Hello, I’m Katherine Amama, one of the emerge360 teens. I joined this program in March 2024 and immediately fell in love with it.

When I started, I was much more shy and lacked confidence in expressing myself. However, participating in this program and having the opportunity to assist customers and work on merchandising has significantly boosted my self-assurance and belief in my own opinions.

Working with customers has been one of the most confidence-building activities for me. When I was younger, I used to dread interacting with people, especially adults. So, initially, the retail environment seemed daunting. But as I became more familiar with the store, I began to genuinely enjoy engaging with customers. I love hearing about where they’re from, helping them find dresses, and seeing them try them on.

Moreover, like many others, I hadn’t paid much attention to how merchandising works. It’s far from simple. People often describe me as a perfectionist, which sometimes makes me second-guess my decisions. Yet, I’ve always had a passion for creativity. Learning merchandising skills has allowed me to indulge that passion through creating displays that reflect my personality. It has also given me more confidence in making decisions.

Training at The Closet by A Beautiful Me has become a commitment I eagerly anticipate every week. It has completely changed my perspective on dress shopping, empowering me to feel more self-assured and sociable. I look forward to completing the program and further enhancing my confidence while refining the valuable skills I’ve gained at The Closet by A Beautiful Me.

By Katherine Amama