Thank you guys so much - I am a little scared of the whole commission-based sales thing, but mostly excited to see how I do. I spoke with the assistant manager, and she said a lot of the other girls on the team are "seasoned" and "aggressive." My approach has been to just try to be super nice and helpful, lol.

BJ, I wish I could shop with you, too! That is kinda the dream with this whole career idea: to one day get paid to shop with awesome people like our crew here.

This may sound strange from someone who has never met you but I am really proud of you Rae. You took a risk, figured out where you wanted to be, and then made it happen.

Success isn't luck, it is planning and hard work. Good for you and a huge congratulations.

Happy news! Good luck moving forward, Rae.

That's great news Rae! Congrats!

That's such great news! Congratulations! I spend quite a bit of time in POV - wish I had you to help me. You'd be the perfect person to help keep my modern classic style from being too stuffy!

Yay, congrats! They are so lucky to have you!

Oh Rae - I couldn't be happier for you! This is wonderful news - and well deserved. Congatulations!

Congrats! Personally, I prefer a SA who doesn't push, but suggests and offers honest feedback. Maybe one of these days I'll make the drive over the west side when you're working!

Congratulations Rae, what a perfect role for you. I would love nothing more than to have you personally assist in my shopping. You have such great taste and style!

I came here from the other thread to congratulate you on yet another fantastic goal achieved. Well done Rae, you are inspiring!

Congratulations! I'm not a super-regular contributor but ... erm ... if I should get this job I'm going to need some new clothes, so I might just come by sometime and make a nuisance of myself.

I would be beyond thrilled to have any, all, and everyone come visit - seriously, it would make this whole year and all the trials worth it. You would get the star treatment, lol.

This is wonderful news! I'm so happy for you:)

Woohoo! Congratulations!

Rae, somehow I missed this until now!! I am SO happy for you!!!! Congratulations!!!

That is so great!

Woohoo!!

Im so happy for you! They sure are lucky to have you I know you've been thru hell and am hoping the rest of the year brings you nothing but happiness. You deserve it!

Rae, big (mega big) congratulations on this!!!

I know you are going to do great. Don't be worried that the other gals on the team are "seasoned" and "aggressive." You can build a great client base and do very well by just being your very helpful, wonderful self. I shop a lot and I worked for many years as a SA. The things that I love in a SA aren't that they are seasoned or aggressive. It is that they are interested, they hear what I am telling them, and they follow through. I return again and again to my favorite SAs.

I've been hooked up with a personal shopper at Nordstrom twice. You know what? After the first meeting, they haven't contacted me again. And I bought a pretty decent amount each time. I'm pleasant and friendly always without exception (especially since I've been on their side of things). I hang up my clothes in the dressing room. I don't dismiss things outright. I like to shop. A lot. That all leaves me to think that the thing is that they aren't really all that interested or motivated. If you apply your drive, your charm and your incredible knowledge of style, you are going to be a star in no time. I just know it. Now if only I can get you to transfer to the Portland store...

I do not know how I missed this! It is wonderful news, congratulations!! You will be fine and do a great job.

I totally missed this - congratulations, wonderful news and you deserve it!

K, thank you *very* much for the pep talk and advice. I love feedback like that, and I know for a fact that I will have the ability to follow up with clients and suggest things they might like, even without being a Personal Shopper. Heck, if I was offered the chance to transfer to Portland to be a PS, I might even be able to convince DH to move - I'd get to wear more boots, lol!

Big hugs and congratulations Rae! All your risk-taking with the career change and hard work paid off and you are going to be doing exactly what you love every day! Wish I could come shop with you someday!

Very happy for you. Congratulations.

Congratulations and the best of luck (to add to your skills and talent)!

I can't beleive I missed this!!

I am so happy for you, and excited too.

I can't speak to the retail industry as I have never worked there, but from the other side, I always appreciate honest and helpful feedback. Fastest way to chase me out of a store is to be "aggressive"! Just be yourself, apply your charm, style and drive, and I know you will make things work!

Congrats!

That's actually one of my favorite Nordstroms, they have one of the best Encore departments in LA.

On a side note, when you take a break stop by Love & Leashes on the first floor between Macys and Nordstroms. It's an awesome pet store that finds homes for shelter animals run by a non profit organization. All of the animals are from the LA shelter system.

http://www.facebook.com/LALoveLeashes

Big congratulations, Rae, I am so happy for you!!

Wow, incredible neeeews!!! Congrats

(OMG move to Portland! I will come down and have beer with you sooo often Although, they get about as much rain as we do so that might not be the best option for you two unfortunately. )