It’s one of the hippest, most exciting neighborhoods in Nashville—12th Avenue South. What teenage girl wouldn’t want to spend her summer in this cool part of the “It City,” learning the ins and outs of the fashion industry at Reese Witherspoon’s trendy boutique, Draper James? Two Metro Nashville Public School students got the chance to do just that, thanks to a partnership between Draper James and Girls Inc. at YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee.
Lucki Price and Gabrielle Rigsby attend Pearl Cohn and Antioch High Schools respectively. Both take part in Girls Inc., a program that empowers girls to succeed and overcome challenges. In the spring of 2016, girls participating in Girls Inc. high school programs were offered the opportunity to apply for a summer internship at Draper James. The lifestyle company founded by the Oscar-winning actress and Nashville native supports Girls Inc. economic literacy programming. After a lengthy application and interview process, Lucki and Gaby earned the two coveted internships spots, and their summer of learning and fun began.
The girls had the opportunity to acquire basic foundational work skills in a high-end retail environment. The internship offered a chance to prepare them for their next job or even a career in fashion and retail. Throughout the eight-week internship, Lucki and Gaby were exposed to relationships and experiences that most teenagers can only dream about.
The reviews from the girls’ Draper James supervisors were positively glowing.
“Gaby is such a little firecracker out on the sales floor. She loves to be customer-facing, engaging them with a smile the moment they enter the door. A few weeks into her internship, Gaby assisted one of our sales associates with a fabulous $1600 sale and needed little to no direction. Now that’s impressive!”
“Lucki has received some great compliments from customers on her sunny disposition and helpful attitude. Both girls routinely go above and beyond and even offer to stay longer than they are scheduled if we need the extra help.”
Gaby and Lucki didn’t want the experience to end. Gaby shared that the internship was, “an amazing way to start a career. My favorite part was helping people and meeting their needs. Being able to make someone’s day was such a great pleasure.”
Lucki expressed that Draper James, “felt like a family and all the girls were like older sisters I never had. It was so exciting meeting people from all over the world—literally—and giving them a great experience. I loved being in the store, and the entire environment so inviting and special. It was a wonderful summer!”
For more information on Girls Inc. at YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee, visit www.ywcanashville.com or call 615-269-9922.
