"People engage in crafts and hobbies for many different reasons: to connect with family, to celebrate their artistic talents, to prepare for a big event like a wedding or anniversary, or to use creativity to heal from a hard time. I started scrapbooking as way to remember loved ones I've lost, and it really helped in the grieving process. I think the really important thing about serving customers is to find out what they really *need* from their hobby or creative activity -- a customer is more than just the products they're buying. There's usually a deeper story. I want to go beyond the customer/employee relationship, however briefly, and really engage each customer as a unique individual with unique needs. I think it makes me a better employee because it helps me help the customer find exactly what they're looking for, and customers who feel seen as individuals are far more likely to return to the store again."
