In Conversation with Georgia Patrick, Assistant Manager, Guest Experience

In partnership with our Black People Network at lululemon, we have been celebrating this month by educating our collective and celebrating and amplifying Black voices.

Some examples of how we’ve activated this month internally, included:

• A community spotlight dedicated to Black History Month, amplifying creative talent within our organization. We prioritized stories about Black experience, past, present and future to honor and celebrate Black resistance, resilience and joy. All employees were encouraged to submit their stories to be featured on our internal communication platform
• A cooking class with Ghanian/Liberian chef Tina Fahnbulleh – learning how to make a classically treasured west African peanut stew from the Golden Coast.
• A panel discussion with the individuals featured in our Take Space approach that showed up across our channels earlier in the month, David Lewis-Jimmerson, Chair of the Black People Network, Miya Dotson, IDEA Manager; Ericka Jones, Minneapolis Ambassador, and Jackie Hoffman, Chicago Ambassador, expanding on what it means for them to take space, and how they resist pressure to shrink. 

And to conclude our two-part series of interviews, Georgia Patrick, Assistant Manager, Guest Experience at our Walt Whitman store in Long Island, NY shared the following to the below questions about what taking space means to her and the benefits of taking up space ↓

1. Georgia, what does “taking space” mean to you? 

Taking space means courageously walking into rooms/spaces where I don’t see myself and where the power structure looks nothing like me. It's being in those rooms knowing I’m meant to be here - knowing I belong here simply because I AM here.  

I am Jamaican, and one hero of mine, and also one of the country’s National heroes, is Queen Nanny. As a child, I learned about her courageous leadership of the Maroons – a mixture of Indigenous people and runaway slaves who hid in the hills. She is often described as a small woman (under 5ft) who led her people through decades of war against the British army and won! Queen Nanny is an inspiration and a perfect example of taking up space despite your perceived size or power. It means finding the courage to stand firm against any systems intent on diminishing your humanness.

2. As a Black/African-American individual, what are the benefits of taking up space? What impact can it have on others? 

When I choose to take up space, one of the benefits is visibility. Marginalized people are too often forgotten in conversations and decision making that directly affects them. Taking up space as a Black Woman pushes against any force that attempts to dim the light on our lives and stories. It inspires others who may not have envisioned themselves there, to take brave steps into the space. Visibility can also be the catalyst to create empathy and understanding in those who may not have had it otherwise.  

3. You’re a part of the Black People Network at lululemon, what has the network provided for you?  

The Black People Network was created to be a safe space where our Black identifying employees meet to reconnect, realign, and restore. I am the Social Lead for the network and have been honored to lead this space and support its evolution. The Black People Network offers opportunities to amplify my own voice and the voices of all members. I am mostly grateful for being in community with those who I share lived experiences and culture with. I am consistently in the work of courageously taking up space and although necessary, this work is exhausting. The Black People Network is a community where I go to restore my spirit. And when injustice against another Black citizen has been made public. It’s a space where I can find ease, heal and simply BE.  

4. Can you think of a time when you showed up for yourself despite your worst fears? 

Like many, living through the racial unrest that ensued after George Floyd’s murder caused lots of deep and painful emotions. As a Black Woman, I had to acknowledge the impact it had on my wellbeing and that beginning the healing process was essential. 

So, despite any fears I had - financial or otherwise, in the fall of 2021, I took a sabbatical from work. I took six weeks off, engaging in spending quality time with my husband and children, and reconnecting with extended family and friends. I spent much of that time in prayer and meditation, practicing asana, attending my coaching sessions, tending to my fall garden, reading, listening to music, dancing – anything I needed at that time to heal. I came out of that sabbatical more grounded, with clearer vision and purpose for the future.  

5. Can you share the importance of amplifying different perspectives and voices in the retail space? 

The retail space is our frontline, it’s where we meet our guests face to face. Our people in these spaces are the first impression of us as an organization. I believe it's important to intentionally build diverse slates of candidates for open roles and hire individuals who have a broad range of perspectives and experiences. At lululemon, we believe in a culture of inclusion where diversity is celebrated, equity is the norm, and action is the commitment. When we allow these voices to be heard, we are actively living into one of our core values, Inclusion.