Meet Julie! An energetic and passionate member of our Sargent’s on 2nd team. Julie brings years of experience in the retail world, combined with her genuine love for people and their shopping success. Learn more about Julie in this blog!
Julie Scudamore
Title: Gift Store Manager and Cashier Trainer
Year Started at Sargent’s: 2026
Education: B.S. in Dental Hygiene at Mankato State University
Tell us about your career life and how that led you to Sargent’s?
“My career has spanned a few different fields, but I feel that all of these skills I learned have led me to do well in my role at Sargent’s. I began my career in dental hygiene and loved working with patients. Later, I sold real estate and learned how to manage all sides of my business, from client meetings and marketing to being organized in bookkeeping and more. Before coming to Sargent’s, I oversaw various departments at Macy’s, including cosmetics, fine jewelry, an array of clothing areas, and more.
Much of my experience directly relates to my role at Sargent’s, and I get to combine many of my skills!
As I continue to become familiar with the company, I have growth opportunities and am eager to plan for next year ahead so we can continue to improve for the benefit of our customers!”
What’s your favorite part about your job?
“I love all my co-workers and our combined goal in serving our customers well. There is a collective effort towards growth and making improvements to better meet the needs of our clientele.
One of my favorite parts of helping customers is the “aha” moments where we are able to find just the right plant or product to make someone’s day.”
What does your day-to-day look like at Sargent’s?
“It depends on the season! No day is just like another. Summer and spring bring a lot of training for new and seasonal staff, while fall and winter have a big emphasis on the holidays and indoor products. I take a few laps around the gift shop, filling in products as they are purchased, and reviewing the workload of each day with our other managers. I love meeting customers and helping them in the store! Working at a local business means I also see lots of friends and make new ones too!”
What’s one decorating trend that you’ve seen this year?
“It’s fun and challenging that all ages have different styles. New trends depend on demographics, so it actually varies widely. Right now, I see a trend around midcentury home decor, as well as the cafe and houseplants.
The younger generations emphasize minimalism, yet they’re in search of specific items that shine their personality. We have lots of very specific items, so it’s exciting to see people find what speaks to them! In addition, Jellycats always seem to fly off the shelves.”
Do you have a garden at home, and what’s your favorite thing to grow?
“I’m what you might call a hosta-holic! I’ve had my oldest hosta for 28 years and every time I’ve moved I bring some of all my favorite plant cuttings with me. Some originate from my church, my mother’s yard, and all my old homes. I learned how to garden from my grandfather as a young child and have loved carrying on his passion for plants as I grow my gardens!
At home, I have a veggie garden, a large bed of State Fair Zinnias, and my husband’s beehives to pollinate everything. Sargent’s actually came and did landscaping for me over the summer, so I now have my own personal patio to enjoy the beauty from.
My advice to new gardeners is to find what you like to grow and specialize in what you’re good at! You don’t have to grow everything under the sun to be a great gardener.”
What are some of your hobbies and interests?
“I used to be an avid bowler and tennis player. Now I like to focus on snow sking and my garden.”
What is something unique about you that few people know?
“At one time in my life, I was a taekwondo Recommended Black Belt.”
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