When I See Someone Trying, I Want to Support Them

Sometimes, I see people selling food by the roadside or from the back of their car. And most of the time, I simply walk past. But recently, I saw a family selling desserts from their car, and something about it made me stop. I looked at what they were selling and thought,

“I see myself in them.”

Not because I am selling exactly the same thing, but because I know what it feels like to try something on your own. 

To put your effort out there.

To hope someone will notice.

And to hope someone will support you.

So, I Bought Something

I didn't actually need dessert that day. But I decided to buy something from them. I chose a mango strudel. It was a small purchase, but I felt happy knowing that I was supporting their effort in a small way. I wasn't buying it because I felt sorry for them.

I bought it because I respect people who are trying.

There is something I really appreciate about seeing someone build something from what they have.

Maybe they are trying to earn extra income.

Maybe they are doing it for their family.

Maybe this is their small business after work.

Maybe they are hoping that one day it will grow into something bigger.

We don't always know the story behind the person selling something.

I Understand What It Feels Like to Start Small

As a working mom, I also have my little things on the side.

I blog.

I create content.

I try affiliate marketing.

I've sold food before.

And sometimes, I have an idea and wonder:

“Will people support this?”

That's why I think I notice these things. When you are trying to build something, even a small sale can feel encouraging.

One person buying your product.

One person sharing your post.

One person recommending you to a friend.

One person saying, “This is good!”

These things may seem small to the customer.

But they can mean a lot to the person trying to build the business.

Supporting Small Businesses Doesn't Have to Be Complicated

I also don't think supporting small businesses means we have to buy everything from everyone. We all have our own budgets and priorities.But when we genuinely need something, we can choose to support a small seller when possible.

For example:

Buy from them.
If you want the product, give their product a chance.

Share their business.
You might not need what they're selling, but someone you know might.

Leave a review.
A genuine review can help other customers feel more confident.

Recommend them.
Word of mouth can be very valuable for a small business.

Come back.
If you enjoyed their product, becoming a repeat customer is one of the best ways to support them.

And sometimes, even a simple,

“All the best with your business!”

can brighten someone's day.

We Never Know Who Needs That One Customer

This is probably what stayed with me the most.

We don't know what someone is going through.

The family selling desserts from their car could be trying to reach their daily sales target.

They could be saving money for something important.

They could be paying for their children's needs.

Or they could simply be trying to create a better future for their family.

We don't know.

But we can choose to appreciate the effort.

And when we can afford to, we can support it.

It Was More Than Just a Dessert

That day, I bought a mango strudel.

But I think what stayed with me wasn't really the dessert.

It was the reminder that every small business starts with someone willing to try.

Someone has to make the first product.

Someone has to make the first sale.

Someone has to approach the first customer.

Someone has to believe that their little idea is worth trying.

And maybe that's why I felt connected to that family.

Because I know what it feels like to try too.

I'm still trying.

And I know many other working moms are too.

My Little Reminder to You

The next time you see someone selling homemade food, desserts, handmade products or anything from their small business, take a moment to look.

You don't have to buy something if you don't need it.

But if you do need it and you can afford it, maybe give the small seller a chance.

Your purchase might be small.

But to someone who is trying to build something, it could be one more reason to keep going.

Because sometimes, supporting a small business isn't just about buying a product.

It's about telling someone:

“I see your effort.”

And for me, whenever I see someone genuinely trying their best, I want to support them.