Sisterhood is most of our young people’s first jobs, so it’s important for them to learn financial literacy! One of our projects is centered around creating a budget and learning about what purchases to prioritize. We also teach about taxes, how to accurately calculate your paycheck, the differences between big banks and credit unions, and much more!

Of course, operating a business involves more than the front of store tasks. We find it important to teach interns how to present the boutique to outside audiences as well. Participants will identify the best ways to tell Sisterhood’s story as well as practice all of the steps to take when making a flyer, writing a newsletter, or posting on social media. This may consist of:

• Taking noteworthy photographs
• Using different styles of writing
• Knowing their audience
• Familiarizing themselves with the various social media platforms

Many of the Sisterhood interns are completing their very first job experience! Therefore, we hope to prepare them for future opportunities. The confidence that is built as each young woman interacts with the store is monumental to their ability to talk about their accomplishments and to present a professional, yet unique, persona. Taking it one step further, we make sure each intern has the chance to really contemplate who they are and how they want others to see them, especially when having a short time to make an impression. Interns will complete the four month’s with the following:

• Mock interview practice
• A completed resume
• A rehearsed elevator pitch
• Networking with professionals and community workers
• Assistance with finding jobs

We prepare our interns for the demands of entrepreneurship by helping them to draft and present a business plan. We also take them on a field trip with WomenVenture, where they learn about real businesses and entrepreneurs.

Our interns learn about slow vs. fast fashion, the importance of sustainability, and the basics of upcycling, and the history & importance of fashion. We also visit the Goldstein Museum and U of M fashion department to see handmade and historical clothing pieces.

Interns also receive training in areas like team building and customer service. They also learn about local businesses by visiting community hubs in the area, where they gather resources for our collective resource board.