Creative Retail Associate (Portsmouth, VA)

Authenticality Co.; Norfolk (VA); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Authenticality Co. is seeking a Creative Retail Associate who brings warmth, energy, creativity and intention to every interaction.

This role turns a store visit into an experience, requires a love of people, attention to detail, and thrives in a fast-paced, creative environment. The position supports daily store operations, assists guests with product and scent discoveries, and helps maintain visual standards while contributing to workshops, events and experiential activations.

Qualifications

• Previous retail, hospitality or customer service experience.
• Energetic and creative in store environments.
• Professional and authentic communication with customers.
• Dependable, organized and solution-oriented approach.
• Willingness to work weekends, events and high-traffic moments.
• Ability to create meaningful customer experiences beyond transactions.

Responsibilities

• Guide guests through product and scent recommendations.
• Support daily store operations, including opening and closing procedures.
• Maintain store cleanliness, organization, and visual merchandising standards.
• Assist with inventory management and restocking.
• Support/lead creative sessions, in-store events, and experiential activations.
• Process transactions accurately and efficiently.
• Contribute ideas to enhance customer experience and store environment.
• Uphold Authenticality Co. culture, aesthetic and values.

Skills

Retail experience

Customer service

Communication

Detail oriented

Teamwork

Job description

We’re looking for a Creative Retail Associate who naturally brings warmth, energy, creativity and intention into every interaction.

This is not your typical retail role. We’re seeking someone who understands how to turn a store visit into an experience - someone who loves people, pays attention to detail and thrives in a creative, fast-paced environment.

Compensation: Starting compensation is $15/hour, with higher pay opportunities available for candidates who bring strong experience, leadership qualities and exceptional alignment with the Authenticality Co. experience.

Position Overview

The Creative Retail Associate serves as both a brand ambassador and experience curator within the Authenticality Co. retail environment. This role supports daily store operations while helping cultivate an inviting, inspiring, and elevated customer experience through thoughtful service, creativity and genuine connection.

From assisting guests with scent discovery to supporting workshops and maintaining visual presentation standards, this role plays a key part in bringing the Authenticality Co. experience to life.

Responsibilities

• Guide guests through product and scent recommendations
• Support daily retail operations, including opening and closing procedures
• Maintain store cleanliness, organization, and visual merchandising standards
• Assist with inventory management and restocking
• Support/lead creative sessions, in-store events, and experiential activations
• Process transactions accurately and efficiently
• Contribute ideas that enhance the customer experience and overall store environment
• Uphold the culture, aesthetic, and values of Authenticality Co.

Positive & Magnetic Energy - You naturally bring uplifting, welcoming, and infectious energy into every room. Your personality helps create an environment that feels warm, engaging, and inspiring for both customers and team members alike. You’re personable, upbeat, emotionally aware and genuinely enjoy making others feel good through authentic interaction and positive presence.

Initiative & Accountability -You take ownership of your responsibilities, stay proactive and contribute without needing constant direction. You embody a strong work ethic.

Detail-Oriented Mindset - You understand that small details shape memorable experiences - from store presentation to customer interactions.

Adaptability - You thrive in dynamic environments and can seamlessly shift between customer service, operations and event support.

Strong People Skills - You enjoy connecting with others and know how to make people feel welcomed, seen, and comfortable.

Team Mentality - You collaborate well with others and contribute positively to team culture and morale.

Alignment With the Brand - You appreciate creativity, intentional living, self-expression, and experiential retail.

Creative Energy - You naturally bring ideas, personality and thoughtful attention into the spaces you occupy.

Reliability & Integrity - You are dependable, responsible and trustworthy in both your work and interactions. You follow through on commitments, communicate honestly, take accountability for your responsibilities and consistently show up with professionalism, maturity and integrity - even when no one is watching.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is someone who:

• Has previous retail, hospitality or customer service experience
• Feels energized by creative environments
• Communicates professionally and authentically
• Is dependable, organized and solution-oriented
• Enjoys working weekends, events and high-traffic retail moments
• Understands how to create meaningful customer experiences rather than simply completing transactions

Why Work With Us?

At Authenticality Co., we value creativity, community, growth and intentional experiences. We’re building a team of individuals who care deeply about the atmosphere they create and the impact they leave on others.