New opportunities for store associate Matu

Bahia — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 19:03:47 +0000

Store Associate Matu F.

Many of you have had the opportunity to meet Matu, our Store Associate and my right hand and younger cousin. When I first opened the store last April, Matu came to “help” me get started..well she has more than “helped”. She has designed many of the systems we use in the store and basically runs everything and tries to keep me in line..On any given day you can find Matu at the store pleasant informed and helpful to customers. From Chalk Paint® to fashion she is your women..she can put an outfit together and can paint the heck out of a piece..you have got to be a real “artist” to be able to switch like that..lol. For the record I have to say this…Matu is well into her 20’s..lol..why do I have to go there? So many people come into the store and think that Matu is in high school…despite her petite size Matu is beyond high school and gearing up for new and wonderful opportunities. I thought this would be a great time to share an interview with Matu and let you all learn more about her. So here goes:

Holiday Party 2012

Tell us a little about yourself? Where are you from & what do you like to do? I am 22 years old. My family is from west Africa, Liberia. I would describe myself as a very creative person. I love fashion. Sewing and designing are my main hobbies. I am determined to start my own small line one day.

When did you start working at OTPC & what do you do at the store? I’ve been working at OTPC from the beginning, April 2012, so it’s going on one year. I manage the store most days, from accepting consignment and dressing the mannequins to painting with the Annie Sloan chalk paint and of course, making sure the store looks neat and fresh.

You worked in retail before what is different about this work? I use to work at Express in the mall. It was very fast-paced, which I found very exciting, especially around the holidays. Yet, I love the boutique feel OTPC has and how intimate it is. I also enjoy getting to know new and old customers. My favorite interaction with customers is helping to put outfits together, along with accessorizing. Fyi…Matu has a serious fan base in the store…I often get calls from you the customers telling me how helpful Matu has been to you..I am really proud to share that ..

What are your plans for the future? My future plans are to finish school, enroll in classes for massage therapy, and eventually own my own spa. I would love to do some spa internships over the summer, to get a “behind the scene” feel of what it’s like to work in a spa environment.

We understand you are starting on a new path in your life..tell us about it? Currently, I am continuing classes at Howard Community College towards an associates in Business Management. I will be done by the end of the year, which I am very excited for. Going back to school will reduce my hours in the store but I will still play a strong managing role.

How much will we be seeing you at OTPC ? Sure, OTPC will be seeing me- I’ll be in at least 3 days a week…FYI-I had to ask to make sure she wasn’t leaving me high and dry..lol

What have you learnt about working in a small business? What I learned most from working at OTPC is that starting and owning a small business is a lot harder than it seems and it shouldn’t be rushed. I want to have every little detail thought out and ready for when my time comes. It reminds me how important school is.

Thanks Matu for starting this journey with us..wishing you lots of luck as you go back to school and look forward to you applying what you learn at school with us here at the store. Please help me congratulate Matu on this new path in her life by responding in the comments section.

Cheers,

Bahia

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New opportunities for store associate Matu