For the past 16 months I've been selling soap. Not regular soap: happy soap.

And it has drastically effected me as a person for the last year or so. There's a special sort of joy when you find work that doesn't feel like work. Being a part of a brand that not only cares about their employees, and their customers, but also utilizes their status as a successful business starting from the ground up to make positive social change, has been nothing short of eye opening. Working for LUSH is not like having a regular retail job, it becomes a lifestyle. Even if you're only working 15 hours in the shop that week. I have become a brand ambassador at the little LUSH Cosmetics shop across from the food court in the Providence Place mall. Being a brand ambassador to a Lushie means representing the brand with the sense of authenticity it deserves not only when you are at work, and showing that you carry equal values as said brand by your sense of character.

Above is the LUSH Cosmetics We Believe statement, and you can find one of these lovely chalk board written messages that shed some light on what the company stands for in every LUSH shop. Since LUSH is so passionate about sustainability, animal and human rights, charitable giving, and ethical buying, as a brand ambassador you receive a lot of insight on why these things are important, and why they should be valued. I myself have always loved volunteer work and community service with The Little Theatre of Fall River, The Council on Aging, other local drama departments, animal shelters, and beach clean ups -- but I had not ever thought much about things like animal cruelty, how transparent a company is about how their products are made/sold, or even how my purchases impact society. After being a part of a thoughtful community and being trained and educated by my hardworking team of managers I learned a lot of interesting, but unfortunate things about the world and the people who inhabit it. I learned more about animal testing and how it is pointless, and how doing my part to only purchase cruelty free products is an important step to Fighting Animal Testing. Without LUSH, I never would have become so devoted to a 100 percent-plant based diet, because it started the conversation for me to research what goes on behind closed doors in the meat and dairy industry, why choosing to avoid the consumption or use of animal byproduct not only makes it easier to buy from companies who are fair to their employees, but also to stay healthy. LUSH also brought me tons of knowledge about essential oils and how fresh fruits, veggies, nuts, and a minimal amount of safe synthetics can effect your body from head to toe. Call me naive, I had a lot to learn.

When I first applied at LUSH I never thought I was going to be given a second look in the hiring process. LUSH associates are known to dazzle with high energy, have a wide range of product knowledge, and be extremely personable. I was wrapping up my junior year of high school and had just experienced a less than satisfying break up when I submitted my resume and cover letter to my dream job. At the time I was battling a lot of the same demons I had been from earlier in the year, when I was back and forth from various treatment centers, recovering from an eating disorder I let get too far. It was safe to say I didn't think much of myself, nor that I would fit the bill for my local LUSH shop. They thought differently. Not only that, but the shop environment was one that encourages individuality and respects you no matter your sexual orientation or identity, race, age, etc.

Here I was able to thrive, and on the shop floor is where I found that I loved myself more than ever. Showing dozens of customers each shift the beauty behind a brand that has such incredible intentions and that creates effects led products using fresh ingredients brought me recognizable joy. Learning more about issues that I was not quite as filled in about prior to my employment within the company opened up so many doors for me outside of my work life. LUSH taught me that it's what's inside that counts—and not just with beauty products—that I can make an impact, and that something as simple as soap can really change your day for the better.

Being that I will be going away to school for the upcoming 2016–2017 school year, I had no choice but to say goodbye to LUSH and the friends I have made from working there. My hope for the future is to continue within the company nearby my university in Salem, Massachusetts. LUSH was not just another job for me, I've been working since I was old enough to count change, and no other brand has influenced my diet, buying behaviors, interactions with friends and family, or my shower for that matter, the way that LUSH cosmetics has. With one shift left at my favorite little store my heart is heavy and my mind is open to the silver linings and new beginnings that my life has in store for me. Wish me the best of luck!