Support the little guys.
My TikTok content is generally about supporting small businesses. While we all must shop somewhat frugally and purchase the things we like, I try to support the smaller businesses.
Restaurants for example are my favorite. At times we cannot avoid it, we must eat someplace or visit a larger establishment. Yet I do try to support the smaller places especially here in Bali.
I am not a fan of McDonald’s, KFC, and Burger King. Not so much because of the food, I am sure I eat plenty of unhealthy food elsewhere. I simply like going to smaller places where in most cases the owners or a family member of the establishment is present.
The family business.
This is close to my heart, if you have read my book John Doe vs Evil you would know why. Our family built up a large business with a company from Sweden whose logo is yellow and blue… Every time I see a true family business I try and support them. These memories that are embedded, carved, and etched in my brain are impossible to erase. When our family worked hard to be able to afford our mortgage payment and I couldn’t get shoes until the next month, those are memories that will live with me forever.
Holes in my shoes because I was doing track and field…
Yup, I had a hole in the bottom of my shoes. We had to choose, food or shoes. We ate… So now on my TikTok, I support as many small businesses as I can.
Even now when I drive past a small upholstery shop and I see a cut and sew operation by the side of the road my heart goes out to them. I know the struggle, I see how things are done and I wish I could help every one of them somehow.
The other day I rode past a small upholstery place and I could see the polyester fiber-filled casings and a sofa being upholstered. I felt like getting off the scooter and heading over to see what was up. It is hard to resist. I feel I am done with the furniture industry and yet I truly feel the need to help.
In business.
Not only furniture but nearly any business when the owner is involved will relate to this. Every machine and every sound is registered in your head. I could hear our large springing gun jam halfway across the factory floor. I could hear a staple gun misfire and I could hear the slipping of the compressor belt and knew it needed to be replaced.
These are the things ones knows and experiences in a small business. This is why the owners, the true 100% dedicated owners get up, live and breathe their business. This is why my heart goes out to the individuals who run small businesses. Please check your local small business and try to support the little guys…
Zsolt Zsemba 