Trashcan to Triumph: Winning Big at Chanel in Bellagio

I froze. Drink in hand, standing next to a trashcan. 

I couldn’t get any closer. Even though that’s exactly why I was there- to go inside and face my fear. 

Last year I returned the United States after months away via a flight to Las Vegas. As much as I mentally needed to return to the US for work, I emotionally needed to walk into the Chanel Store at Bellagio hotel. 

I needed to walk in there because I never had- I’d always been too intimidated to do so. 

Over the years, I had seen all kinds of people—better than me, worse than me, richer than me—browsing designer stores. But I always felt like I didn’t belong; maybe a little unworthy?

And something about the Chanel store at the Bellagio was my precipice. 

I don’t just face my fears, I conquer them. So this trip I was not only going to walk in for the first time, I decided I was going to buy something…

… or so I promised myself. 

As the store’s entrance came into view, I freaked out. The fear sank in and anchored me in place- next to a trash can. 

I was stuck. I couldn’t do it. I didn’t belong.

“You down that drink and get in here!” My friend sternly stated at me. I shook my head no like a child. 

I had told my friend of my fear over breakfast that morning. I only told her there was something about the Chanel store at Bellagio, I had never been and I needed to go in there. 

Like any great friend, she read between the lines and accepted the mission. 

Her tough love was exactly what my fear needed in that moment- someone who wasn’t afraid of it. 

It’s crazy how fast and furious fear can take hold. I went from happy girls having a gorgeous day in Vegas to cowering next to a trashcan, gripping my vodka soda like it was a shield in a matter of seconds. 

I’m not sure what the tipping point was, probably the sheer embarrassment of wimping out in front of a friend, but after a stern statement more from her, and a few inner negotiations (ok, and a mini panic attack), I tossed my drink and entered the store. 

And guess what? It’s like any other store!

Products are on the walls and shelves, items are well lit in the display cabinets, and there are customer service reps to help you!

You even pay with cash or card, like everywhere else in America! 

Of course I knew all this, but I needed to feel it. I needed to feel mentally and emotionally safe in a designer store and know I belonged. 

I tried on the Chanel boots, explored the wallets and purses, and chatted up a rep or two. Some of the prices caught me off guard, while others were within my bravery budget.

I bought two things! A belt and perfume.

In just 20 minutes, I went from cowering next to an overflowing trash can to feeling empowered and worthy. 

That day, I learned that the biggest battles we fight are often with ourselves. It wasn’t about Chanel or a designer label—it was about proving I was worthy of walking into any space, owning my power, and showing up for myself.

The belt and perfume were just things—but the confidence, that unshakable sense of belonging and worthiness, were the real luxuries I gained.

Those are priceless.