New Store, New Experiences

Last November, I had the opportunity to be part of something truly special: opening a brand-new EVEREVE store in Richmond, Virginia. With five years of retail experience under my belt, I was genuinely excited to take on this new challenge and contribute to building something from the ground up. It was eye-opening in the best way possible.

Walking into the space for the first time, I was met with the raw reality of what it takes to open a store from the ground up. Boxes were stacked from wall to wall, just waiting to be unboxed, sorted, and tagged. The air buzzed with anticipation and the sound of drills and paint rollers as construction crews worked tirelessly, installing doors, fixing light fixtures, and giving the walls their final coat of paint.

Even if it might have looked like a mess to others, it was glamourous to me. It was real, hands-on, and full of long days. But it was also one of the most rewarding parts of my career so far. What stood out the most wasn't just the physical transformation of the store, but the people.

From the first moment, it became a powerful team bonding experience. I met incredible individuals, each bringing their own energy, commitment, and excitement to the project. We laughed, hustled, and supported each other through the chaos.

Opening the Richmond location reminded me why I love this industry. It’s not just about clothes, it's about people, connection, and creating something meaningful from the ground up. This new store wasn’t just a milestone for the company; it was a milestone for me, too.