Power Women: Erin Laine
Manager, Head of Sales & Merchandising, Cecil’s Fine Jewelry
How did you get started in your field?
I had zero sales experience, and it was terrifying. Prior to Cecil’s, I worked in orthopedics as a surgical coordinator at UAMS. I credit my organizational, customer service and problem solving skills to one of my favorite people in the world, Hazel Leslie, RN. She taught me how to “adult” and gave me the confidence to branch out and join my family business.
What do you love best about what you do?
The customers, hands down. I cannot stress enough how wonderful it is to wake up and look forward to my job. I get to play with beautiful, extravagant jewels all day and talk to intriguing people. There aren’t many fields in which you get to be a small part of some of the most pivotal moments/memories in people’s lives – engagements, weddings and babies, just to name a few. Even when our cherished customers lose loved ones, we are here to help them take care of their most prized possessions.
What advice would you give to a young woman starting her career?
Listen and watch. I soaked up everything I could and hit the ground running.
What are your proudest accomplishments?
My family. Retail life is rough. My children know that weekends, late nights, and days off are few and far between in the jewelry world. I might as well be a missing person in the month of December. They all chip in and make our crazy life work – especially my husband, Scott. I cannot even begin to say all that he does for me and our kids, so I will stick with, “Thank you, and I love you more!”
Is there another “power woman” in your life who inspires you?
My assistant manager, best friend and sister-in-law, Lindsey Reynolds. She is my right-hand woman. I don’t know what I would do here without her. She is a new mother, and she’s dealing with the craziness of Cecil’s while balancing home life and a beautiful baby girl. This business wouldn’t run without her.
How do you maintain a work/life balance?
I don’t. I hope someday I can have some personal time, but we are so fortunate to be busy. Right now, I am focused on giving the best possible customer experience for the present and for years to come.
What obstacles have you had to overcome?
Just like every other business during the pandemic, we’ve been crazy busy and exhausted. We are trying to give everyone our undivided attention at the store so they can all have the red-carpet treatment. Taking care of all customers without making people wait can be challenging, so we appreciate everyone being so patient and friendly. Again, this boils down to our awesome customers.
