What retail taught me as a creative

During the festive season of 2025, I became a temporary employee in the world of retail. I joined to gain experience and enhance my skills in communicating with customers and working with a team. I loved every moment of it.

I was part of a team that was supportive, friendly, and patient, always ready to assist. Having a team like this made a significant impact, particularly on our busy and overwhelming days.

I should say in general, it has made a massive impression on me in all good ways.

Mistakes were made, lots of them, but retail quickly teaches you that staying calm and being open to learning matters more than getting it right the first time around. Pressure is constant, but how you respond to it is what counts.

As a creative, I’ve realised how transferable these skills are. Retail revolves around the customer journey, understanding needs, communicating clearly, adapting quickly, and keeping empathy at the center of everything. That mindset directly translates into creative work: how you present ideas, collaborate with clients (and your team), handle feedback, and solve problems under pressure. See what I mean. Same, same but different, as the saying goes.

Anyways… Retail also taught me another level of patience and how to stay grounded when things feel chaotic. So now these lessons and skills are what I take forward into my own creative processes, using them in my own way. Another valuable chapter added to my journey.

Kirsten's busy Beaver, carrying important chapters.

For anyone out there who needs to hear this, remember it’s not a detour, it’s simply building your knowledge and opportunities step by step.

To my wonderful retail team, from one busy beaver to another, thank you for everything.

See you soon!