- E
- R
- J
To my Family and Friends,
As you all know, I am opening my first woman-owned business. Gustavo’s is the name I’ve decided to name the store after a loved one who lost his life and meant a lot to me and my family. Starting this business has been quite a journey. As most of you know, I have a huge habit of “couponing” ; in fact, it’s more like a hobby than a habit. I started collecting a huge stockpile over time, which initiated the thought of how I should open up my own store.
Every morning, I’d pass by an old 99 cent plus store that was filled with old junk, and I kept saying, “I want this store.” After a while, the thought of doing a business there wouldn’t leave my mind, so I decided to make contact with the owner of the building. His name is Sam. The community of Live Oak knows him as “Happy” the ice cream man, and he’s very nice lol. As I got to know him, he explained why he closed the store and was done running the business. I then explained to him the idea that I had stuck in my head for so long. Surprisingly, he was happy and agreed it was a great idea. Sam felt it was time to let go of what he had and allow the building to be used for business. However, there was a lot of work to be done to get the building up to code. I agreed if I did all the work to remodel and clean out the store, I would then lease the building to run the business. So that has been my mission. Many hours turned into days, the days turned into months, and with the support of my loved ones, I’ve been blessed to have made it this far. With every obstacle thrown in my way, even hearing people tell me I won’t succeed because I’m a woman or because it’s not a good investment, I’m still here, determined more than ever. I guess my family and friends are right; I have always been so stubborn yet so ambitious. Pride has always been my biggest downfall in life because it’s tough for me to ask for help. Anyone who knows me knows I like to do things on my own if it’s in my power to do so. This time around, I’ve done all I can, and I’d like to set my pride aside and be honest with my people. I’m almost there, but I need help. I do not want to start my business with debt, so I decided to create a private GoFundMe for my friends and family, asking for your support with any donations to help me successfully open the doors to Gustavo’s mini mart.
- Thank you to everyone who has been so supportive. I can’t do it without you. I love you & God bless you all.
Organizer
