I wanted to take this opportunity to share some insights from my time at The Container Store in White Plains, starting when I was just 18 years old. My journey began when I applied for a position, encouraged by my mom who worked there. Whether it was a stroke of luck or a touch of nepotism, I got the job and embarked on a memorable journey.

I was initially trained as a salesperson, but soon found myself drawn to the operational aspects of the store. Within six months, I joined the unload team, a group responsible for unloading trucks and preparing products for the shelves. Our work began at 9 PM and typically lasted about three hours. This role, while physically demanding, helped me build strength and stay fit. The camaraderie within the team made the hard work enjoyable.

As I found my niche within the unload team, I trained to become an Order Processor (OP). At The Container Store, the roles ranged from salespersons to carry-out staff, each with its own responsibilities. Carry-out staff kept the store tidy and assisted customers with larger items. I enjoyed this role for the customer interaction and the satisfaction of being helpful.

Progressing within the sales side, one could become an elfa designer, a position that involved extensive training to design custom closets for clients. These designers handled significant sales, with some transactions reaching impressive figures. On the operations side, becoming an OP was a challenging but rewarding experience. As an OP, I had to construct orders generated by elfa designers, often involving numerous unique items. Despite the introduction of computers and barcodes, knowing the products and visualizing the construction of closets was crucial.

At the time, I was the youngest individual in the company to become an OP, and I appreciated the patience and guidance from my managers and trainers as I honed my skills. The Container Store had an incredible culture, and I learned invaluable lessons about sales, business, retail, and customer interaction.

Over six years, I gradually rose through the ranks. In my later years, I led the unload crew, assigning roles and managing tasks. This leadership experience was invaluable, and I am grateful for the opportunity to develop these skills at a young age. I also participated in overnight shifts, where we deconstructed and reconstructed store sections to better showcase sale items. This taught me the importance of precision and the impact of initial decisions on the final outcome.

During my time at The Container Store, I was offered a full-time position, but my commitment to a summer day camp led me to decline the offer. Balancing college, my camp job, and The Container Store taught me the value of hard work and hustle. My schedule was demanding, but it instilled a strong work ethic that I carry with me to this day.

Reflecting on my experience, I am proud of what I accomplished and grateful for the lessons learned. The Container Store offered me a competitive salary, allowing me to thrive financially. My journey there was a formative part of my life, and I cherish the memories and skills I gained during those years.