Can you share a bit about your career journey at Lane Bryant? 

May 5th, 2024 was my 7th work anniversary with Lane Bryant. I started as a part-time Associate in my hometown of Jonesboro, AR. Honestly, after my first two months I knew I wanted to pursue a long-term career with the company. Within two years I was promoted to part-time Sales Lead and then Assistant Store Manager. By creating an internal online brand for myself and receiving recognition for my efforts from my peers and management, I was later offered the Store Manager and Social Captain position at the Lakewood Village location in North Little Rock, AR. It has been an awesome experience. My time with Lane Bryant has truly been an adventure that I wouldn't trade for anything.

Tell us about your role. For you, what is the most fulfilling or exciting part about being a Store Manager?

As a store manager, I find the most rewarding aspect of my role to be the genuine connections I build with both our employees and customers. I see my responsibility as a manager to be that of an influencer, a mentor, and a reliable point of contact for our team. When it comes to our customers, I strive to be the go-to person they can trust for honest and professional advice on their outfit choices — helping them create looks that truly make them stand out and feel confident. I enjoy those moments when I know I made a difference in someone's day.

What aspect of Lane's culture, community, or environment connects most with you? 

If there is a unique part of Lane Bryant's overall corporate culture that connects with me, it's because of my background and personal experiences growing up. That part of the Lane Bryant corporate culture that I am proud of is our commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion. This is reflective in the company's choices of fashion, hiring practices, and marketing. There's true representation on every level and it excites me to see the transformation of Lane Bryant's vision surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion.

This level of commitment is felt, welcomed, and valued. Not all companies have a visible level of commitment. Many just have a statement and those occasional DEI specific campaigns. Lane Bryant spends time and effort in making the organization one that lives through actions the words they put out there – and not just during certain events. The organization is intentional in their efforts. I encourage these same practices through my interactions with the team and those customers I come in contact with. The same level of acceptance for diversity, equality, and inclusion the company has, I encourage these same practices with my team and with every customer experience and interaction on a daily basis. 

What's special about your team?

The outstanding feature of my team is the diversity of the employees working at this location. I'm amazed by the significant impact each one of them has had on the overall success of the organization. They maintain a safe and respectful working environment that fosters the exchange of ideas, and they collaborate effectively on problem-solving and decision-making, ensuring the store's smooth running. We ensure boundaries that promote work-life balance while providing support to each other when needed.

Why do you choose Lane Bryant?

I have always been drawn to Lane Bryant because of the organization's goals and values: diversity, inclusion, empowerment, and acceptance. These principles are integral to Lane Bryant's efforts and philanthropic work. The organization serves as a confidence boost for women who may have previously felt excluded from certain sizes, looks, and ethnicities in their shopping experiences. Lane Bryant has created a safe and inclusive space where women of all body shapes and sizes can feel beautiful inside and out.

What brings you joy? 

I enjoy traveling, occasional cooking, online shopping, and attending symphonies outside of work. Sometimes I binge-watch my favorite shows, but not that often. Recently, I became an aunt to two nephews within 45 days of each birth. Now, I must set aside time to fulfill my Auntie's duties at least once a month. This brings me joy.