Like many associates, Deny McBee started her 27-year journey with Bath & Body Works as an outside fan. Deny’s boyfriend at the time – and now husband – frequently gave Deny Bath & Body Works products for special occasions. Deny’s love of Bath & Body Works motivated her to take a leap and interview for a seasonal associate role, which collided with the opening of a new store in West Virginia in September 1996.
“It’s funny to think about how my kids were born and raised on all things Bath & Body Works,” said Deny. “When my first son went off to college, he said he needed all of the eucalyptus-scented products.”
Deny’s District Manager at the time asked if she’d ever consider management opportunities. Although Deny’s degrees were in Biology and Chemistry, she readily expressed interest and began taking on more and more responsibility. Deny recognizes how career paths are often full of unexpected twists and turns, and she’s grateful for how leaders at Bath & Body Works encourage exploration and skill-building.
“I’d encourage others to always be in a state of learning,” said Deny. “The day you’re not learning, you’re no longer in the right place… You can learn from a fellow associate, the customer, or really anything else you see.”
After holding multiple Store Manager and District Manager positions, Deny continued to build her career with Bath & Body Works, deepening her connection to the company and expanding her professional skills around collaboration, innovation and leadership. Today, Deny is a District Manager, providing oversight and connectivity to several stores in the Coastal North Carolina region.
“People outside of Bath & Body Works might not realize how much their personal growth and leadership will change working here,” said Deny. “They’d be surprised in how much they grow as individuals while supporting other people.
One of the other things keeping Deny at Bath & Body Works is the support and guidance she feels from senior leaders across the company. Deny collects customer feedback from the store leaders she oversees on a weekly basis, often summarizing and bubbling up top priorities and learnings to executives across the network to help inform decisions. From moving floor sets around, to making quick in-the-moment changes to candle displays, to providing insights on what’s drawing customers in, Deny feels empowered to help improve the store experience at every turn.
“The associate experience becomes the customer experience, and both need to be 5-star,” said Deny. “The leaders here are so responsive, and they really want to know what’s happening in the field.”
With 27 years at Bath & Body Works, Deny’s seen a lot of change in how the company brings the holiday season to life through the power of fragrance. She sees the Bath & Body Works holiday push as an exhilarating time for both associates and customers, with the pace of activity setting the brand apart.
“Customers love the wow factor, and you [associates] play a big part in that,” said Deny. “I can’t think of any other place that’s similar in how we ramp up for the holidays – it’s like nothing you’ve ever experienced.”
Leaders like Deny are critical to Bath & Body Works, and we’re so thankful for her commitment and contributions to Bath & Body Works. Interested in building a career at Bath & Body Works? Apply online at bbwjobs.com or text BBWJOBS to 97211.