By Sally Stone
Today, I experienced another example of customer service that went above and way beyond what is normally expected. My experience has less to do with the service or the products, but focuses instead on the organization’s inclusiveness and acceptance.
Today, I stopped for coffee at the Denville, New Jersey Starbucks on Route 10 and when I walked into the store, one of the baristas took time from her busy duties to acknowledge me and to make a lovely comment about the skirt I was wearing. She made me feel wonderful, like a superstar; in short, she made my day.
And perhaps a single incident like this could be the result of a single employee in tune with the current gender landscape, but for Starbucks, it has to be more than that. Today was just one example of the numerous experiences I’ve had at many other Starbucks locations. In the past, so many of their employees have taken the time to acknowledge me and celebrate my transness. I know enough about how corporations work to know that this is no accident.
I thought it important to make sure my experiences with Starbucks are shared with our community. I only wish more corporations made inclusiveness and acceptance a business imperative the way Starbucks does.
Kudos to you Starbucks and much love to every employee who has gone the extra mile to make me feel special.
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| Wearing Cynthia Rowley |
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| Maxim Galkin femulated Maria Callas on Russian television's Exactly. You can view this femulation on YouTube. |
As a person, who used to live in New Jersey very close to Denville, I just wanted to say hi, I also will be sure to patronize Starbucks in the future from what you are telling me they are spot on and we can use more support like this
ReplyDeleteHello Sally
ReplyDeleteI've also found most Starbucks to be a welcoming place to be myself and enjoy a mocha. Their employees don't blink an eye, your just another customer or they will strike up a conversation if they have time. I frequent the Starbucks in downtown Duluth MN., and have always been treated kindly. Thanks for your article.
Jeanine Williams
But you are a superstar Stana. Could have been a few Femulate readers amongst the workers also.
ReplyDeleteAngel Amore
Thank you, but this was Sally’s experience, not mine. See the by-line.
DeleteDriving back from a beach-side getaway a couple of years back, I needed a pit stop in a small town. I chose the Starbucks as I felt I would be best received there and so as the locals were pop-eyed I got a gushing compliment from the young girl behind the counter. Bought some tea and was on my way with a smile on my face! (I will otherwise admit that I am not a fan of their coffee)
ReplyDeleteStana, despite it being my experience, I have to agree with Angel, you are a superstar.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Sally
You are too kind, Sally. Thank-you!
DeleteDon't want to interpret the Starbucks luvfest but they did have a racial issue in a store in Philly that led to diversity training in 2018. Without getting into a political discussion about whether that really works or not, I have found that most store employees are kind to us because that is their job description: deliver exceptional customer service. I would also hope that is how they act off the clock and in the wonderful world that Louie Armstrong crooned about, humans accepting people for who they are would be the norm.
ReplyDeletei was indeed thinking about how spontaneous the starbucks' staff reaction to trans customers was (or towards other "minorities", for that matter). were i to visit such places whilst dressed, i would rather they showed indifference or even ignorance (inasmuch as taking me as just another female customer) rather than patronise me
DeleteI really would like Wearing Cynthia Rowley with heels .
ReplyDeleteThat is an excellent performance as Maria Callas by Maxim Galkin. According to his Wikipedia entry, he also does impersonations of Vladimir Putin.
ReplyDeletePenny from Edinburgh.