In a new series from Endear, we interview retail experts to get their take on a variety of industry-specific questions - 20 of them, to be exact. Our latest interview in this series is with Theodora Marinos. As sales director at Anine Bing, Theodora has taken an active role in changing the way brands think about the omnichannel experience. Here she dives into the past ten years of working in retail, what she sees coming down the line, and the importance of putting the customer first over the course of 20 Questions with Endear.

Yes! AKIRA in Lincoln Park, Chicago.

The best part is finding solutions for your customers. Sometimes they don't know what it is that they are looking for and it is our job to solve the riddle. The worst part is our limitations in the moment. As much as we want to provide you with a perfect solution, sometimes supply chain, technology, inventory levels, etc are out of our hands.

Experiential and interactive

Approach them with smart solutions or suggestions. "I see you're shopping for sweaters, do you mind if I suggest a couple of my favorites?" Least favorite is having someone awkwardly watch you with hawkeyes across the room.

Hustle. Whether you are on the floor or behind a computer. There are a lot of amazing opportunities in retail if you work hard.

I was working remotely with a customer for about a year and they were pretty routine interactions. One day I received a note thanking me for all of my help and that it has truly helped him change his life. It made me realize the impact we have on people by making them look and feel their best.

Have a huge ego. This job is about serving others and putting them first!

FARM Rio. Their commitment to reforestation projects and including sustainable practices is admirable.

Shoes. It's a problem.

Swedish dish cloths. Not glamorous but highly recommended.

Bluemercury, ALO Yoga and my local nurseries!

Mall Of America. We would drive two hours to get there and would make a whole day of it. Rollercoasters AND The Limited Too?!

An Amanda Uprichard royal blue silk dress. Her store in NYC was beautiful.

Customization. How can we make you feel like a unique person and remember you out of hundreds of thousands? If you don't feel special during your time on a website or in a store, you're not going to come back.

Sustainability and/or corporate responsibility. Gone are the days of retail feeling cold. People want to know you care about your employees, community and the environment.

Embrace change. This industry is changing faster than ever and if you aren't on board you'll get left behind.

Sprinting the floor in heels.

Sunshine is to flowers. One makes the other so beautiful!