Meet a Carrot — Judith Bonilla
As part of the launch of The Instacart Checkout, we are introducing a new series profiling Instacart staff — Meet a Carrot.
First up — Los Angeles Area Manager Judith Bonilla.
Flashback to August 2014, when a proud New Yorker found herself in Los Angeles with idle time and a need for additional income. “I was shopping in West LA, when I overheard a woman wearing a green t-shirt, holding a clipboard excitedly talking to someone. I couldn’t help but ask the woman what she was doing.”
“I’m a Shopper on Instacart! I just grocery shop for people, it’s the best,” the stranger said. Judith immediately had to type Instacart into her phone to learn more.
“Instacart was still pretty new then,” she added with a chuckle. “I wasn’t sure if it was some kind of scam.”
After her first shift, Judith was hesitant to continue. “At first I did not understand what I was doing wrong because other Shoppers were getting orders while I wasn’t. The person who inspired me seemed so happy, but it wasn’t an easy start for me. But when I went back the next day, I started to love it”
So what brought her back?
“Knowing that I was helping others. From a mom who doesn’t have to wrangle her kids in the store, to a person who has a parent far away who’s housebound. As Shoppers, we’re doing important work.”
“I became friends with all of the Shoppers and the store managers. Those personal relationships made the job easier. If there was an item missing, they would go to the back and get it for me.” Judith continued, “I’m also really competitive, so the speed element was exciting for me.”
Eventually, a local General Manager asked Judith to take on more responsibility. First by working with Shopper Support, and then by managing In- Store Shoppers and Shift Leads. “Honestly, I loved it — gave it all a human touch for me.” Most recently, Judith transitioned to the Area Manager role. “I’m definitely still learning, but I have had great mentors in this organization, a real support team.”
According to Judith, a lot of the new responsibility involves developing the in-store shoppers to make sure they’re successful by providing support they need through coaching and training.
And what is she most proud of in her current role? “Seeing In-Store Shoppers get promoted to Shift Leads and Site Leads. It’s great seeing other people follow in my footsteps. I think the Shoppers deserve our support. Because I was a Shopper, and I will never forget that it is hard work. I tip my cap to all the Shoppers who do this every day. ”
Her advice for current Shoppers?
“It all comes down to work hard. Shop the best that you can. Be patient, and enjoy the ride.
“Honestly, I just started by eavesdropping on a conversation. As I continue to work at Instacart, I feel like I’m a part of something bigger.”
