As I stepped into the elegant bridal salon, excitement and nervousness coursed through my veins. But little did I know, the saleswomen’s condescending attitudes would soon turn this special moment into a teachable one.
At 55, Hispanic, and soon-to-be married, I was aware of the biases I might face. The saleswomen’s snobbish demeanor and judgmental glances only reinforced my concerns.
One saleswoman, with a forced smile, approached me. “Can I help you?” she asked, her tone dripping with insincerity.
I requested to try on several dresses, specifying my preference for lace. Her eyebrows shot up, and she cautioned me to handle the delicate gowns carefully, implying my hands weren’t worthy.
Her condescending tone struck a nerve, but I maintained my composure. “My hands are clean,” I replied calmly.
The saleswoman’s smirk and her colleague’s snide remarks only fueled my determination to prove them wrong.
Just as tensions escalated, John, the manager, appeared, sensing the unease. His authoritative voice commanded attention. “What’s the situation here, girls?”
The saleswoman’s smugness dissipated as John revealed my true identity: the salon’s new owner, Ms. Morales, soon to be Mrs. Shepherd.
Their faces fell, replaced by fear. John reprimanded them, “Do you treat customers like this?”
I intervened, sparing them from immediate termination. Instead, I offered a chance for redemption.
“Make Ashley my personal assistant for a month. She’ll learn the true nature of this business.”
Ashley’s eyes widened. “Personal assistant?” she stammered.
“Yes,” I said firmly. “You’ll discover our goal isn’t just selling expensive dresses but making every bride feel beautiful, regardless of appearance or background.”
Matilda, the brunette, asked, “And what about me?”
“You’ll study wedding gowns, materials, and trends,” I replied. “You’ll learn to enhance every bride’s beauty.”
As they nodded fervently, I asked, “Do I make myself clear?”
Their timid “yes” marked the beginning of their transformation.
With champagne in hand, Ashley asked, “What kind of dress would you like, ma’am?”
Matilda suggested a sweetheart neckline, and I beamed with approval.
This encounter taught me that sometimes, kindness and empowerment can be more powerful than anger. I had found a new purpose: molding these saleswomen into compassionate professionals.
Now, it was time to find my perfect wedding gown.
