On opening day,
one of my best friends
from high school
also came to help,
and my whole family
was there to welcome
the day together.
The first year
was just desperate.
There were even days
when not a single customer
came.
The biggest challenge
was learning how to control
my own feelings
on days like that.
Everything
was trial and error.
Everything
was my own responsibility.
There were times
when people made
harsh comments,
like,
“It must be nice
to just do this
as a hobby,”
or,
“Do you really think
you can make a living
doing this here?”
Those words
were painful at the time.
But in a way,
they also became fuel
for my “I’ll show you”
spirit,
so looking back now,
I am actually grateful
for them.
At the same time,
there were people
who always came
to the café,
people who posted
about it
on social media
again and again,
and kind customers
who would say
on rainy days,
“If you have anything left,
I’ll buy it.”
It is truly because
of people like them
that I am still here
today.
I have nothing
but gratitude.
46
