International Women’s Day 2022
Led by our president Linda Letts, Urban Barn is proudly powered by a team of women. In stores, warehouses, and our home office, this diverse group of women makes up 80% of our team and powers everything we do. From the major milestones to the little moments in between, we're celebrating the women of Urban Barn who do it all.
Happy International Women's Day!
As a Regional Manager, I am responsible for the overall business and operations of my region. I currently have eleven stores, seven in the lower mainland, two in the Okanagan and two on the Island. This includes the hiring, training and development of our store leaders as well as developing sales strategies to drive the business and everything else in between! The Regional role is a dynamic one and is ever-changing.
— Regional Manager of BC
I moved to Canada about a decade ago as an international student. It was an exciting, yet challenging experience for me as it was my first time being away from home. I have been recently promoted to the Manager of the Logistics Administration team. My team works closely with the stores, local and 3PL warehouses to manage customer orders placed online and/or at the store, as well as supporting the Customer Care team with order related inquiries.
— Manager of Logistics Administration
I started with Urban Barn initially as a part-time Sales Associate in our Kensington location. I needed a job that worked with my schedule, and I loved home décor so it felt like a perfect fit! That was 14 years ago. As Urban Barn’s Customer Care Manager I oversee a fantastic team of Customer Care Representatives who work across Canada assisting our customers with everything from inventory questions to warranty claims and beyond.
— Customer Care Manager
I’ve been a Furniture Planner since 2019. I work directly with my buyer, Jesse, to come up with the case goods assortment you see today in stores. My primary tasks include managing the financials, placing orders for new product and replenishment, distribution strategy, and doing sales analysis. It’s a very numbers-driven job and it requires a lot of problem solving, but it also allows me to show creativity from time to time.
— Furniture Planner
While my official title is Manager of Training and Development, I get to do a number of activities in my role. Urban Barn is all about exposure to different types of work if you’re keen, so my daily work involves supporting an incredibly dedicated Training and Development team, working on projects and challenging myself by supporting improving communication, culture and processes!
— Training & Development Manager
My current role is as the Warehouse Administrator. I am responsible for all inbound receipts, regardless of whether they arrive by sea or domestically. It begins with planning, scheduling, and finally receiving the product to our main distribution centre. There is much more that I manage consistently, but in general, my job is to ensure that all incoming shipments are delivered without delay and that any discrepancies are identified and corrected before being received into SAP accurately.
— Warehouse Administrator & Website and E-Commerce Coordinator
What’s one thing you’re proud to have accomplished in your career at Urban Barn?
Having long term relationships throughout the organization that are built on respect. Seeing the company through multiple successes and the feeling of knowing that it happens through teamwork, not individual accomplishments. – Kelly, Furniture Planner
I’m proud of my journey from part-time sales associate working in-store to finding myself in my current role as part of the marketing team. I can’t believe how far I’ve come from that day and how much I’ve learned about myself in the process. – Eden, Marketing Coordinator
I am proud of being a part of the growth that Urban Barn has offered. I started my career at Urban Barn as a Customer Order Administrator and as the business expanded, I had the chance to participate in new operations like E-commerce, Customer Service and Third-Party Logistics. I am proud and thankful for having the opportunity to build a team that contributes to the growth of the business. – Sukhpreet, Manager of Logistics Administration
What advice would you give to a woman looking to follow in your career footsteps?
Be patient and put in the time! Careers are built over time; they don’t happen overnight. Every step of the journey is a learning experience, try not to rush through it, take your time and hone your craft. – Dawne, Regional Manager of BC
Don’t build your own roadblocks. On average, men will apply for jobs when they meet approximately 60% of the requirements, but women tend to apply for jobs only when they meet 90-100% of the requirements. Pursue opportunities, even if you think they are still slightly out of your reach, your skillset will only grow when you step outside of your comfort zone and nothing invites challenge and growth quite like a new role. – Justine, Customer Care Manager
What’s one goal, personal or professional, that you’re working towards in 2022?
My new role as Website and E-commerce Coordinator is a wide-ranging role in which I aim to excel in my skills and grow professionally. Joining a new team and meeting new people is a great turning point both personally and professionally, so I'm very interested and enthusiastic about experiencing a new phase in my life. – Priyanka, Warehouse Administrator & Website and E-Commerce Coordinator
I think that we’ve all gotten our balance a little out of sorts over the last few years, understandably so. For this year, I want to get some of it back. Balance is a moving target, but I want to move in the right direction. – Jane, Training & Development Manager
Who is a woman you admire, and why?
Hands down, it’s my mother and her sisters. I was lucky enough to be raised by strong, intelligent, wise women. They’ve always lent me a voice of clarity, empowered me, and have guided me whenever I felt lost. – Kelly, Furniture Planner
Over the years, I have been fortunate to work with so many women that I admire, but Linda Letts is at the top of the list. The women I admire all have the same common traits… Strength, authenticity, perseverance, and empathy. – Dawne, Regional Manager of BC
What’s the best advice another woman has ever given you?
My mom gave me the best advice that has stuck with me the most. "Find happiness in little things. You will have good days and not-so-good days. But each day, remind yourself to allow joy and peace into your life and share that thought with others." – Sukhpreet, Manager of Logistics Administration
Never ever sell yourself short, be confident in who you are and what you are capable of. Often, we, as women, second guess ourselves and that causes us to hold back. It’s about time we stopped and showed everyone what we are made of! – Eden, Marketing Coordinator
You are allowed to be a masterpiece and a work in progress at the same time. – Justine, Customer Care Manager
What does it mean to you to work in a woman-led organization?
Working in a woman-led organization has always been a proud moment and I'm happy to see women's empowerment. Women in different ways are true victors of birth. The way women organize things has always been specially recognized by the world. I have seen woman-led companies witness the highest respect and values in the world and generate incredible revenue. – Priyanka, Warehouse Administrator & Website and E-Commerce Coordinator
I love that our president is female, but I also love that we have a high ratio of females in leadership roles in general. It brings a different dynamic. This coupled with all the incredible male team members and leaders we have is ultimately where we win in the culture space. So, for me, a woman-led organization is awesome, but the win is with every one that creates the culture we have. – Jane, Training & Development Manager
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
Equality begins
right at home
Honouring the team of strong women who inspire us all year.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
Equality begins right at home
Honouring the team of strong women who inspire us all year.