Rowena’s Story

For almost three years now, I’ve been working at John Lewis Cribbs Causeway in Bristol, a position I feel was destined for me. My journey to this role is a unique blend of fate, personal alignment, and passion for what I do. Originally from the Philippines, I spent half of my adult life in the Middle East, where I met my English husband and started a family. Little did I know, my connection with John Lewis would be a constant thread through the tapestry of my life.

My first encounter with John Lewis was during a visit to England to meet my in-laws. I fell in love with the store instantly. Having worked as a Front Office staff in a five-star hotel, excellent customer service is in my DNA. I was captivated by the brands John Lewis offered and promised myself that if we ever moved to England, this is where I wanted to work. That was 25 years ago.

In 2004, tragedy struck when my three-year-old daughter passed away due to a brain tumor. We flew to Bristol for her funeral. During this heartbreaking time, I found myself in John Lewis, seeking solace among the familiar aisles. I bought a beautiful hand-painted flowers John Lewis Heirloom white dress for my daughter. This moment, though filled with grief, also reinforced my connection to the store.

Life continued in Dubai until COVID-19 hit, prompting our return to the UK in 2021. Settling permanently, I found myself once more in John Lewis, determined to pursue my long-held dream. I subscribed to the JLP Jobs website, waiting for a Selling Partner position to be available.

In a twist of fate, I broke my ankle, and while waiting in A&E, I received a notification to apply for a Selling Partner role. Despite my injury, I completed the online assessment, which felt natural given my hotel experience. A week later, I was invited for a face-to-face interview. Despite the sore ankle, I knew deep down this job was meant for me.

With an employment gap of nearly a decade, re-entering the workforce in a new country was both daunting and exhilarating. Yet, three years on, I proudly work as a Customer Assistant in the Womenswear department. I help women choose and style outfits for various occasions, from weddings to funerals. This role is more than just a job; it’s a community.

I love what I do and have found a supportive team and wonderful customers at John Lewis. However, there’s a small challenge—I find it hard to save money with so many tempting items in my department!

In conclusion, my journey to John Lewis has been one of destiny, resilience, and fulfilment. Despite the challenges, I am grateful for this chapter in my life and look forward to many more years of helping others find joy through fashion.

At the John Lewis Partnership, we want all of our Partners (employees) to find their happier ways of working. Find out more about our commitment to our Partners, their careers and the incredible benefits of being a Partner in the Partnership by exploring the rest of our careers website.

I joined the Partnership because of the significance of the word ‘Partner.’ I had heard great things from people I knew who worked there, and I had also experienced the service first-hand as a customer. I learned about the Partnership through its career site. I knew of the Personal Stylist role promoted online and in-store, along with collaborations with Vogue and other brands that I regularly followed.

I’ve been working at John Lewis for almost a year now. During this time, I’ve gained valuable experience working with all kinds of people and assisting with their personal styling needs. I learn something new from everyone I encounter, which helps me improve for my next client and everyone I meet on the shop floor.

It’s so rewarding when they come back for the next season or book an appointment for a family member. Knowing that we’ve helped them fall in love with shopping—or at the very least, given them the armour to feel their best—makes it all worthwhile. We all have different styles, not to mention lifestyles, and express ourselves in unique ways. Being a part of their discovery and helping them embrace their individuality through dressing is what makes this role so fulfilling.

Having worked in retail, I’m grateful that I’m now able to apply my creativity in a one-on-one setting. I studied fashion photography, where styling an image and styling a person go hand in hand. It’s been great to transfer those skills into my current role, and I’m excited to see how my career will grow!

I love exploring new brands and expanding my knowledge of the fashion industry. On a personal level, things like hosting a Christmas dinner made what’s usually a hectic time in retail feel more rewarding, giving the whole team a chance to celebrate and rest.

I got involved in the photoshoot because it was a great opportunity to be in a creative environment and meet people from all parts of the Partnership. It was exciting to celebrate each of us and contribute to making the John Lewis Partnership what it is, while proudly representing the Glasgow store.

Meeta’s Story

I started my career with the Partnership at the end of 2016 at the Heathrow branch. In 2018, I got the opportunity to take up a more challenging role with the new store opening in White City. I eagerly took this opportunity up as I was longing to work in a bigger, busier, full-line shop. I was in the department of Fabrics and Furnishings. Alongside this, I am also a practitioner of Heartfulness meditation.

As a result of my passion and interest in spirituality, I am currently a Wellness champion in my store and a committee member of the Faith & Belief community. I am currently organising meditation sessions for the Partners in my store and virtually for all others across the Partnership for a holistic approach to the wellbeing of the mind, body and soul.

In 2021/22 I was fortunate enough to be a part of the Diwali celebrations and be mentioned in the Gazette (our internal magazine publication), along with a recipe video with Daniel Blackburn.

I enjoyed showcasing to Partners how I celebrate Diwali, which was even featured on the website!

At the John Lewis Partnership, we want all of our Partners (employees) to find happier ways of working, like Meeta. Find out more about our purpose and the incredible benefits of being a Partner in the Partnership by exploring the rest of our careers website.

Matilda’s Story

Hello my name is Matilda and I am a Product & Selling Specialist in John Lewis Oxford and I am neurodiverse. I was diagnosed from a very young age but I believe that everyone will have a little bit of all 4 types of neurodiversity which are: dyslexia, autism, adhd and dyspraxia.

I see these 4 types of neurodiversity as learning difficulties rather than disabilities. I have been in the Partnership for 8-years and I believe that the Partnership has been the only place where I have truly felt supported in the workplace.

I started as a Supermarket Assistant in the Waitrose Cafe on Botley Road in Oxford and have progressed to amy current role. It has not been easy but if you are determined, ambitious and are driven to succeed, you will! And with the support of your team and your People Manager, the sky’s the limit.

As a neurodiverse person, I know it can be tough to move up in your career, especially when interviews are a struggle. I’ve been there. Instead of only asking your manager for advice, try reaching out to the hiring managers directly after your interviews. They can give you feedback to help you improve and nail it next time.

Tara’s Story

Hello My name is Tara. Did you know we have a dedicated team to support Partners in work?

In 2022 I was a Team Manager for Partner Operations in a Waitrose Branch. During this time I worked with our Personnel Policy & Advice (PPA) Specialists to support one of my Partner’s who was struggling with their neurodiversity at work. The Partner gained funding through Access to Work and this funding provided the support they needed and one-to-one coaching for their challenges.

With the Partner’s hard work and commitment, this helped them to consistently attend work, they gained confidence, they were happier in themselves and in the tasks and roles they performed in the branch. There were really positive benefits for their home life as well.

Alongside this support form PPA, I was also put in touch with our Health and Wellbeing Team; this team gave myself and my Partner amazing support over this period. I cannot sing their praises enough.

The support from the Health and Wellbeing team also meant that the Partner had access to another reliable resource; specialists who were able to advise and support them at the end of a phone line and at some points when it was necessary face-to-face in branch.

These resources are an amazing commitment by the Partnership to champion our diversity and inclusion goals and makes me extremely proud to work here.

At the John Lewis Partnership, we want all of our Partners (employees) to find happier ways of working. Find out more about our commitment to our Partners, their careers and the incredible benefits of being a Partner in the Partnership by exploring the rest of our careers website.