Have you ever been somewhere and known that that was the place you were meant to be for a reason? For me, I got that feeling while working at Build A Bear Workshop. For most people who walk by the store and take a peek inside, it's just a silly store. But for me, it's so much more, it's a second home, it's where I learned so many life lessons, it's where I learned to make the most of each day. Build A Bear Workshop might just be a teddy bear store from the outside, but on the inside, it's a place where kids can be kids, adults can have fun and open up, and everyone can be themselves. After becoming an employee at Build A Bear, I learned that my job wasn't just to stuff teddy bears, but to make people's days and to make people smile. In my two and a half years of working at the workshop, I've learned so many valuable lessons, but these are the ones that will forever stick out in my mind.
1. Everybody has a story
Whether it's a little girl who came in to make a bear for sleeping in her big girl bed for the very first time, a dad who came in to make a bear for his daughter who was recently diagnosed with cancer, they all have a story. But in order to learn about their story, you have to listen. It's not enough to ask the required "How are you?" question to each guest, but you have to truly care and want to know how each and every person really is doing.
2. I have the ability to make someone's day
For the mom who was dragged into the store by her two young kids who are dying to make the new Toothless dragon, but would rather be anywhere else but here, include her in the fun. Although she wants to get in and get out as soon as possible so that she continue on with her shopping, show her how fun this is for her kids. Let her see how happy her kids are to be bringing their new friend to life, encourage her to take pictures of her kids going through the steps of making a bear. Go out of your way to even ask her to get in on some of the pictures and make this a day that she'll look back on. Sure, she probably has 100 more errands to run for the day, but help her to make these memories with her kids. Include her in every step and make it so that she walks out of the store having more fun with her kids than she thought could be had at a silly teddy bear store.
3. Sometimes making a fool of myself, can make some of the best memories
Sure, not many people go into work excited knowing that they have to dress up as the store's furry mascot. I sure wasn't excited at first. But it was more fun than it looks, and it was definitely hotter in that suit than you could ever imagine! The first time dressing up as Bearemy the bear or Pawlette the bunny was kind of embarrassing, having all of my friends and co-workers know I was in a bear costume. But looking back, it's probably one of the most fun memories I have ever made at work. Getting to dance around dressed as a bear or bunny, seeing the smiles on all of the kids faces, watching them try to dance with a life-size bear and bunny, or watching them step on their tippy toes to try to get a picture with the life-size teddy bear was something that I will never forget.
4. A smile can go a long way
Not every guest will be excited to come into Build A Bear, some might not even walk through the doors, but they'll wait outside instead. The best thing you can do? Smile at them and let them know that they're always welcome. And I don't mean one of those fake, cheesy smiles, I mean one of those smiles that let them know that you're happy to see them. Even if you don't know them, their story or what they're going through, just smile. Sometimes no matter what you say, it won't matter because words can be so empty. But more times than not, a smile, a genuine smile, can let anyone in the world know that you care.
5. Sometimes over time, is the best time
Despite how annoying it can be having to stay at work later than you were initially scheduled, sometimes you meet the coolest people. I've had to stay at work later than expected more times than I can count on two hands, but in those times, I've met some of the most amazing people with some of the most amazing stories that have forever changed my life. I remember how mad I used to be when asked to stay late, all I wanted was to go home and put my feet up, but if it weren't for those times that I had to stay late, I wouldn't have met those guests who turned into friends and the friends that have turned into family.
Build A Bear Workshop is somewhere that kids look at to go to make new furry friends to bring home and keep forever. But for me, Build A Bear Workshop has been a place where I've learned so many important lessons about working and life. It may just be a silly teddy bear store to most people, but to me, it's somewhere that has taught me more than I ever thought possible.
