frustrated.

sally beauty is a hypocritical company. when i was hired over a year ago, my store manager at the time sent all of us the dress code policy, from the book. it’s all the usual stuff of course – no distressing, no visible logos, no profanity or explicit text/imagery, no exposed midriff or toes. that’s understandable. but absolutely nowhere does it say “business casual”. nowhere does it say “if you dress alternatively but you’re within dress code guidelines, you will be regularly insulted by upper management and it absolutely will be the thing they hold over your head when you discuss next steps to ccc or management”.

but that’s what i’ve faced. i’m a transmasc, proudly queer individual in the south and jesus, it’s already hard existing in a space where you aren’t wanted by the majority of the population. my DM constantly tells us “sally beauty wants you to come as you are” but tries to “politely” tell me the way i dress is why i’m not taken seriously. mind you, my usual work outfit is a zip up hoodie, jeans/long jorts (not distressed in the slightest), and sneakers. i’ve been assured time and time again that my outfits are within dress code guidelines, but still, i am demeaned and insulted by management. my note store manager has sat me down and told me that all of cus are going to need to start dressing “more professionally”, and this is after i have expressed multiple times that i am going through a financial crisis and i can’t afford really anything right now. i’ve skipped so many meals because i simply cannot afford to eat sometimes, and you want me to go buy a whole new wardrobe? a wardrobe that makes me feel dysphoric and like i’m not being true to me, even though sally beauty tries to say that individualism and personal creative freedom is what makes this company great?

i’m just at a loss. i’m very hurt and even though i like this job for what it is, i’m starting to look elsewhere. let this be a warning to anyone who doesn’t fit “corporate chic” and wants to work at this company. they may preach to “come as you are”, but they don’t actually want you to.