NEW LIFE IN ANOTHER WORLD

11. A magic hand

The morning sun filtered through the windows of Seraphina's shop, casting a warm glow over the space. It was a day like any other, or so she thought. Seraphina moved with purpose, her mind focused on the tasks at hand. The grand opening was just a week away, and there was still so much to do.

The shop, though modest compared to the towering, castle-like structures that surrounded it, was a charming and elegant space. Seraphina had carefully designed every detail, from the polished wood floors to the delicate shelves that would soon display her products. She wanted her customers to feel welcomed and at ease the moment they stepped inside.

As the clock struck 9 a.m., the door opened, and her new employees trickled in. Each one greeted Seraphina with a mix of enthusiasm and nervousness, eager to learn but still unsure of what to expect. Seraphina had spent the past few days getting to know them, and now it was time to begin their training in earnest.

"Good morning, everyone," Seraphina said with a warm smile, gathering the small group together. "I know there's a lot to learn, but we'll take it step by step. By the time we open next week, you'll all be ready to handle anything that comes our way."

The employees exchanged glances, trying to mask their nervousness with determination. Seraphina could see the apprehension in their eyes and decided to break the ice with a little encouragement.

"Don’t worry too much," she continued. "We're all in this together. Think of this as an adventure—one that we'll all grow from."

Her words seemed to put them at ease, and as the morning progressed, they began to warm up to their roles. Seraphina led them through the shop, explaining the layout and the importance of keeping everything organized.

"Elara" she called to one of the employees, a young woman with a shy demeanor. "Could you show me how you would display these creams on the shelves?"

Elara hesitated but then carefully placed the jars on the shelf, aligning them in a neat row. Seraphina watched closely, noting the young woman’s attention to detail.

"That’s perfect," Seraphina said with an approving nod. "But try angling the labels just a bit more toward the customer’s line of sight. It’ll catch their eye immediately."

Elara adjusted the jars, her face lighting up as she saw the improvement. "Oh, I see it now! Thank you, Miss Seraphina."

As the training continued, Seraphina showed them how to properly handle the products, demonstrating the delicate care required when dealing with the various makeup and skincare items. She emphasized the importance of understanding each product's purpose and how to explain its benefits to customers.

"Remember," Seraphina said, holding up a small jar of cream, "we're not just selling products. We're offering a solution to a problem, an enhancement to someone's beauty. It's about making our customers feel confident and special."

The employees practiced with each other, role-playing different scenarios under Seraphina's watchful eye. She corrected them gently when needed, always encouraging them to think like the customers they would soon be serving.

Before long, it was time for their lunch break. Seraphina had planned every detail, including a well-timed break to ensure they all stayed refreshed and focused throughout the day. But as they sat down for their meal, Seraphina noticed something that had been nagging at the back of her mind.

She observed the faces of her employees—some had blemishes, others had uneven skin tones. She realized that, while they were all dedicated and eager to learn, their appearances didn’t quite match the image she wanted to present to her future customers. It wasn’t their fault, but in a world where appearances spoke volumes, she knew something had to be done.