When Amber Renae moved her family from Texas to Pennsylvania in August 2025, she didn’t expect the transition to cost her a job she adored — teaching theater. Suddenly, a stay-at-home mom without steady work, the 38-year-old actress found herself juggling auditions, self-tape,s and homesickness, all while searching for something that felt truly her own.
She realized she needed an outlet — a reason to get out of the house, something that kept both her mind and creativity alive. And when she thought about where she genuinely loved spending time, especially during the holidays, one place immediately came to mind: HomeGoods.
Finding Joy in a New Routine
With several moves behind her in recent years, Renae says hope is what keeps her going.
“It drives me to take everything as an opportunity,” she tells PEOPLE. “Life is short, and you shouldn't waste any day or any situation. You never know when something could change your life for the better.”
That mindset is exactly what led her to transform one of retail’s dullest moments — the nightly store closing announcements — into something fun, festive, and uniquely hers. One of her joyful “Jingle Bells” sign-offs has already earned more than half a million views online.
“No matter what job I've ever had, in between shows or contracts, I always perform,” she says. “Teaching middle or high school theatre? Perform for my students. Property manager for student housing? Perform for my staff. Working as a cashier at HomeGoods? You better believe I'm gonna find a way to perform.”
When the PA System Becomes a Stage
Once Renae took over the store announcements, she started turning the standard scripts into mini-performances, leaning into her love for voice work. She usually records them during her weekend evening shifts — 30 minutes before closing, 15 minutes before, 5 minutes before, and then the final “we’re closed” message.
“I usually do the special singing one for the very last announcement,” she says. “The customers who are still there at that point always love it. They cheer and leave with huge smiles.”
Her coworkers feel the same. Many look forward to her closing performances and even pitch remix ideas for future holiday versions. Their enthusiasm, Renae says, makes her feel like she’s helping bring the team together.
“Some would say it’s just a small-time job,” she notes. “But I think you should have pride in every single thing you do. That’s my style.”
Spreading Light, One Announcement at a Time
For Renae, these playful announcements are her small way of putting more joy into the world. As a mom of two, she admits she’s “tired all the time,” but she also knows every customer is carrying something — sometimes something heavy — and hopes her energy offers a moment of relief.
“This country can be so divided sometimes. I want to bring people together,” she says. “I want to give them a different experience while shopping. Maybe when they go home, something I said will stick or make them kind to the next person.”
Her job may be temporary, but the joy she brings is anything but small.
@amberdivarenae Back by popular demand w/ @HomeGoods #closingannouncement #homegoods #joy ♬ original sound - Amber Renae