Sorry, It's Discontinued: Retail Therapy

Hilary

Welcome to Sorry, It's Discontinued — a podcast about the human side of retail. Hosted by Hilary Nichols, a former luxury beauty manager with more than 25 years of experience in retail, beauty, and fragrance, this show explores the journeys, experiences, and stories that shape the people who work in retail. Through conversations with beauty advisors, fragrance specialists, makeup artists, freelancers, entrepreneurs, and retail professionals, we highlight the paths that led them to their passions and the lessons they've learned along the way. In solo episodes, Hilary shares honest reflections on the reality of retail — the good, the bad, the funny, the frustrating, and the unforgettable — while celebrating the brands, products, and history that made the industry special. 💄 Have a seat, hit follow, and join me as we explore the heart, humor, and humanity of retail. 🎙️ New episodes every Thursday.

  1. 1d ago

    What If the Gossip Is Wrong?

    We spend more time with our coworkers than almost anyone else in our lives—so why is it often easier to talk about people than talk to them? This week, Hilary explores workplace drama, gossip, assumptions, and the stories we create about one another. Through honest reflection, she shares why curiosity may be the most powerful tool we have for improving communication and creating healthier workplaces. Because sometimes the story we're telling ourselves isn't the truth at all. 🎙️ New episodes every Thursday 💬 Have a seat, hit follow, and join the conversation. 📱 Follow @SorryItsDiscontinued on social media. ✨ Because retail was never just a job. It was the people. 💋Have a discontinued favorite or retail story? Share it with Hilary here! Support the show If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Sorry, It’s Discontinued on your favorite podcast app, and leave a quick rating or review—it really helps our retail family and fellow customers find the show. You can also connect with me on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @sorryitsdiscontinued. And if you have your own behind-the-counter story, discontinued product heartbreak, or beauty industry confession, send it my way—your story might be featured in a future episode. This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with any brands or companies mentioned. All stories and opinions shared are personal, reflecting the real-life experiences of those who’ve worked in this industry with heart and hustle. Thank you for being here 💄   the website: www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com Connect with me:   Instagram & TikTok: @sorryitsdiscontinued   Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎧 Want to share your story or suggest a topic?   Visit www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com and scroll to "Tell Me Your Story" New episodes every Thursday #SorryItsDiscontinued #BeautyPodcast #RetailLife

    31 min

  2. Jun 11

    Onward and Upward with Mega

    This week, I'm joined by Mega of KingMega Fitness. We met by chance at Macy's while talking about our shared experiences in retail, and I quickly realized he had a story worth sharing. Growing up in a military family, Mega learned the value of hard work early. From working retail while attending Southern University in Baton Rouge to serving seven years in the Army, earning both bachelor's and master's degrees, and building his own fitness business, his journey is one of growth, discipline, and determination. Join us as we talk about retail, military life, entrepreneurship, fitness, and the lessons that have shaped the man he is today. Have a seat, grab your coffee, and join us for this inspiring conversation with Mega. Follow Mega: Instagram: @KingMega832 TikTok: @KingMega.Fitness 💋Have a discontinued favorite or retail story? Share it with Hilary here! Support the show If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Sorry, It’s Discontinued on your favorite podcast app, and leave a quick rating or review—it really helps our retail family and fellow customers find the show. You can also connect with me on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @sorryitsdiscontinued. And if you have your own behind-the-counter story, discontinued product heartbreak, or beauty industry confession, send it my way—your story might be featured in a future episode. This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with any brands or companies mentioned. All stories and opinions shared are personal, reflecting the real-life experiences of those who’ve worked in this industry with heart and hustle. Thank you for being here 💄   the website: www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com Connect with me:   Instagram & TikTok: @sorryitsdiscontinued   Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎧 Want to share your story or suggest a topic?   Visit www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com and scroll to "Tell Me Your Story" New episodes every Thursday #SorryItsDiscontinued #BeautyPodcast #RetailLife

    40 min

  3. Jun 4

    Beauty, Faith & Real Estate with Alaysha Durall

    This week, I’m sharing a conversation I recently had with my friend, Alaysha Durall, about beauty, faith, family, and following your dreams. Growing up in Lafayette, Louisiana, Alaysha fell in love with beauty while watching her mother apply Fashion Fair makeup and wear her favorite fragrance. That passion eventually led her to Houston, where she built a successful career behind some of the city's most iconic beauty counters, including Lancôme and Chanel. But Alaysha's story is about more than beauty. It's about trusting yourself, taking chances, and having the courage to follow the path that's meant for you. Through faith, determination, and a willingness to embrace change, she made the life-changing decision to leave retail behind and pursue her dream career in real estate. Today, Alaysha leads a successful team at Fairdale Realty while balancing life as a mother to Anahlyse, partner to Joseph, and businesswoman. Join us as we talk about career pivots, personal growth, friendship, family, and the leaps of faith that often lead us exactly where we're meant to be. Connect with Alaysha: Instagram: @alayshatherealtor Facebook: @alayshadurall TikTok: @alaysha_therealtor 💋Have a discontinued favorite or retail story? Share it with Hilary here! Support the show If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Sorry, It’s Discontinued on your favorite podcast app, and leave a quick rating or review—it really helps our retail family and fellow customers find the show. You can also connect with me on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @sorryitsdiscontinued. And if you have your own behind-the-counter story, discontinued product heartbreak, or beauty industry confession, send it my way—your story might be featured in a future episode. This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with any brands or companies mentioned. All stories and opinions shared are personal, reflecting the real-life experiences of those who’ve worked in this industry with heart and hustle. Thank you for being here 💄   the website: www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com Connect with me:   Instagram & TikTok: @sorryitsdiscontinued   Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎧 Want to share your story or suggest a topic?   Visit www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com and scroll to "Tell Me Your Story" New episodes every Thursday #SorryItsDiscontinued #BeautyPodcast #RetailLife

    1h 1m

  4. May 28

    Retail and the Beauty of Reinventing Yourself with Savannah Mayfield

    In this episode of Sorry, It’s Discontinued, Hilary sits down with Savannah Mayfield to talk about her journey from growing up in Abilene, Texas to working in luxury beauty at Saks Fifth Avenue Houston during the launch of the Tom Ford fragrances counter. Savannah shares how her love for beauty started at a young age, inspired by her mother and grandmother, and how that passion eventually led her into luxury retail, makeup artistry, entrepreneurship, and motherhood. The two also discuss the realities of commission-based retail, balancing multiple careers, and building a flexible life centered around family. Today, Savannah works at Bluemercury while also running her makeup artistry and florist businesses in Houston. Follow Savannah: Instagram: @glowmakeupbysavannah Instagram: @bloomsandcheers TikTok: @savannahandthehouston Have a seat and join us. ✨ New episodes every Thursday. 💋Have a discontinued favorite or retail story? Share it with Hilary here! Support the show If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Sorry, It’s Discontinued on your favorite podcast app, and leave a quick rating or review—it really helps our retail family and fellow customers find the show. You can also connect with me on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @sorryitsdiscontinued. And if you have your own behind-the-counter story, discontinued product heartbreak, or beauty industry confession, send it my way—your story might be featured in a future episode. This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with any brands or companies mentioned. All stories and opinions shared are personal, reflecting the real-life experiences of those who’ve worked in this industry with heart and hustle. Thank you for being here 💄   the website: www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com Connect with me:   Instagram & TikTok: @sorryitsdiscontinued   Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎧 Want to share your story or suggest a topic?   Visit www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com and scroll to "Tell Me Your Story" New episodes every Thursday #SorryItsDiscontinued #BeautyPodcast #RetailLife

    52 min

  5. May 21

    Standing Room Only: Retail Life

    In this episode of Sorry, It’s Discontinued, Hilary explores the physical and emotional reality of standing all day in retail and service industry jobs. From sore feet, back pain, and retail exhaustion to the strange “retail sway” workers develop during long shifts, this episode dives into how years on the sales floor change your body, mindset, patience, and identity. Hilary shares personal stories from over 26 years behind the counter in luxury retail, including the pressure to always look polished and “ready,” the emotional endurance of long holiday shifts, clopen schedules, and the hidden strength retail workers build over time. This episode is dedicated to the retail warriors and service industry professionals who spend their lives on their feet keeping the world moving. Hit follow and have a seat with me. New episodes every Thursday. 💋Have a discontinued favorite or retail story? Share it with Hilary here! Support the show If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Sorry, It’s Discontinued on your favorite podcast app, and leave a quick rating or review—it really helps our retail family and fellow customers find the show. You can also connect with me on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @sorryitsdiscontinued. And if you have your own behind-the-counter story, discontinued product heartbreak, or beauty industry confession, send it my way—your story might be featured in a future episode. This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with any brands or companies mentioned. All stories and opinions shared are personal, reflecting the real-life experiences of those who’ve worked in this industry with heart and hustle. Thank you for being here 💄   the website: www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com Connect with me:   Instagram & TikTok: @sorryitsdiscontinued   Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎧 Want to share your story or suggest a topic?   Visit www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com and scroll to "Tell Me Your Story" New episodes every Thursday #SorryItsDiscontinued #BeautyPodcast #RetailLife

    28 min

  6. May 14

    Luxury Retail, Metrics & Emotional Burnout

    In this episode of Sorry, It’s Discontinued, Hilary explores the hidden pressure behind modern luxury retail and what customers may not always see behind the counter. From sales goals, loyalty metrics, staffing shortages, and emotional burnout to the changing reality of online shopping and performance-driven retail culture, this episode takes an honest look at how dramatically the industry has changed for today’s retail workers. Hilary also reflects on the history of relationship-based luxury service through stores like Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus, and why human connection, trust, and loyalty still matter more than ever in retail today. A heartfelt episode dedicated to the retail warriors around the world trying to create meaningful experiences while balancing enormous pressure behind the scenes. New episodes every Thursday. 💋Have a discontinued favorite or retail story? Share it with Hilary here! Support the show If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Sorry, It’s Discontinued on your favorite podcast app, and leave a quick rating or review—it really helps our retail family and fellow customers find the show. You can also connect with me on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @sorryitsdiscontinued. And if you have your own behind-the-counter story, discontinued product heartbreak, or beauty industry confession, send it my way—your story might be featured in a future episode. This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with any brands or companies mentioned. All stories and opinions shared are personal, reflecting the real-life experiences of those who’ve worked in this industry with heart and hustle. Thank you for being here 💄   the website: www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com Connect with me:   Instagram & TikTok: @sorryitsdiscontinued   Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎧 Want to share your story or suggest a topic?   Visit www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com and scroll to "Tell Me Your Story" New episodes every Thursday #SorryItsDiscontinued #BeautyPodcast #RetailLife

    28 min

  7. May 7

    From Retail to The Beauty Way: Jyoti Lohman

    This week on Sorry, It’s Discontinued, I recently sat down with Jyoti Lohman, founder of The Beauty Way — a luxury body care brand rooted in intention, self-care, mindfulness, and reconnecting with yourself. From her early inspiration growing up with a mother who taught her the importance of nurturing yourself, to studying at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in San Francisco and later in Paris, Jyoti shares the journey that led her from a successful career in luxury fashion and retail to creating a brand of her own. We talk about creativity, balance, motherhood, reinvention, and how The Beauty Way uses affirmations, mantras, and intentional rituals to turn everyday body care into meaningful moments of self-connection. You can learn more about Jyoti and shop The Beauty Way at: thebeautywayco.com And follow along on Instagram at @thebeautyway_co ✨ And retail warriors… what is a passion you’ve dreamed of creating for yourself? New episodes every Thursday. 💋Have a discontinued favorite or retail story? Share it with Hilary here! Support the show If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Sorry, It’s Discontinued on your favorite podcast app, and leave a quick rating or review—it really helps our retail family and fellow customers find the show. You can also connect with me on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @sorryitsdiscontinued. And if you have your own behind-the-counter story, discontinued product heartbreak, or beauty industry confession, send it my way—your story might be featured in a future episode. This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with any brands or companies mentioned. All stories and opinions shared are personal, reflecting the real-life experiences of those who’ve worked in this industry with heart and hustle. Thank you for being here 💄   the website: www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com Connect with me:   Instagram & TikTok: @sorryitsdiscontinued   Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎧 Want to share your story or suggest a topic?   Visit www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com and scroll to "Tell Me Your Story" New episodes every Thursday #SorryItsDiscontinued #BeautyPodcast #RetailLife

    47 min

  8. May 4 ·  Bonus

    SID: Retail Check-In

    New episode out today 💄 In this monthly bonus episode, we’re talking about staying open to new opportunities in retail—especially when you’re ready for change and need to refocus on yourself. We also get real about micromanaging (especially from vendors), the pressure of credit card goals, and ask the question every retail warrior has an opinion on…👉 Fake nice customer or rude customer? ✨ New Check-Ins every 1st Monday of the month with Phaedra and Tiffany Have a seat… hit follow… and join the conversation 💋 💋Have a discontinued favorite or retail story? Share it with Hilary here! Support the show If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Sorry, It’s Discontinued on your favorite podcast app, and leave a quick rating or review—it really helps our retail family and fellow customers find the show. You can also connect with me on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @sorryitsdiscontinued. And if you have your own behind-the-counter story, discontinued product heartbreak, or beauty industry confession, send it my way—your story might be featured in a future episode. This podcast is independently produced and is not affiliated with any brands or companies mentioned. All stories and opinions shared are personal, reflecting the real-life experiences of those who’ve worked in this industry with heart and hustle. Thank you for being here 💄   the website: www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com Connect with me:   Instagram & TikTok: @sorryitsdiscontinued   Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎧 Want to share your story or suggest a topic?   Visit www.sorryitsdiscontinued.com and scroll to "Tell Me Your Story" New episodes every Thursday #SorryItsDiscontinued #BeautyPodcast #RetailLife

    34 min
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About

Welcome to Sorry, It's Discontinued — a podcast about the human side of retail. Hosted by Hilary Nichols, a former luxury beauty manager with more than 25 years of experience in retail, beauty, and fragrance, this show explores the journeys, experiences, and stories that shape the people who work in retail. Through conversations with beauty advisors, fragrance specialists, makeup artists, freelancers, entrepreneurs, and retail professionals, we highlight the paths that led them to their passions and the lessons they've learned along the way. In solo episodes, Hilary shares honest reflections on the reality of retail — the good, the bad, the funny, the frustrating, and the unforgettable — while celebrating the brands, products, and history that made the industry special. 💄 Have a seat, hit follow, and join me as we explore the heart, humor, and humanity of retail. 🎙️ New episodes every Thursday.

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