uniform, so our mandated work shoes have changed as well. Due to her height, my blonde boo has always been low-key obsessed with high heels, so she has jumped at the chance and decided to wear black pumps with 5" stiletto heels and 1" platform to go along with the uniform. Walking around on heels that high would legit kill my feet. Bet! That's why I've chosen black pumps with a 2" wedge in quilted leather. That's two trends in one, girls! AYC, all is fair in love, war, and fashion. #FierceFashion

Nywy, the new uniforms came with a new sales strategy. With only two retail clerks, the times of saying 'dunno' are over. Instead, we get to advise customers in all things fashion. Told you! The valley is turning into a mountain. No cap! But there's more! We're also responsible for sales increases now. Does anyone else know what situational selling is all about? It means diagnosing the customer's situation b4 determining the most effective sales approach. At least, that's the theory. #CuttingEdgeSales

AYK, the practice is a whole different thing! In fact, it's much simpler and more straightforward. Whenever we advise female customers, we have to start the conversation with the current fashion craze. Whenever male customers enter the store, we're instructed to use a more implicit icebreaker. Namely, we're to take the bottom of the top, gather one side in each hand, and tie a knot below our bust. Can you believe it? We're actually supposed to expose our bellybuttons and flat tummies while highlighting the short and tight wetlook shorts. What a bold marketing strategy! #GoBigOrGoHome

YMAK, but if you want to revive interest, you have to be brash and flashy. You can't pull punches, but you have to push your comfort zone. That's exactly what the Vonderstone brand is doing now! Ultimately, we must work together to make it a success, even though I personally think it's a tad too male-centric. But we all encounter barriers on our way to the mountain top, right? Whatevs! It's already working with more men shopping in our store than ever b4. In fact, it's proving to be an effective sales strategy, bc men aren't shopaholics. As per ushe, they stare at our cleavage and buy any high-priced item we recommend. Sorry, not sorry! #BreakingBarriers

JS (aka just saying), women are real shopping queens in comparison. So, the opportunity to engage in deep fashion talks legit makes up for the cringe. All right, not gonna lie! There's still a small prob! It's real cheugy when male and female customers enter the store atst. That's what happened yesterday when I was advising two middle-aged women on one side of the store while Tia was consulting two younger guys on the other side.

"Oh my! Fashion! It's really not for everyone." The brunette soccer mom remarked when she noticed my bestie in her knotted top showing off the wetlook booty shorts.

"You my dear know how to pull it off with dignity." She added with a nod to my green top covering my bottom. "It's almost graceful how you cope with this rather indelicate uniform."

OFC (aka of course), we could chalk it up to the woman's fashion ignorance. After all, they gave off a rich, bored wifey vibe. But she had a point! These were some pretty outrageous clothes for work. Then again, this is a retail store focused on young fashion and the competition is fierce. So, I tried to explain that you need something unique and boujee to boost your reach and make an impression in today's market. #NoSuchThingAsTooMuch

"Oh, it may not be everyone's vibe, but beauty's in the eye of the beholder." I replied all smiley as I tried my best to defend my busty boo. "Maybe, not the most aesthetic fashion choice, but extraordinary, for sure."

AYC, I made it my mission to be the ever-supportive bff! That's why I tried to distract the women by engaging them in a conversation about 'ugly fashion', which is the latest rage in the fashion capitals of this world. And b4 you ask, guys, I know it's as outlandish as it sounds. It's actually all about not conforming to the mainstream by wearing what the general public deems unflattering. OT1H, it may not be aesthetically stunning, but otoh, you mosdef need confidence to pull it off. Period! #SoUglySoFab

ATST, the young guys had a very different focus. I know it sounds unreal, but they made Tia pick out some jeans from the bottom shelf. With a giggle, my blonde boo turned and bent over. She didn't seem to mind the men staring at her butt. As if! Instead, she even kept her legs straight to stick out her derriere in an extra tempting way, causing her butt to bulge massively while her fluffy buns filled out the flimsy wetlook fabric. #BootyliciousAF

"Damnit! What a fine f**king moneymaker! I'd bang that ass all day n night." The preppy blonde bozo whooped.

"No, man!" The slacker dude responded. "I'd go for those fine f***ing fleshcans first. Then I'd destroy that a**hole."

WTF! My wig flew! It boggles the mind, but the two guys discussed my busty bae's charms in the middle of the store! In fact, they were so loud that I could hear them in the other department. Nvm the insolence, their offensive language was enough to make me blush! This was hectic! So, I tried even harder to distract the women. After all, I didn't want our female customers to leave with a bad shopping experience. #CustomerFirst

"Oh dear! There's still a difference between ugly fashion n ugly clothes." The blonde, uptight woman kept harping on the subject.

"Absolutely! There are no two ways about it, this kind of garment's badly designed n the look is basic." Her brunette friend agreed with her.

FOH! Tia didn't deserve to get dragged like that! It almost made me gasp when I heard them badmouth my bestie. After all, getting called basic is like the ultimate insult to a fashionista. No cap!

BTW, these women were legit fashion experts... said no one ever! Instead, they sounded more like total Karens. No cap! Unfortunately, they wanted to make sure their reasoning was justified, so they took a second glance at Tia and her outfit. Just in time to notice her posture (bent low, ayr). Not only was the busty baddie close to bearing it all, but she was also shaking her booty in reaction to the guys' vulgar comments. Holy snap! I actually felt embarrassed in her place. #SurpriseOfTheDay

"You know, with all those influencers n fashion bloggers out there, you gotta go to extremes to set the trend. Now, more than ever." I quickly continued the debate.

FTLOG! I was trying real hard to keep the women distracted. In fact, I got low-key frantic as I stepped into the aisle to block their view. ATST, I turned up the volume of my voice. Even if I couldn't convince these judgy women, I could at least try to drown out the men's degrading remarks.

"That might be true." The brunette sounded sympathetic... sorta. "But all the same, it's really sad."

"To be frank with you, these shorts are a fashion fail." The blonde woman, otoh, sounded peeved. "They're perfect, of course, if you want to look like a two-bit whore."

OMG! That was a low blow, especially from this uptight housewife. She truly was a Karen! You know the type, don't you guys? But seriously? Where's the solidarity among us women when you need it? After all, we're all together in this fight! Realsies!

IAC, her allegations were too frank and too blunt for my taste (or rather, for such a formal sitch). More than that, however, I disliked the way she was getting into ppl's business and trying to impose her beliefs on others. #MindYourManners

"But that can't be the store's claim." The blonde Karen added." We'll have to speak to the manager about this."

Holy smokes! There it was! I should have seen it coming! Fulfilling every stereotype ever, this middle-class housewife turned into the demon of the store that every employee feared. #QueenOfSuburbia

"As you said, my dear, it's all subjective." Her brunette friend interjected. "That's fine! We don't have to like all the fashion you're selling around here."

STFU! There was no arguing with these conceited women, bc they were too narrow-minded to see the possibilities, like all the things women can do while looking fierce and sexy. Nywy, we'll keep fighting until ppl understand, with or without all those Karens! #WakeUpWorkHardLookHotKickAss

Despite my best efforts, the two judgy soccer moms quickly moved to the end of the store. They obs intended to get as far away from Tia and those vulgar men as possible. Whatevs! At least, they kept shopping, although their negative attitude kept bothering me. If only closed minds came with closed mouths! #PrincipleOfTheDay

NTL, the situation changed dramatically when one of the husbands joined the fun a moment later. OFC, it had to be Karen's hubby! Go figure! In truth, I didn't even notice him until he stepped next to his wife and gave her a welcome kiss. It made me pause in mid-sentence bc the unexpected turn of events left me shook. I knew the sales strategy, and I knew what I was supposed to do. Yet, my wig flew and got incinerated! In fact, I was too stunned to act on it straightaway. So unreal!

OMFG! You know what's coming, don't you guys? My hesitation lasted long. Too long actually bc the female customers were already getting sus when I finally responded. My feels when I grabbed the ends of my green top. My face when I pulled up the fabric and tied a knot just below my bust. Their looks when they noticed that I was wearing the same ultra-tight and extra short hotpants. Their judgement when they saw my flat stomach and big bubble butt. The reproach was vicious!

LMTY, the air was thick with tension after that. Even though the judgy soccer moms didn't say a word, their looks spoke volumes. By contrast, the hubby acted like every man ever. He couldn't tear his eyes away from my hefty humps. And for good reason! Remember the hashtag #Pawg4Life when I had described my charms? If Tia had two soft round buns, I was a member of the 'top buns' club (aka I had real junk in the trunk, iykwim). And it showed! In fact, my bubble butt got legit squashed by the super tight wetlook material. As a consequence, my bodacious buns lewdly bulged out underneath. There's no sugarcoating it, the booty shorts looked insanely obscene! The humiliation was real! #NSFW

And with that, the sales talk abruptly turned into a slow, dragging conversation. It didn't get any better when Matt came over, pulling along a clothes rail. Ever since he got that undeserved promotion, he's been on a power trip, and he proved it right away. Interrupting our sales conversation, he gave me an urgent new task that wouldn't tolerate any delay.

"Holly honey, you got these new arrivals to shelve. Be quick about it! We can't risk you forgetting your tasks again." He wasted no time in talking down to me despite the presence of the female customers. "Chop-chop! You slothed enough for the day."

Holy cow! My feels when I heard the women gasp. I froze on the spot! Holy moly! The fire burning in my eyes when I turned to face my manager. My icy blue gaze should have dropped him dead on the spot!

NTL, I knew better than to object. His condescending insults would only get worse. For this reason, I quickly took the new clothes off the rack. I could literally hear the women's indignation while doing so. Despite their disgust, I bent down to stow the clothes on the bottom shelf. The feeling when my bubble buns bulged and the wetlook material stretched. I had to grit my teeth and clench my fists, so I didn't do anything I'd regret later. I still noticed the hubby leering at me while the women rolled their eyes. A sec later, I heard the uptight housewives storm out of the Vonderstore, dragging the husband with them. That was so headass! The debasement was real! #ShameOnMe

CMIIW, but you know the saying, right? There's no progress without setbacks. Failure is just a learning experience. This seems to be true, bc there's a silver lining on the horizon, and it's a big one. Without any floor managers, my areas of responsibility may very well expand sooner rather than later. Maybe, I'll design and implement a new visual merchandise strategy for the fall line. Mosdef, it's gonna be fire! The creativity's gonna blow you out of the water! But don't worry, guys! I'll tell you all about it when the time has come. #LifeLessons101

So what do you say? Is the peak nearing or what? BTW, any tips on how to rock our uniforms in style? XOXO