Diversity and inclusion
June 19, 2024Michelle’s journey of acceptance and success
At Shoppers Drug Mart®, we are proud to celebrate the diversity of our people, recognizing that everyone's journey is unique, and we are all deserving of respect and support. Meet Michelle Bataclan, a talented Beauty Manager at a Shoppers Drug Mart store in Scarborough, ON, whose story is a testament to courage and determination.
Michelle faced adversity from a young age, when she came out to her family at 16 only to be met with rejection and misunderstanding. In a community where acceptance was scarce, she experienced firsthand the challenges and stigma attached to being her authentic self. But Michelle turned this adversity into a career opportunity.
With a passion for beauty, Michelle pursued her dreams of becoming a certified makeup artist in 2014 and joined Shoppers Drug Mart four years later as a Beauty Specialist.
Despite the initial isolation she felt as a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, Michelle quickly found acceptance at Shoppers Drug Mart, particularly upon meeting her teammate, Ryan.
“We connected right away because we are both part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and shared the same passion for beauty,” she remembers. “This helped me feel free to be myself. It made me feel accepted for who I am.”
Through dedication and hard work, Michelle excelled in her role, working at multiple Shoppers Drug Mart locations and as a demo rep for Estée Lauder, showcasing her skills. In 2022, Michelle was promoted to Beauty Manager and attributes her success to the sense of belonging she feels within the Shoppers family. “Knowing that Shoppers accepts diversity made me feel welcome, valued and safe,” says Michelle. “I’m fortunate to work at this store in particular. It has become not just a workplace, but a community and a family.”
One significant moment for Michelle was introducing her partner to her leaders at a fundraising event. “I was nervous at first, but they treated her with the same amount of care and respect as they would each other. Nothing changed with the way they treated me either,” she recalls. “It’s very important for me to know that I don’t have to hide who I am. I’m very proud to be at Shoppers because we really do value diversity, equity, and inclusion and that inspires me to do the best I can to succeed.”