There are many issues in the world, that people should be concerned with, whether it be who's running in the next presidential campaign, what's mom cooking for dinner, or do I need to go get a new outfit. But one that people shouldn't be concerned with is, is whether or not a male is working at Victoria's Secret. As a male working at Victoria's Secret I understand that there will definitely be some strange looks given, because like I said I'm a male, but not only that, I'm nearly 6'3 and African American. Don't get me wrong, by no means do I have the appearance of someone that would strike fear in the eyes of women, but I know that's not what they're expecting when they are looking to shop for their intimate items.

Anyways, as I'm sure you imagine, being a man at Victoria's Secret comes with it's challenges. Not only do some women not trust me to help them find the bra and panty that they're searching for (although I've been with the company for 3 years), but they question my knowledge of the product. Most of the time they'll say, "I didn't know they let men work here!" or "Can you even really help me out?", these don't really upset me because I know some women just are not used to seeing a male presence. One that gets under my skin is, "Um, ca-- is there a woman that can help me...?" And if there is one available, I will find them one because that is what they ask for and it's expected. But sometimes we are just so swamped that we don't have any available and I offer my services because I'm a dang good at connecting with my customers and finding them exactly what they need (if available). Sometimes they let me help them, but some will use the notorious line "I think I'll wait..." (WARNING: Rant Coming). To me, that is one of the most disrespectful things you can say. In my mind I think, "Holy crap, lady, are you serious? I HAVE (AND HAVE KEPT) MY JOB FOR A REASON. Are you that closed minded that you can't let a man help you? It's 2015, accept new things!" But of course, I enjoy that job and I don't mind keeping it, I say, "Why yes ma'am, I will let you know when one of our specialist are free."

But when I get the free-spirited women, the one's who come in on a mission... those are my favorite. They come in with one mentality, "buy something sexy that will make their significant other's jaw drop" and these are my type of people. They disregard the fact that I am a man, and tell me exactly what they want. On some occasions they'll know their specific bra type, size and the color that they are searching for, but sometimes they won't and this is where my three years of training come in. You see, I didn't start off as a sales specialist (one that actually helps the customer), but I was hired as a stock boy (what we now call a sales generalist). Since I started off as a stock lacky, you can bet your bottom dollar that I know our product; countless 40+ hour weeks sorting and organizing the stock room, inputting the new product into the system and even bringing the new product to the sales floor. Needless to say, I know my bras and panties. I love the thrill of a customer coming in and asking for our opinion as employees and letting us have fun fitting (yes, I can do a bra fitting if you are 18+ and you don't mind me finding your perfect size) and finding you the perfect bra for what out you are looking for. And it's a lot easier for us to do it, than you trying to do it yourself.

As soon as they give me the go to find them a bra I immediately think of all our bra options (Dream Angels, BBV, Very Sexy T-Shirt, etc). Back at my most current store we have a saying that the customer needs four bras, "one to wash, one to wear, one to spare, and one to make you feel pretty" and this is our selling point! In my opinion every woman should come to the store with this type of mindset because it gives us a chance as employees to execute our knowledge and for you to learn something about yourself and our product in the meantime.

But not all customers are women, we occasionally get men who are searching for their wives and come in with absolutely no ideas what to buy. The best line I have gotten from a guy is "I'm searching for my wife, she wears a bra with a number and letter..." this was the most vague statement I have ever been given. But when this happened I just showed him bras that matched his wife's personality type and what she was looking for and we just bought her the bra to show her and she would eventually return to get her size. Tip for the fellas: ask your lady what bra size she wears, it's not strange it's just something you should know because I guarantee she knows what size underwear you wear.

Being a man and working for this company does have it's perks though. I sometimes get compliments from the women pertaining to my skill with the product, and my professionalism about being tempted by half-naked women around the store. (And trust me, there are several occasions where I've helped some elderly women with some equally elderly looking breast feel 45 again...) Being that my district manager is man as well, his presence is motivation (if I ever ended up not wanting to be a doctor) for potential advances within the company. Through my three years as an employee for VS we have hired a plethora of men and it's a sad thing to say, but I am the only one who has made it longer than 6 or 7 months with the company (with breaks for school and all). I view it as, "Oh they really like me and my ability to adapt" vs. "they need someone around to lift the heavy packages and reach the tall things."Either way, I appreciate the fact that I have stayed so long.

In the end, being a man working for Victoria's Secret teaches you many of things. You learn what a proper bra should do for a women and how it should make them feel. Yes, at some times you feel very effeminate, but this knowledge places you one step ahead of other guys that know nothing about bras and panties. I wouldn't trade this job for the world because I have met some lifelong friends along this path and it pays the bills, so go buy something at Victoria's Secret.

Just some things all VS customers should know:

1) Yes, we get commission, so please remember who helped you out!

2) If you saw something in the store, and you really liked it, ask an associate to look it up for you online and we can send it to your house with no shipping charge :)

3) If you forgot your Angel card, no worries, we can look it up for you if you know your SSN and your zip code

4) The Semi-Annual Sale is the second Tuesday of January and July and lasts about two weeks and says $16.99 AND UP (more than likely you'll end up liking the pair that's "and up")

4) We only carry up to a 38 DDD in store...

5)) And last, but not least, IF YOU PICK UP A PANTY OFF THE TOP OF THE PANTY TABLE, DON'T JUST THROW IT BACK UP THERE-- PLACE IT WHERE YOU FOUND IT! Please and thank you...

Oh yeah, and my two favorite VS Angels of all time are Famke Janssen and Adriana Lima: