Hi everyone… I’m really nervous to write this. I’ve rewritten it a few times because I’m not someone who asks for help easily. But I’m doing this for my children and for the home I’m trying so hard to keep for us.

For those who know me, you know I’ve always worked. I’ve never been afraid of hard work. I’ve bartended for over 13 years, taken side jobs, cleaned houses, worked private events, and done whatever I needed to do to make sure my kids were cared for. Life hasn’t always been gentle with us, but I’ve always found a way to keep going.

This past month has been especially hard.

I was recently in a car accident. I wasn’t at fault, but the situation left me with unexpected costs and time away from work. I tried to catch up by picking up any work I could - DoorDash, cleaning, whatever would keep food on the table. It wasn’t easy, but I kept telling myself, “It’s okay, we’ll get through this.”

Then I finally got what felt like a break.

A job I had been hoping for - a bartending position at a beach bar I’d been trying to get into for months. I was excited, relieved, and hopeful. It felt like I could finally breathe again. I trained, I worked, I did well. I rearranged everything - daycare, schedules, other jobs - because I believed this job was our way to get back on our feet.

The next day, they called me and let me go.

Not because of my work.

Not because of something I did.

But because of the way I look.

They told me my tattoos didn’t fit the “image” they wanted. They didn’t want customers to complain. The owner’s granddaughters didn’t like me, and that was that. After 13 years of working behind bars, serving customers with kindness, respect, and professionalism - I was dismissed for my appearance.

I can’t explain the feeling. To finally see a little bit of light and then have it taken away over something so shallow… it broke something in me. I sat there and cried quietly, not just because of the job, but because of everything I’ve fought to rise above. I’ve worked too hard to be reduced to what’s on my skin.

Right now, I’m behind. Rent is due. Bills are piling. I turned down other work to commit to this job. I lost time. I lost income. And I am trying so hard not to lose hope.

I’m not asking for anything more than what will help us stay afloat.

Just enough to keep our home steady while I continue searching for a place that sees me for who I am - a mother who loves her children more than anything, a woman who has survived more than most people will ever know, someone who shows up and works hard no matter what.

I’m embarrassed to be here.

But I’m not ashamed to fight for my family.

If you’ve read this far, thank you.

If you are able to help, thank you.

If you can’t donate but can share this, that means just as much.

I will get back up again. I always do.

But right now, I just need a little help to get through this part. ❤️