Banning Theobald manages the Franklin storefront, but her roots at eAllen started in Music City at our location in the Gulch! Upon her move to Nashville from Kentucky, she noticed our brand, fell in love with our products, and instantly saw herself as part of the eTeam! Now, three years in, Banning is an essential part of our team. To know her is to love her! The authenticity and practical approach to each day is something we love and appreciate about this Kentucky gal! Get to know our Banning a little bit better!
Q: What does your position entail?
A: “I run the Franklin location like it’s my own! Making schedules, styling appointments, the hiring process, and training. Pretty much everything keeps the store running smoothly. I truly have the best team, and I think it’s very important to keep the morale of the team going smoothly. In the new year, I hope to make more events and outings for our team to enjoy and be able to catch up with everyone outside of work. ”
Q: What is something, if anything, you want people to know about you?
A: “I was born in Lexington, Kentucky, and still to this day, I am a die-hard Kentucky fan. When I was 9, my parents and I moved to St. Louis, MO, for my dad’s job. I ended up staying there all through high school, and then I ended up going to college at Saint Louis University, where I got my degree in Health Care Administration. Although my major had nothing to do with fashion, I’ve always had a love for style and creating a “look” for someone. I created a fashion and lifestyle blog in college as just a fun side hobby, and it quickly became a passion of mine. Fast forward to now, and I get to do it for a living. I love helping my clients find fun, unique, and functional pieces to keep in their closets for years to come!
Outside of work, I love to shop, hang out with friends and family, and our new puppy Nellie. She just turned a year old in November, and she is a mini Irish doodle. We love her dearly! I also just got married in December, and we have been soaking up these first few weeks of married life. It was truly the wedding of my dreams, and I couldn’t have imagined it any other way. Post-holiday season, we have been planning our big honeymoon. We plan to take a trip to France and Croatia in May. Very thankful for this season of life and everyone who has been a part of this journey. The Best is yet to come! ”
Q: What qualities or characteristics do you possess that you think help in your position?
A: “I feel like I know the products and items we sell in stores really well, so it makes it easy to sell and get people the right fit for what they’re looking for. Each person is different, and what might look good on one person might not look good on the next. Having a personable and non-pushy approach to selling is my key to keeping customers coming back. Being helpful enough that you’re not following them around the store, but still giving them the attention if they want it.”
Q: Who, if anyone, do you work with in your position?
A: “I feel like I work closely with all my girls – I have a pretty good amount of time with all of them, but outside of my own team, I think the other managers are people that I know I can contact if I need something, as well as Tabitha and Megan!”
Q: What is your favorite part of your daily job?
A: “Helping all the lovely ladies who come into the store find an outfit that they love!”
Q: What has been the most challenging part of your job?
A: “Working in the customer service industry can be tough at times. Customers can get easily frustrated, and it can be tough to be kind to them as you are getting yelled at. The best thing I know to do in that situation is just let them speak and just kill them with kindness. Stay consistent with your words and stand your ground.”
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of your job or your greatest accomplishment?
A: “Talking with all the customers that come into the store – whether they are new or a regular – it’s always good to see new people come back to the store. I have created a bond with many people in the store, and it’s almost like they’ve become my friends, and it’s very special to have that.”
Q: In what ways do you want to grow in your position or grow the position itself?
A: “For growth, I would love to be more a part of the buying process or even just see the steps that it takes to buy stuff. Over the last few years, I have done a lot of product research and have always given my opinion on things to carry in store, and the products they do end up purchasing have done very well.”
Q: What has been your favorite memory at e.Allen so far?
A: “I love having outings with my team and getting to know them outside of work! I am very lucky to have such a great Franklin team under me, and I think we all work very well together.”
Q: What do you look forward to the most at e.Allen?
A: “I love the creative aspect of the job! Creating outfits and merchandising the store is one of my favorite things to do each week.”
