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 the attention from my fierce followers! As some of you may have noticed, I took a break from my blog. And it was necessary! A lotta things happened in my life, so everything was super stressful.

But the is my return to form! I'm ready to dish on the latest (mis)steps in my professional and personal growth. I 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 all that stuff). Just think bubbly, big booby buzzerfly and moody, big booty passionista!

All right, everyone! Hold on to your wigs because 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 lasts forever. It's the lows, however, that motivate us to work harder. #HighsAndLows

To be straight with you, things are looking up. But it took a long way to get there because I had to cross a deep valley first. And that took its toll on me. Ever since I confronted Tia about her hookup with Matt, our relationship has been seriously strained (or more like strung to the breaking point). Remember how my bae had accused me of being condescending and patronizing? That accusation legit hurt because it was the last thing I wanted. In truth, I was just looking out for my friend, trying to keep her from making a bad decision. No ulterior motives there, I swear! #TheTruthHurts

In the end, our dispute had escalated into a huge fight, and we've hardly spoken to each other since. To make matters worse, the tense situation spilled over into work. With all the stress going on in my life, I was much more sensitive to the dudebro's douchebaggery. As a result, I became increasingly annoyed with his rude antics. But it didn't stop there because I took the pent-up tension home, which led to a series of clashes with my mom.

As you can imagine, it wasn't easy to return home after standing on my own two feet for so long. As if! It was nowhere near what it's cracked up to be. Actually, it would be lit to live in my own four walls again. If I could, I'd move out of my mom's basement in a flash (but don't tell her that). #HomeSweetHome

That feel when I walked into the retail store in the morning. Not even my morning pumpkin spice latte helped! Fun fact? The more I got annoyed by Matt's macho moves, the more Tia embraced them. Their hookup wasn't without consequences. The genie was out of the bottle! And now, there was no putting it back in. Every time our resident fratboy pulled off another cringe move, my bestie's response was extra (aka extra bubbly and extra lively). And there was nothing I could do about it except roll my eyes and shake my head. I can't even with this toxic tandem!

As I said before, there's a silver lining. It looks like the vale of tears has been overcome and it has brought some important realizations. First of all, the tension with Tia has made me reflect on my behavior. I must admit that during our argument I failed to see things from her perspective. Upon reflection, I realized that I need to get better at putting myself in her position so I can empathize with her feelings. If a fling with the douchebro is her way of relieving stress, it's not my place to take issue. I'm in no position to judge her. #MindYourOwnBusiness

Apparently, a jerk with clout (instead of a friend with benefits) was the thing that did the trick for her. So what? This is a new millennium, and everybody can fly their freak flag. Maybe, I should take a hint from Tia and find my own type of hookup. After all, my bestie has been right about one thing. There's not much to do in this boring-ass town. #SelfReflectionSunday

Too long didn't read! So let me sum it up for you, guys: Kiss and make up, that's what Tia and I did. We talked about our feelings 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 performance peak. In fact, there have been significant changes at Vonderstone. The store manager has been promoted and is now working at HQ. Apparently, the company owner saw this change in leadership as an opportunity for brand extension. With more and more stores in the shopping mall closing down, the rent for space has fallen. So, this is a favorable situation to expand and open new shops. #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 wear and fast fashion. Obviously, the goal is to make a profit! That's why they didn't hire new employees but split up the existing staff. #BusinessMinded

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 and has taken two salesclerks with him. That makes Matt the second winner! He's now in charge of the original store, with Tia and me as the retail clerks. Mr. Privilege deserves this promotion... said no one ever! #StoryOfMyLife

As part of the restructuring, our store has undergone a rebranding. And in his new role as store manager, Matt was involved in the change process. That's why his first order of business was a surprising move... for absolutely nobody. He decided to change the uniforms of the salesclerks! Yeah, guys, you read that right! This should be the main focus when reviving a brand. #IronyOff

Anyway, Vonderstone is now targeting a more stylish and fashionable audience, so the uniforms are supposed to represent the latest fads. This year, cut-outs are the biggest craze. That's why our camisole shirts have become sleeveless tank tops with small, diamond-shaped cut-outs on the side. Only, the color scheme has remained the same (aka myrtle green). This makes the outfit bang on trend - especially when combined with a plunging neckline. #FashionFabulous

In a similar vein, the black leggings have become shorter and tighter. Since hotpants are super popular, we're now wearing black booty shorts with an all-over wet look. To stay ahead in fashion, you have to be unique and exceptional, so the fabric is minimalistic. It only covers about two-thirds of our buns. But trust me, it's gonna to be the next big thing! And here's another pro tip: If you haven't invested yet, the wetlook style is a trend that keeps on giving. #TrendAlert

In my opinion, the new uniforms are a bit extra (as in too tight and too flashy). But what do I know? I'm not an expert in fashion marketing, I'm an up-and-coming designer! But it sounds worse than it actually is. In general, the green tops are long enough to cover our bottoms, so there's no need to get in a tizzy over nothing. #NoBigDeal

In any case, Tia has embraced the changes a lot faster than I did. No wonder! After all, it's a lot easier for her. The new deep-plunge tank tops highlight her awesome assets, so she can flex her rack. By contrast, my big bottom feels like it's going to rip the fabric and burst out of the shorts at any moment. This keeps me on my toes throughout the whole working day as I have to be hyperaware of my surroundings at all times. It's fair to say it's real stressful! #SelfAwareness

Oh yes, that's right! Before I forget: Footwear is now also an official part of our uniform. And so, our mandatory work shoes have changed as well. Due to her height, my blonde boo has always been obsessed with high heels, so she jumped at the chance and decided to wear black pumps with 5" stiletto heels and 1" platform to match the black booty shorts. Walking around in heels that high would legit kill my feet. So, I opted for black pumps with a 2" wedge in quilted leather. It may not be quite as high, but it's two trends in one, giving me the unofficial title of fashion queen at Vonderstore! As you see, all is fair in love, war, and fashion. #FierceFashion

Anyway, the new uniforms went hand in hand with a new sales strategy. With only two retail clerks, the times of saying 'dunno' are over. Instead, we get to advise customers on all things fashion. As I said, the valley is turning into a mountain. But there's more! We're also responsible for increasing sales now. For this, Matt has given us a brand-new strategy. Does anyone else know what situational selling is all about? It means diagnosing the customer's situation before determining the most effective sales approach. #CuttingEdgeSales

As you know, theory is one thing and practice is something else entirely! For this reason, in-store execution is 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, however, we're instructed to use a more implicit icebreaker. Namely, we're supposed to take the bottom of the top, gather one side in each hand, and tie a knot underneath our bust. Can you believe it? We're actually told to expose our bellybuttons and taut tummies while highlighting the short and tight wetlook hotpants. What a bold marketing strategy! #GoBigOrGoHome

But then again, this is basic marketing! If you want to revive interest, you have to be brash. You can't pull punches! Instead, you have to push your comfort zone! And that's exactly what Vonderstone is doing with this new strategy! Ultimately, we must work together to make it a success, even if 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! More men are entering our store than ever before. And that's crucial because men aren't shopaholics. The biggest hurdle is getting them into the store in the first place. The rest is easy. Men aren't fashion experts, so they're content to stare at the salesgirls' cleavage during the sales pitch before buying all the high-priced items we recommend. Sorry, not sorry! #BreakingBarriers

By contrast, women are legit shopping queens! And that's fire because it means we can have real fashion talks. They're much more discerning, not buying as indiscriminately as men. Instead, they're interested in my expertise, so my college knowledge comes in handy. And let me tell you, once women get in a flow, they go on real shopping binges! #ShopTillYouDrop

As you see, the benefits make up for the cringe... almost! Not gonna lie, though, there's still a small problem! It's real awkward when male and female customers enter the store at the same time. Then the two sales strategies collide! And that's exactly what happened yesterday when I was advising two middle-aged women on one side of the store while Tia was consulting two younger men on the other side. Let me give you a little spoiler: It didn't go well! #CultureClash

"Oh my...! Fashion, it's really not for everyone." The brunette soccer mom remarked when she noticed that my bestie was showing off her wetlook booty shorts and knotted top.

"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."

Oh wow! What an insinuation! We could chalk it up to the woman's fashion ignorance. But she wasn't entirely wrong! For a workplace, these clothes were pretty outrageous. But then again, this was a retail store specializing in young fashion and the competition was fierce. To boost your reach and make an impression in today's market, you need something unique and boujee. But try explaining that to a rich, bored housewife. #NoSuchThingAsTooMuch

"Oh, right! Probs not everyone's vibe, but beauty's in the eye of the beholder. No cap!" I replied all smiley as I tried my best to defend my busty boo. "Maybe, not the most aesthetic fashion choice, but deffo extraordinary. For sure!"

As you see, I've made it my mission to be the ever-supportive best friend forever! That's why I tried to distract the women by engaging them in a conversation about 'ugly fashion'. It's the latest rage in the fashion capitals of this world. And before you ask, I know it's as outlandish as it sounds. It's all about not conforming to the mainstream by wearing what the general public deems unflattering. On the one hand, it might not be aesthetically stunning, but on the other hand, you definitely need confidence to pull it off. #SoUglySoFab

While I was debating with the soccer moms, the young guys had a 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 around and bent over. She didn't seem to mind that the men were staring at her butt. As if! She even kept her legs straight, so her bottom stuck out seductively. This made her butt cheeks bulge 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."

What the heck! This was wild! Without a hint of shame, the two guys discussed the captivating charms of my busty bestie, right in the middle of the store! To make matters worse, they were so loud that I could hear them in the other department. Their offensive language was enough to make me blush. The insolence of it! But here's the worst part: if I could hear them, so could the female customers. And that's why I tried even harder to distract the women. After all, I didn't want them to leave with a bad shopping experience. #CustomerFirst

"Oh dear! There's still a difference between ugly fashion n ugly clothes." The blonde 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.

Oh, get outta here, ladies! Tia didn't deserve to get dragged like that! I almost gasped when I heard these soccer moms badmouthing my bestie. After all, getting called basic is like the ultimate insult to a fashionista. #BasicsNotBasic

You may already know it, but these uptight housewives were legit fashion experts... said no one ever! Instead, they sounded like total Karens. 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 bent-over posture. Not only was my blonde bestie close to bearing it all, but she was also shaking her booty in response to the guys' vulgar comments. Holy smokes! I actually felt embarrassed in her place. I can't even with this attention hound! #SurpriseOfTheDay

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

For god's sake, I was trying real hard to keep the women distracted. Getting low-key frantic, I stepped into the aisle to block their view. At the same time, I turned up the volume of my voice. Even if I couldn't convince these judgy janes, at least I could try to drown out the men's degrading remarks.

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

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

Oh jeez! That was a low blow, especially from this uptight housewife. She really was a Karen! You know the type, don't you guys? And so, I winced in Tia's place. But seriously! Where's the solidarity among women when you need it? After all, we're together in this fight! #FeminismShoudUniteNotDivide

No matter what, her accusations were too frank and too blunt for my taste. This kind of candor was legit inappropriate for such a formal situation. Above all that, however, I disliked the way this soccer mom was meddling in people's affairs, trying to impose her beliefs on others. She'd better stay in her lane! #MindYourManners

"Selling whore rags, 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 uptight housewife turned into the store demon 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 sell around here."

Oh, shut up! There was no arguing with these conceited cones. They were too narrow-minded to see the possibilities. Women can do anything they want and still look fierce and sexy while doing it. But whatevs! We'll keep fighting until everybody gets it, with or without all these Karens! #WakeUpWorkHardLookHotKickAss

Despite my best efforts, the two judgy janes quickly moved to the end of the store. It was obvious that they wanted to get as far away from Tia and those vulgar men as possible. But at least, they kept shopping, although their negative attitude kept bothering me. If only closed minds came with closed mouths! #PrincipleOfTheDay

But then the situation changed dramatically when one of the husbands joined in the fun. Of course, it was Mrs. Uptight's hubby! And together, they were the McJudgersons. Legit! To be honest, I didn't even notice him until he stepped next to his wife and gave her a welcome kiss, which made me pause mid-sentence. What a turn of events! It was so unexpected that it left me shook! I knew the sales strategy, and I knew what to do. But that knowledge was exactly what made me panic! As a result, I was too stunned to act asap. This was hectic!

Oh gawd! You know what's coming, don't you guys? My hesitation lasted an awfully long time. Too long, to be honest, because the female customers were getting suspicious by the time I finally responded. My feelings when I grabbed the ends of my green top. My face when I pulled up the fabric and tied a knot below my bust. Their looks when they noticed that I was wearing the same ultra-tight, extra short hotpants. Their judgement when they saw my flat stomach and big bubble butt. Their reproachful looks were vicious!

And after that, the air was thick with tension. Even though the judgy janes didn't say a word, their looks spoke volumes. By contrast, the hubby acted like every other man ever. He couldn't tear his eyes away from my hefty humps. And for good reason! Remember the hashtag I used to describe my charms? #Pawg4Life

If Tia had two round buns of steel, I was a member of the 'top bun club'. You could say I had some real junk in the trunk. And it showed! The super tight wetlook material legit squashed my bubble butt, to the point that my bodacious buns bulged out on all sides. There's no sugarcoating it, the booty shorts looked hella obscene on me! #NSFW

And with that, the sales talk turned into a drag of a 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. As if to prove it, he interrupted the sales pitch and 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 told me in no uncertain terms. "Chop-chop! You slothed enough for the day."