Sorry, It's Discontinued
Sorry, It’s Discontinued takes you behind the counter of the luxury beauty, fragrance, and fashion retail world. Hosted by Hilary, a former business manager with over 25 years in brands like Chanel, Tom Ford, Clarins, and Prescriptives, this binge-worthy series is full of retail stories, discontinued makeup nostalgia, and insider perspectives from high-end department stores. The first 10 episodes introduced listeners to some of the incredible people working in the industry. Now, the podcast shifts deeper — into the real experiences of what it’s like behind the counter as a beauty professional, and sometimes in front of it as a customer navigating the world of luxury sales. From the heartbreak of a favorite lipstick being discontinued, to corporate store visits, gift-with-purchase strategies, and the unfiltered truth about working in retail, Hilary delivers stories that are honest, funny, and relatable. She dives into the daily realities of beauty advisors, style advisors, makeup artists, freelance artists, and commission-based associates, sharing the glamour, the grit, and everything in between. This is for my retail family — and for all of us who are customers and want to know what really happens behind the counter. Have a seat and join us, with new episodes every Thursday and even more juicy stories on the way.
Episodes
In this episode of Sorry, It’s Discontinued, Hilary sits down with Phaedra to talk about her journey from growing up in Houston to building a career rooted in fashion and leadership. With her start at Nordstrom, Phaedra was mentored by incredible women who recognized her potential and helped shape her path—eventually leading her to become a Brand Account Executive with Nest Fragrances.
Along the way, she’s been guided by the powerfu...
This episode dives into the often-overlooked health impacts of working in retail, especially the conditions lurking behind the scenes in stock rooms. From dust-covered vents to hidden mold and construction , these environments can take a serious toll on the physical well-being of associates. Beyond the polished counters and luxury displays, the reality is that poor air quality and neglected maintenance create long-term challenges f...
In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the reality of retail and sales culture. Too often, the pressure to hit numbers pushes us to skip meals, rush through breaks, or put our own well-being last—all in the name of keeping the floor running. But are things really improving when it comes to how companies value rest?
Join me as I share personal stories and real talk about the culture of breaks, the hidden ways we shortchan...
In this episode of 'Sorry It's Discontinued', host Hilary delves into the often overlooked experiences of retail employees during store visits. She shares personal anecdotes and insights about the anticipation, preparation, and emotional toll these visits can take on staff. The conversation highlights the importance of acknowledgment and appreciation from management, as well as the labor rights of employees in the re...
Retail work isn’t just about selling products—it’s about showing up every day in environments that can feel unpredictable, stressful, and sometimes unsafe. In this episode of Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Behind the Counter, Hilary pulls back the curtain on the real cost of retail: safety and peace of mind.
From the psychological toll of shoplifting and workplace violence to the anxiety of extreme weather shifts and the constant cycle o...
In this conversation, Hilary discusses the complexities of workplace dynamics, particularly in retail settings. She emphasizes the importance of employee recognition, the challenges managers face in motivating their teams, and the need for a consistent positive company culture. Hilary also shares her experiences with sales goals, stock management issues, and the mixed feelings employees have towards meetings. Ultimately, she highli...
What happens when your favorite lipstick shade suddenly vanishes? In this episode of Sorry, It’s Discontinued: Behind the Counter, Hilary takes you inside the heartbreak, hilarity, and pure chaos of telling customers those dreaded words: “I’m sorry… it’s discontinued.”
From the Great Depression’s “Lipstick Effect” to today’s emotional (and even collectible) lipstick obsessions, Hilary explores why we’re so attached to these little t...
In this captivating episode of Sorry, It's Discontinued, host Hilary sits down with the magnetic and multi-talented Rhonda Jackson, a professional makeup artist with a career that reads like a beauty lover’s dream.
Rhonda opens up about her roots growing up in a small town in Wisconsin, where her grandmother's grace, her mother’s dance studio, and her father’s 1970s nightclub introduced her to creativity, movement, and gla...
In this episode, Hilary sits with Starr, a prominent figure in the drag community, discussing her journey from a small town in Louisiana to becoming a celebrated performer in New Orleans. Starr shares her early inspirations in beauty, her experiences in drag, and the support she received during her transition. The conversation highlights themes of resilience, authenticity, and the importance of community in the LGBTQ+ space. Plus, ...
In this conversation, Oscar sits with Hilary and shares his childhood fascination with beauty and luxury, reflecting on how these interests shaped his career in the beauty industry and growing into his authentic self. He discusses the emotional impact of makeup on individuals, emphasizing the joy and confidence it brings to clients. From his experienced in makeup with such brands as Chanel, Laura Mercier, Chantecaille and now as Ge...
In this conversation, Alexa shares her journey from her first job interview at a major company to her experiences in loss prevention. She discusses the importance of team dynamics, the training she received, and the various responsibilities she held. Alexa recounts memorable incidents involving theft, particularly focusing on the challenges of dealing with juvenile theft. She offers advice for those considering a career in loss pre...
In this episode of Sorry, It's Discontinued, host Hilary engages in a heartfelt conversation with Jazmine, a talented makeup artist and beauty professional. They discuss Jazmine's journey from New York to Houston, her experiences in the beauty industry, and the challenges of balancing work and personal life. Jazmine shares her insights on building client relationships, navigating luxury retail, and the importance of self-...
In this engaging conversation, Hilary interviews Philip, who shares his journey from Buffalo, New York, to Texas, and his diverse experiences in the retail and beauty industries. Philip discusses his early career at Macy's, his studies in millinery at Central St. Martin's, and his transition into interior design. The conversation highlights the importance of community, personal growth, and the challenges of commission-bas...
In this episode, Hilary and Kenneth explore Kenneth's journey from Hong Kong to the US, discussing cultural transitions, the impact of retail experiences, and the importance of kindness in customer service. Kenneth shares his passion for art and fashion, reflecting on how these elements shape his identity and career. The conversation also touches on the evolving nature of fashion and personal style, emphasizing the freedom to ...
In this episode, Hilary and Olga discuss Olga's journey in the beauty industry, from her beginnings as a bored housewife to becoming a successful business manager of numerous beauty brands. They explore the importance of mentorship, building a clientele, and the challenges faced in high-pressure environments. Olga shares her experiences at Neiman Marcus Chanel and La Prairie, emphasizing the significance of teamwork and mental...
In this episode of 'Sorry, It's Discontinued', host Hilary interviews Cole, a multifaceted individual with a rich background in culinary arts, fragrance, and retail. Cole shares his inspiring journey from moving to Houston from Vietnam at the age of 16, navigating cultural adjustments, and pursuing his passion for food and hospitality. He discusses his experiences in culinary school, working with renowned chefs, and ...
In this engaging conversation, Hilary and Jailyne explore Jailyne's journey as a makeup artist, from her early experiences with makeup during prom to her professional career in the luxury beauty industry. They discuss the challenges of maintaining creativity and positivity in a high-pressure environment, the importance of self-expression through artistry, and the nostalgia for discontinued beauty products. Jailyne shares valua...
Trailer
💋Have a discontinued favorite or retail story? Share it with Hilary here!
If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Sorry, It’s Discontinued on your favorite podcast app, and leave a quick rating or review—it really helps our retail family and fellow customers find the show.
You can also connect with me on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @sorryitsdiscontinued. And if you have your own behind-the-counter stor...
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