Her Story
About Temiko
I started my journey in sales management after graduating from Howard University in 2003 with a bachelor's in fashion merchandising. I began at Express in sales and was promoted to store manager in 2004. I also completed an AAS program in fashion design at Parsons School of Design in 2013. My focus is managing customer-facing operations including merchandising, customer service, and creating experiences. For the past 14 years I have worked in eyewear retail managing a store and working with a doctor on eye care health, which I love because it is a necessity.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Temiko
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to having a love for what you do. I love working with customers and being able to build relationships with both staff and guests, almost like a personal therapist even though I am not one.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I received was from my uncle who always talked to us about choices. You have to make sure you make the right choice because all decisions you make are very important as they dictate your path. It is important to think things out, lay things out, have a game plan, and be strategic with decision making because you never know when you have to pivot.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Just be patient, be diligent, and know your value and your worth, and shoot for the stars. In retail you have to love what you do because there will be good days and bad days. Always stay true to yourself.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Right now the challenge is pivoting because our doctor is out on leave and we do not have one. In a sales environment dealing with medical you have to not cry over things you cannot control. We are trying to book appointments or direct guests to other locations while finding a new doctor, but it is about staying positive and keeping the team happy.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is very important. I am really big on integrity. Honesty is also one of the very important values, especially when dealing with customers or health and healthcare.
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