In this episode of Sorry, It’s Discontinued, Hilary gets real about the “Mean Girl” energy that can take over retail counters, back rooms, and even leadership meetings — and how fear-based goals, gossip, and competition can destroy teamwork.

From luxury beauty floors to corporate sales meetings, Hilary unpacks what really happens when kindness gets mistaken for weakness — and why choosing grace, empathy, and integrity will always be the ultimate power move.

💄 She dives into how company culture shapes this behavior, what happens when fear replaces trust, and why brands like Sephora, Rare Beauty, Costco, and H-E-B prove that kindness isn’t just good energy — it’s good business.

This episode explores how you can protect your peace, build genuine community, and rise above the mean-girl chaos — one smile and one act of kindness at a time.

👑 Because being mean might get attention… but kindness? That’s the real crown.

💋Have a discontinued favorite or retail story? Share it with Hilary here!

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Sorry, It’s Discontinued on your favorite podcast app, and leave a quick rating or review—it really helps our retail family and fellow customers find the show.

You can also connect with me on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @sorryitsdiscontinued. And if you have your own behind-the-counter story, discontinued product heartbreak, or beauty industry confession, send it my way—your story might be featured in a future episode.

This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with any brands or companies mentioned. All stories and opinions shared are personal, reflecting the real-life experiences of those who’ve worked in this industry with heart and hustle.

Thank you for being here 💄

the website: www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com

Connect with me:
Instagram & TikTok: @sorryitsdiscontinued

Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎧

Want to share your story or suggest a topic?
Visit www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com and scroll to "Tell Me Your Story"

New episodes every Thursday
#SorryItsDiscontinued #BeautyPodcast #RetailLife

You can smell it before you walk through the door — the scent of luxury, competition, and pure chaos. In this episode of Sorry, It’s Discontinued, Hilary dives into the fascinating world of fragrance: where brands battle for attention, associates fight for their goals, and every bottle tells a story.

From billion-dollar perfume houses to niche boutiques like The Scent Room in Dallas, Hilary unpacks what makes fragrance one of beauty’s fastest-growing — and most emotional — industries.

💋Have a discontinued favorite or retail story? Share it with Hilary here!

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Sorry, It’s Discontinued on your favorite podcast app, and leave a quick rating or review—it really helps our retail family and fellow customers find the show.

You can also connect with me on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @sorryitsdiscontinued. And if you have your own behind-the-counter story, discontinued product heartbreak, or beauty industry confession, send it my way—your story might be featured in a future episode.

This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with any brands or companies mentioned. All stories and opinions shared are personal, reflecting the real-life experiences of those who’ve worked in this industry with heart and hustle.

Thank you for being here 💄

the website: www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com

Connect with me:
Instagram & TikTok: @sorryitsdiscontinued

Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎧

Want to share your story or suggest a topic?
Visit www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com and scroll to "Tell Me Your Story"

New episodes every Thursday
#SorryItsDiscontinued #BeautyPodcast #RetailLife

Managers are the heartbeat of retail — the ones who set the tone, inspire their teams, and carry more pressure than most people ever realize. In this episode, Hilary explores the emotional and practical realities of leadership behind the counter — from department and counter managers to store directors.

She shares personal stories about the leaders who shaped her career — the ones who lifted her up and the ones who taught her what not to do. From emotional exhaustion to the power of empathy, this episode dives deep into what it really means to lead with heart in today’s retail world.

Featuring Fun Facts with Hilary about Stanley Marcus, Roz Brewer, Mary Dillon, Deirdre O’Brien, and Pat Farrah — this is a love letter to every manager, mentor, and “retail warrior” who keeps the floor running and the team inspired.

💋Have a discontinued favorite or retail story? Share it with Hilary here!

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Sorry, It’s Discontinued on your favorite podcast app, and leave a quick rating or review—it really helps our retail family and fellow customers find the show.

You can also connect with me on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @sorryitsdiscontinued. And if you have your own behind-the-counter story, discontinued product heartbreak, or beauty industry confession, send it my way—your story might be featured in a future episode.

This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with any brands or companies mentioned. All stories and opinions shared are personal, reflecting the real-life experiences of those who’ve worked in this industry with heart and hustle.

Thank you for being here 💄

the website: www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com

Connect with me:
Instagram & TikTok: @sorryitsdiscontinued

Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎧

Want to share your story or suggest a topic?
Visit www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com and scroll to "Tell Me Your Story"

New episodes every Thursday
#SorryItsDiscontinued #BeautyPodcast #RetailLife

In this follow-up to my first customer service episode, I’m taking a deeper look at how service has evolved — from the golden age of department stores and handwritten thank-you notes to today’s fast-paced, digital-first world.

We’ll revisit the days when service meant connection, kindness, and care, and explore how the meaning of “helping people” has changed in a culture that wants everything now.

From tea rooms and beauty counters that felt magical to the burnout of modern retail, this episode dives into what we’ve lost, what we’ve learned, and why empathy might just be the comeback trend we all need.

If you’ve ever worked with tired feet, smiled through exhaustion, or just needed to hear someone get it — this one’s for you.

💋Have a discontinued favorite or retail story? Share it with Hilary here!

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Sorry, It’s Discontinued on your favorite podcast app, and leave a quick rating or review—it really helps our retail family and fellow customers find the show.

You can also connect with me on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @sorryitsdiscontinued. And if you have your own behind-the-counter story, discontinued product heartbreak, or beauty industry confession, send it my way—your story might be featured in a future episode.

This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with any brands or companies mentioned. All stories and opinions shared are personal, reflecting the real-life experiences of those who’ve worked in this industry with heart and hustle.

Thank you for being here 💄

the website: www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com

Connect with me:
Instagram & TikTok: @sorryitsdiscontinued

Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎧

Want to share your story or suggest a topic?
Visit www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com and scroll to "Tell Me Your Story"

New episodes every Thursday
#SorryItsDiscontinued #BeautyPodcast #RetailLife

In this episode of Sorry, It’s Discontinued, Hilary takes you behind the counter to explore the evolution of customer service in retail—from the early days of luxury department stores with tea rooms, lounges, and unconditional returns, to today’s digital era of virtual styling, curbside pickup, and “complimentary” beauty events.

Hilary unpacks the hidden costs of pampering services like makeovers, spa days, and artistry appointments, revealing how the word free has created challenges and entitlement in modern retail. She contrasts the old-world charm of Saks, Macy’s, and Dillard’s with Sephora’s structured service model, showing how boundaries and clear expectations can transform both the customer and associate experience.

This episode shines a light on the realities associates face—from late arrivals and no-shows to commission pressures—and reminds us why kindness, respect, and boundaries are essential for a healthier retail culture.

If you’ve ever wondered why customer service feels so different today—or what it really takes to create memorable experiences in retail—you won’t want to miss this deep dive.

💋Have a discontinued favorite or retail story? Share it with Hilary here!

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Sorry, It’s Discontinued on your favorite podcast app, and leave a quick rating or review—it really helps our retail family and fellow customers find the show.

You can also connect with me on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @sorryitsdiscontinued. And if you have your own behind-the-counter story, discontinued product heartbreak, or beauty industry confession, send it my way—your story might be featured in a future episode.

This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with any brands or companies mentioned. All stories and opinions shared are personal, reflecting the real-life experiences of those who’ve worked in this industry with heart and hustle.

Thank you for being here 💄

the website: www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com

Connect with me:
Instagram & TikTok: @sorryitsdiscontinued

Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎧

Want to share your story or suggest a topic?
Visit www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com and scroll to "Tell Me Your Story"

New episodes every Thursday
#SorryItsDiscontinued #BeautyPodcast #RetailLife

In this episode of Sorry, It’s Discontinued, Hilary sits down with Phaedra to talk about her journey from growing up in Houston to building a career rooted in fashion and leadership. With her start at Nordstrom, Phaedra was mentored by incredible women who recognized her potential and helped shape her path—eventually leading her to become a Brand Account Executive with Nest Fragrances.

Along the way, she’s been guided by the powerful women in her personal life—her mother, grandmother, and sister—and supported by a husband and friends who admire her magnetic personality. Together, Hilary and Phaedra explore the impact of mentorship, the lessons of kindness in leadership, and the importance of trusting your instincts as you follow your own path. Tune in and get inspired by Phaedra’s story of kindness, leadership, and empowerment.

💋Have a discontinued favorite or retail story? Share it with Hilary here!

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Sorry, It’s Discontinued on your favorite podcast app, and leave a quick rating or review—it really helps our retail family and fellow customers find the show.

You can also connect with me on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @sorryitsdiscontinued. And if you have your own behind-the-counter story, discontinued product heartbreak, or beauty industry confession, send it my way—your story might be featured in a future episode.

This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with any brands or companies mentioned. All stories and opinions shared are personal, reflecting the real-life experiences of those who’ve worked in this industry with heart and hustle.

Thank you for being here 💄

the website: www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com

Connect with me:
Instagram & TikTok: @sorryitsdiscontinued

Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎧

Want to share your story or suggest a topic?
Visit www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com and scroll to "Tell Me Your Story"

New episodes every Thursday
#SorryItsDiscontinued #BeautyPodcast #RetailLife

This episode dives into the often-overlooked health impacts of working in retail, especially the conditions lurking behind the scenes in stock rooms. From dust-covered vents to hidden mold and construction , these environments can take a serious toll on the physical well-being of associates. Beyond the polished counters and luxury displays, the reality is that poor air quality and neglected maintenance create long-term challenges for those who keep the retail world running. Join Hilary as she sheds light on these hidden hazards, shares real experiences from behind the counter, and asks why worker health always seems to fall to the bottom of the priority list. This Topic I will expand on more going forward as this is just a small part of what our bodies deal with working in Retail.

💋Have a discontinued favorite or retail story? Share it with Hilary here!

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Sorry, It’s Discontinued on your favorite podcast app, and leave a quick rating or review—it really helps our retail family and fellow customers find the show.

You can also connect with me on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @sorryitsdiscontinued. And if you have your own behind-the-counter story, discontinued product heartbreak, or beauty industry confession, send it my way—your story might be featured in a future episode.

This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with any brands or companies mentioned. All stories and opinions shared are personal, reflecting the real-life experiences of those who’ve worked in this industry with heart and hustle.

Thank you for being here 💄

the website: www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com

Connect with me:
Instagram & TikTok: @sorryitsdiscontinued

Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎧

Want to share your story or suggest a topic?
Visit www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com and scroll to "Tell Me Your Story"

New episodes every Thursday
#SorryItsDiscontinued #BeautyPodcast #RetailLife

In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the reality of retail and sales culture. Too often, the pressure to hit numbers pushes us to skip meals, rush through breaks, or put our own well-being last—all in the name of keeping the floor running. But are things really improving when it comes to how companies value rest?

Join me as I share personal stories and real talk about the culture of breaks, the hidden ways we shortchange ourselves, and why taking time to breathe isn’t just about getting paid—it’s about protecting your mental health.

💋Have a discontinued favorite or retail story? Share it with Hilary here!

Support the show

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Sorry, It’s Discontinued on your favorite podcast app, and leave a quick rating or review—it really helps our retail family and fellow customers find the show.

You can also connect with me on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @sorryitsdiscontinued. And if you have your own behind-the-counter story, discontinued product heartbreak, or beauty industry confession, send it my way—your story might be featured in a future episode.

This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with any brands or companies mentioned. All stories and opinions shared are personal, reflecting the real-life experiences of those who’ve worked in this industry with heart and hustle.

Thank you for being here 💄

the website: www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com

Connect with me:
Instagram & TikTok: @sorryitsdiscontinued

Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎧

Want to share your story or suggest a topic?
Visit www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com and scroll to "Tell Me Your Story"

New episodes every Thursday
#SorryItsDiscontinued #BeautyPodcast #RetailLife