Written By: Annette Vaughn Jan 2025 Going back to where it all started. Retail has been a large part of my working career. Mostly as a second job, as I often needed to repent for my crimes against my credit cards. It was always an easy go-to job when I wanted to reach a goal. Despite always being a dependable option, I had never considered retail as a career. My curiosity with understanding how the world works led me to pursue a career in economics or finance. Thus, convincing myself that there were more important things in life than fashion. Unfortunately, my dream of working in the finance industry came to a halt when I could not afford my last semester of college. I thought working in real estate would be the answer to all my problems, but unfortunately, I was not one of the lucky ones. After my real estate attempt, I licked my wounds and got two part-time jobs. One at a well-known cancer hospital and the other at a major department store. It was in this role, as a jewelry sales associate, that I realized just how complex and integral the retail industry was. I was never expected to know the intricacies of the retail industry. But the distinct enthusiasm customers had when selecting items to add to their iconic style, rather   than buying for utility, encouraged me to learn more. I started to value the story behind a product's design, its production process, and the story it generates along the way. What I found along the way. There is something heartfelt about humble or incidental beginnings. Like the art dealer who admired a bracelet or a family business that had to adapt to a change in the times. The stories of beauty, commitment, and perseverance resonate with customers and turn them into lifelong supporters. One of the most valuable lessons a salesperson can learn while working in elevated retail is the importance of cultivating relationships. When I worked in the tabletop section of the home department, I learned the cultural significance attached to buying dinnerware and crystal. It turns out that structuring my outreach strategy around events that mattered to clients, rather than scheduled store promotions, generated a better client relationship and more consistent sales. Of course, management was not happy. I focused on making sales that would not result in a return rather than meeting promotional sales goals. The conversations were never fun, but in the end, I would like to think that I have won. Facing a reality. Over the years, consumers have dramatically changed how they interact with brands and retailers. The automatic loyalty that large retailers once enjoyed has slowly slipped away, creating a need to be more dynamic. This meant that I must also become dynamic. I still think there is an opportunity to become successful; however, relying solely on walk-in traffic has become outdated. You sometimes need the power of a great story and great relationships. The Retail Tales was born. As much as I appreciate the lessons I have learned throughout my career, I must admit my experience in retail was not without its challenges. My original intention for The Retail Tales was to create an outlet for retail workers to express their frustrations and experiences through humor. Like any job, sometimes you need a little humor to get by. However, I realized that the difference between client expectations and company limitations is an opportunity, and I decided to build a personal brand and create a selling space for myself. Over the years, I have noticed that brands and retailers are taking a start-up approach to their business and are looking for salespeople who have an entrepreneurial spirit or an established book of business. At first, it is exciting because your input feels valued. But in the end, it is all the same and there is only so much you can do. There is only so much excitement you can have about the same products, only so much you can sell to the same customers, and only so many goals you can endure before you start to ask, "Can I do better?" Where We're Going. One of my favorite things about retail is newness. I loved seeing what the buyers bought and what our store assortment would be. I felt like an insider when I attended product training and received free merch. It created a sense of belonging and somehow made the trying aspects of retail disappear As I enter this next phase of my life, my goal is to create entertaining lifestyle narratives that help readers love the life they live. The Retail Tales, explores the world of shopping beyond department stores. It Highlights the beauty of craftmanship and defines the art of living. Thank you for reading, and welcome to The Retail Tales.

The Retail Tales is a fashion and lifestyle blog exploring the art of living through retail and travel. The Tale of a Journey to Retail: How I Found My Passion and the courage to Build a Career in the Industry. Retail has been a large part of my working career. Mostly as a second job, as I often needed to repent for my crimes against my credit cards FASHION READ THE FULL POST FASHION BEAUTY WELLNESS THE ART OF LIVING I want to inspire readers like you to pursue the real luxuries in life. Welcome to a world where happiness is found in the small moments. As the curator of this lifestyle haven, I invite you to join me on a journey of sophistication, and celebrating the art of mindful indulgence. Together, let's explore the essence of timeless style, wellness, and the joy found in life's exquisite details. MEET ANNETTE MOST RECENT POSTS The Tale of a Journey to Retail: How I Found My Passion and the courage to Build a Career in the Industry. Retail has been a large part of my working career. Mostly as a second job, as I often needed to repent for my crimes against my credit cards FASHION GO TO THE BLOG The real luxuries in life are time, health, a home-cooked meal with the people you love, and with those who love you back. FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM

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Meet the creator and creative behind the blog. Learn about what drives the retail tales. About The Blog Making life the most beautiful thing we experience Welcome to a sanctuary of style, grace, and the art of beautiful living! I have discovered that life's true beauty lies in the details that elevate every moment. This blog is your guide to creating a lifestyle that brings everyday joy while offering insights into fashion, beauty, wellness, and the pursuit of a harmonious existence. So, for those of us that like to make a fuss, prepare to indulge in captivating narratives that celebrate mindful living, and the allure of being timeless. Join me on this enriching journey as I navigate through the intricacies of retail and discover the art of living. HAVE A QUESTION? CONTACT ME The future belongs to those who see the beauty of their dreams. -Eleanor Roosevelt About Annette The Curator and Creator Hello, I'm Annette, the creative behind The Retail Tales. I have worked in retail sales for seven years and have decided to explore what the world of retail has to offer. My vision is to inspire others to enjoy the endeavor of creating their greatest work of art. Their life. Annette EXPLORE THE BLOG SOME COOL FACTS ASTROLOGICAL SIGN Taurus WHAT'S MY PASSION? Figuring that out BAD HABIT Hesitating TALENT I WISH I HAD Painting and Storytelling WEAKNESS Sweets STRENGTH Being Optimistic follow me @the_retail_tales