In the world of retail, first impressions matter. Yet, at The Black Tux, it's the culture of camaraderie and support that leaves a lasting mark. For Showroom Associate Vanessa Ramos, stepping into The Black Tux was more than just an introduction to a company; it was an immediate connection to a team that values trust, empowerment and mutual upliftment.
“I was so enamored with the company, I was sold that very first day — when customers come in they feel it, too,” she shared.
Launched in 2013 by two friends dissatisfied with the traditional rental experience, The Black Tux offers customers the option to either have a tuxedo delivered to their home via the company’s platform or visit a physical store to personally select the perfect fit. But what truly sets the company apart is its unwavering commitment to its retail associates, starting with the onboarding process.
“I was able to shadow appointments to see how my colleagues did the job,” Ramos said. “This made me feel that I always had someone to turn to. Whether I had a question or needed help, I knew I could trust my team.”
What impressed her most after joining was the sense of value and connection she felt across the company. Looking forward, she’s eager to focus on supporting and uplifting new hires — just as she was when she started.
It’s a culture that extends beyond internal operations to The Black Tux’ external ethos. Positioned as “confidence coaches,” team members strive to empower customers to feel their best as they prepare for milestone events — just as the team elevates one another in their daily work.
Built In recently caught up with Ramos to learn more about what sets her employer apart and how it continued to impress throughout the onboarding journey.
What was the onboarding process like for you? What was your favorite part?
The onboarding process for our retail team includes a month-long training and shadow program — while slowly building up the type of appointments and number of customers an associate will support at a single time.
The Black Tux uses an online training system, Rise, to onboard retail associates. The training systems taught me about garment sizes and how to build relationships with our customers. Rise thoroughly walked through the administrative systems I would be using every day in a fitting appointment.
Once I completed those training courses, I was ready to shadow some appointments to see how my colleagues did the job. Then, it was my turn to lead a customer appointment while my teammates and manager would shadow me and give helpful tips and tricks. This made me feel that I always had someone to turn to. Whether I had a question or needed help, I knew I could trust my team.
I’ve never had such a supportive start to a job. Because the team is so friendly and willing to help each other out, I felt welcomed and capable of doing this job. After just one month, I felt prepared and empowered to add my creative twist to the job.
What pleasantly surprised you after you joined?
I was surprised to feel so valued and connected to people across the company. TBT believes we all contribute to the culture and that our unique backgrounds and experiences are what makes the company unique. We participate in team outings to strengthen our bonds, stay connected with the entire company via Slack, join companywide trivia for chances to win prizes, and actively partake in celebrations promoting diversity, equity and inclusion, like Women’s History Month and Black History Month.
“I was surprised to feel so valued and connected to people across the company.”
TBT makes work fun and recognizes the hard work of each person — I appreciate the open, collaborative and accessible culture.
When did you know you made the right choice in joining TBT?
I felt connected from my first day in the showroom interviewing for the job. As I waited to go back for my interview, I looked around and saw a NAS vinyl, a Keith Haring coffee table book and fun art on the walls.
As someone who has faced challenges, it’s been a privilege to have a job that offers supportive benefits. You never truly understand what someone is dealing with outside of work. Having this support demonstrates our unity as a team and underscores the company’s commitment to our mental health, as well.
How have you hit the ground running since you joined and what are you most excited to accomplish over the next quarter or year?
I have caught on quickly because of the extensive training and support. I am feeling more and more confident each day, noticing more instinctively what sizes people need, what adjustments to make and the style that suits someone according to their unique body shape. I am excited to embody confidence at my full potential and be a better version of myself.
“I am excited to embody confidence at my full potential and be a better version of myself.”
In the next quarter, I want to focus on supporting and uplifting any new hires that come in the way I was. I feel proud and eager to contribute to the culture and team in this way because it meant so much to me when I started.
What aspect of your professional growth are you most excited to evolve?
I can expand my mind in the aspect of fabric, color combination and styles. I see myself being a successful stylist in the future where I can execute a look for anyone’s style or vision and provide support to those who feel unsure about where to start. Prom season is coming up and I am inspired to create new and fresh ideas so people feel confident and excited to rock the tux.
