i worked at brandy melville for a year: my reflexions

September, 2021

In March of 2020 my time had come to financially support myself. In this type of  situation one becomes much more welcoming to labor prospects. My "only" demand was to be able to dress as freely as possible (due to a previous job in which it was mandatory for the workers to wear black from head to toe + makeup and by the fifth day I was having an identity crisis). 

I went to uncountable establishments to hand in my curriculum. One of them was Brandy Melville. The worker at their cashier told me they were doing an 'Open Call' to hire more staff the next day. It seemed like the universe was helping me out. About 24h later I joined the cue of people waiting to present themselves to the managers. I was interviewed alongside four young women. 

“What do you think about the brand's one size policy?” was one of their questions. 

I didn’t hold back, expressing how backwards, absurd, and overall shameless their denial of the brand’s body shaming tendencies. It was depressing to hear the other answers, as no one seemed to share my concerns. They were passive and safe, noting the brand’s “larger” items, like oversized hoodies. 

I left the meeting and called my parents. We agreed that I wouldn’t get the job. To everyone’s surprise, I was asked to come in two weeks later for a try-out work day at one of the shops. It was a welcomed surprise. After my first day, I grew hopeful that the owners and big bosses were interested in modifying Brandy’s exclusive sizing. Having quit after a year, I can attest they are not. 

Leaving my position in the company didn't feel enough. I wanted to put everything into words and share it.  

If you’re interested in having a traumatic shopping experience I would advise you to visit a Brandy Melville store. I’ll do the honors of giving you a succinct breakdown of what you can expect: 

When coming in you’ll be greeted by a skinny young girl. The blasting pop music will make you feel delightfully naive. Don’t let it get to you. Checking out the clothes will seem compelling at first. Picture racks of plain vintage-inspired basics. You will find a top or a dress or a skirt or a shirt or trousers or shorts that you may like. Before taking it to the changing room, you will move hangers or piles as you try to find a tag that’s not small or extra small. Don’t waste your time. You won’t find it. Now distressed, you will leave everything behind and turn to leave. But not before you’re confronted with a wall covered in square printed pictures of girls modeling the brand. And no, your vision isn’t foggy. All of them are white and very skinny. Your heart will start pounding as shame consumes you, and you will strain your neck to help oxygen flow in and out of your lungs. Your eyes will find posters of bands and artists. All of them are men. You will then question what year it is. You will feel alone because everyone around you is acting as if all of this is normal. You will go to the changing room to see what type of people are wasting their money in this madhouse. You will end up overhearing a conversation between two thirteen year olds: “I feel fat. Nothing fits me. I wish something did because it’s all so cute”. You will then march out of that toxic environment and never come back. 

Working at Brandy Melville did offer a few benefits though. Namely, it clarified my desire to question the coherency of my activism. 

Do I want to witness the changes I desire for our society or do I not mind dying while they are still happening? 

To experience the bliss of living through human development, I must be as consistently logical with my own actions as I possibly can. I have found myself in situations where buying something hurts my soul because of the brand it's associated with. This could happen when I can't find what I need absolutely anywhere else or when the price difference was too much for my bank account to bear. 

I do my grocery shopping in a supermarket franchise whose owner supports political conservatorship. I own this terrible choice. I know my reasons to do it. On the other hand, I could no longer justify shopping at Brandy Melville. 

I felt disgustingly brainwashed. 

Not a single person on earth will ever need a Brandy Melville article. 

You know what will perfectly match that coat you just thrifted? Empathy. 

In conclusion,

Your beautiful revolutionary speech isn't enough. 

Change needs your power.