This is a sponsored post. The author received a Macy’s gift card in advance of her visit.
By Megan Brown, 2019 Robins Air Force Base Spouse of the Year
Macy’s is conducting The Big Give Back to raise funds to support Blue Star Families and Bunker Labs. From July 1st to July 18th, you can round up your purchase amount, up to .99 cents, to donate funds to two charities supporting America’s veterans and military families.
AND, with the Macy’s Salutes Those Who Serve giveaway, by making a purchase from July 1-15 and filling out this form, you can win a $1,000 gift card to spend at Macy‘s. That means $1,000 for you to replenish your lost goods, prep for back-to-school, or just treat yo-self!
Blue Star Families is a volunteer organization that is committed to strengthening military families by facilitating connection. They aim to help build community. Community is fundamental for military families to thrive, not just to survive, in their active duty lifestyles.
Likewise, Bunker Labs is a non-profit network of veteran entrepreneurs dedicated to helping new veteran entrepreneurs start their own businesses. They strive to make sure that every entrepreneur in the veteran community has the tools that they need to succeed.
I had the pleasure of visiting my local Macy’s store in Macon, Georgia. I was in search for some snazzy new career clothes. As a career writer, whose work is typically done in front of my home computer, I usually live in ripped jeans and Nine Line t-shirts. However, because I also have regular speaking engagements and opportunities to teach at conferences or workshops, there are times that I need a more polished ensemble.
When I arrived at Macy’s, all of the employees were dressed in red, white, and blue. I was welcomed and greeted with a kind smile. I practically skipped as I passed through the handbag section on my way to the career wear. I stumbled upon a killer sale and grabbed some great business attire. After finding my stellar new outfit, I ventured down to the Executive Offices to meet with Mrs. Terry Young, the Store Manager, and DeJour Fears, a military spouse employee.
The conversation that followed was one of the most encouraging discussions that I have had as a military spouse. The three of us sat down and Mrs. Terry, the Store Manager, listened intently as Dejour described some of the challenges that she faced as a military spouse when it came to employment.
Dejour talked about the difficulties that she faced in starting over, in having to lose everything that she had built with previous employers and having to begin again at the bottom. She shared that transitions were difficult, in that there were not always similar opportunities or job availability after a relocation or PCS.
As we shared our stories, we jokingly asserted that military spouses are like Barbie dolls. We have had so many different jobs and careers that our closets may look like something out of Barbie’s dream house, filled with a million types of uniforms, outfits, and matching accessories. Dejour had been a cable technician, a catering assistant, a retail sales specialist, and an insurance agent. When I reviewed my history as a military spouse, I shared that I have been a furniture saleswoman, a financial consultant, a wedding dress consultant, a fitness instructor, a cake decorator, and a freelance writer. We celebrated together that we can adapt and overcome.
Then, Mrs. Terry interjected a question. “What can I do as a Store Manager to support everything that you do?” She told us that she had no idea we faced so many challenges and how impressed she was by our determination.
In response, I referenced a recent Blue Star Families survey that discovered that 70% of millennial military families believe that two incomes are vital, and that simultaneously military spouse unemployment is rising to almost 30%.
We talked about creating opportunities for military spouses and being committed to hiring them. In addition to creating opportunities, we discussed the topic of investment. When an employer invests time, training, and mentorship into a military spouse, the benefit goes beyond the employing company. It has a ripple effect into our community. It shows support and solidarity. This investment empowers military spouses to push themselves toward personal and profession growth, and ultimately, towards success.
The visit to my local Macy’s was beyond encouraging. It was an exciting opportunity for dialogue and for mutual celebration. We bridged the gap between our experiences as active duty families and our local community. We shed light on some of the struggles and talked found some solutions together.
I am grateful for Macy’s support for Blue Star Families and Bunker Labs in The Great Give Back campaign, but also in their employment of compassionate and caring people like Mrs. Terry and DeJour. They certainly have created a culture of listening and learning in their leadership.
Whether you need career wear or home goods after a fresh PCS, drop by a local Macy’s store and participate in The Great Give Back. Find your local store here.
Megan Brown is the 2019 Robins Air Force Base Military Spouse of the Year. She is a seasoned military spouse, military missionary, and homeschooling mother of four. She lives in middle Georgia with her husband, Keith, and their energetic kiddos. She is a Bible teacher, speaker, and freelance writer. To learn more or connect with Megan, visit www.meganbbrown.com.