Anthonee Mandani, assistant manager at Forever 21

It is not often that a retail sales associate under the age of 20 becomes a manager at their store branch, but for Forever 21 assistant manager Anthonee Mandani, he was an exception.

He's worked in the Brampton, Ontario location since it opened almost four years ago. At first, he was only a 17-year-old starting his first job as a sales associate. Three months into his sales position, he was quickly promoted to a cashier. From one promotion to another, he made another leap to head cashier. What he didn't expect was being given the opportunity to be a part of the management team at 19 years old.

Moving up takes hard work!

Seeing how much he had grown within the company helped Mandani realize he wanted to go further into retail management and make a difference. But like every other employee wanting a management position, Mandani had to work his way up.

I didn't want my lack of retail background to hinder me from reaching my full potential in the company. I wanted to prove to others, as well as myself, that I could do more if I just stayed focused.

In doing so, he took the initiative to learn more about the responsibilities of a manager by working directly with the management team, while studying Fashion Arts at Humber College. His passion for the fashion industry and fascination with the behind-the-scenes operations at Forever 21 brought two paths into one. By showing interest and potential within his work ethic, it helped him stand out from the rest'management immediately recognized this. With enough focus and determination, eight months after his promotion from head cashier, he was offered a position as assistant manager.

Succeeding in management

Now at 21 years old, Mandani has been an assistant manager at the popular clothing store for two years. His position requires leadership and twice the responsibility, while balancing the expectations and standards of the store manager. Every shift, he encourages his staff to drive sales for the store and ensures that they do their best to hit daily budgets and goals. Having a great relationship with his staff allows him to be the bridge between the sales associates and managers.

My staff and I have a mutual understanding that teamwork is what will make the workday run smoothly, he says. I motivate the staff to not only reach our team goals, but to also strive to reach their full potential in the company.

Mandani continues to be very passionate about his role in retail management and hopes to work his way up to become a corporate trainer. Being a part of the training process really makes me feel like I am making the difference I sought out to do from the get-go.

He advises students considering a career in retail to have a good eye for detail and to work with plenty of energy and enthusiasm. In addition, working in retail requires a great deal of social interaction with customers, and having the confidence and knowledge of the products are keys to selling. He admits how some days can be stressful and overwhelming, but believes you're able to be a strong employee and have a successful career in retail when you're able to surpass the obstacles and struggles.

Whether he is addressing customer complaints and concerns regarding the store, or training and assisting new store hires, every day is a learning experience at Forever 21 for Mandani. Whether you are looking for a place to start in retail, or a place with a lot of room to grow, you couldn't work at a better environment, he says. I constantly feel motivated to excel, [which] definitely says something about the company.