How being an entrepreneur has changed my shopping habits
The happy dance is real. When I first got my first paying, executive coaching client, I was exhilarated. Words can’t describe how I felt, it wasn’t about the money, it was affirmation that I can do this! Leadership Wow is now in business. I felt like I was at the top of the world, and I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs to let the world know I got my first paying client. In fact, I called my mom and sister immediately and shared the great news and we did the happy dance together, remotely, 250 miles away via the cellphone. That night as I tucked my kids in, I shared with them the happy news and with their small little hands and little feet they did their own version of the happy dance. I promised to buy them a special meal that weekend to celebrate. You see, this moment wasn’t just any moment, it was the cultivation of hours and hours of hard work that has led up to this moment and I finally understood what dreams are made of.
That weekend, I was going to buy my kids the special meal I promised them and there was a farmer’s market outside their favorite restaurant. One stall in particular caught my eye, there was a woman and a 7-year old girl giving out samples. We approached the stall and grabbed some samples and I thought, “wow, this is delicious!” Graciously, I got 2 more for my kids to try. “Pasta Sauce” the woman said, pointing at several bottles of pasta sauce with a special pride in her smile. That was their product: homemade pasta sauce. I usually buy my pasta sauce from Costco, but not today, I bought several bottles from her. Then I saw it, her eyes lit up and she squeezed her daughter’s hand tightly, I was her first customer and as my eyes met hers, I understood, this is what dreams are made of.
The following Sunday, as I was walking with my kids to recycle plastic bags, I saw a large “grand opening” sign next to the grocery store we always go to, “Boba Milk Tea”. I walked in and asked, “is today your grand opening?” They told me, “This is our pre-launch, next week is our grand opening”. I bought a Taro Milk Tea and then I saw it, as the son was ringing me up, the dad’s eyes lit up as he was making my drink with the largest grin on his face. As I walked out of the store sipping my Taro Milk Tea, I glanced at their carefully arranged grand opening flowers and I understood, this is what dreams are made of.
Being an entrepreneur has changed my shopping habits. I now shop small every chance I can…because I know on the other end is another human being who has put in countless hours of hard work, carefully hanging their shingle out, in hopes for their dreams to come true.
To give back and support small business owners, Leadership Wow is currently offering pro bono small business coaching. If you are a small business owner and is interested, please email us at [email protected]