Years ago a friend became the manager of a Chanel boutique. After describing further plans to beautify the store, he launched into how he prepared his salespeople with a key focus on the mindset right before opening the doors. His daily stated mantra to them was, “It’s showtime!” Meaning, no matter what, to ensure sales, the great show must go on.

These words made an immediate impression with the realization that I, too, as his new customer, got caught up in the theatrics of the show, the seductive power of persuasion, and even purchased a few, questionable items. This was my mistake and one that I did not repeat there once I heard and grasped his words. The exterior show can be quite compelling and disguising. I often remind myself to be aware of the veil and what visually appears to be.