During a show, a lady sent her daughter, about 7 years old, to my booth. The girl said, “I love your bags, but I can’t support you as you run a sweat shop and don’t pay your employees”. I responded, “my sewing room is a sweat shop, with myself being my only employee. I can control how hot it gets. If I can’t afford air, it’s because I don’t sell my bags, if I don’t pay myself it’s because I haven’t sold enough bags . So you are right. I do run a sweat shop. I’m hoping to sell enough today to stop having a sweat shop, to turn on the air and pay myself. Please tell your mom thank you for supporting the small business person”. The girl went back to her mom. She told her what I said. The mother looked embarrassed, looked my way, grabbed the girl and tried to walk away. I called the girl over and gave her the bag her mom wouldn’t buy her because of her ideology. I thanked the girl for being truthful. I reminded her to find out the truth before you accuse anyone of things. With a smile the girl said, “thank you. I’m sorry my mom sent me over to say bad things to you.” The mom then offered to pay for the bag I had given the girl. I wouldn’t let her. I told the mom, this week I don’t need air in my sweat shop but thank you. Some days, people speak without thinking. I find it sad to send your child to do so. I was happy to show the little girl that not everything is as someone says. I am thankful I can afford air in my sewing room without worrying if I sell a bag. As I know some are not so fortunate. I am happy people mistake my bags as designer bags because of the quality of my sewing, and not just handmade items. Be thankful today and happy sewing.
