06/20/2026
Today was a reminder that when you own a small business, you have to take the good with the bad.
A customer came into the store this afternoon and was unhappy before we even had a chance to help her. She left after we had already made her order and took her frustrations out on me personally. I went outside to talk to her after she stormed out but it quickly escalated and I didnāt have the chance to even speak. She mentioned putting something about us on Facebook (what it seems like a lot of people like to do nowadays) so I just wanted to come on here because Iām sick and tired of this childish behavior and people coming in looking for problems. Iāve stayed quiet on social media for 6 years. Iām not posting a video of the confrontation that took place for her privacy.
As a business owner, those moments can be discouraging, especially when you work hard every single day to serve your community.
For those who may not know, yes, I am the ānewā owner of Village Pantry. Iāve been here for 6 years, working long days, weekends, and holidays to keep this place running. While Iāve added a few new items over the years, Iāve always believed that if something isnāt broken, you donāt fix it. Iāve worked hard to preserve the traditions and quality that customers have loved for years.
The truth is, one difficult interaction doesnāt define a day. What defines today are the dozens of amazing customers who came through our doors, supported us, thanked us, and reminded us why we do what we do.
To everyone who continues to shop local, support our small business, and treat us with kindnessāthank you. Your support means more than youāll ever know.
Weāll keep showing up, working hard, and doing our best every day.
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Side note: I took over when I was 22. I was a BABY. Iāve grown so much and learned so much in the past 6 years it could make your head spin. Industry trends come and go, I made it through COVID. Iāve cried, laughed, worked hard. I am not being bullied around in my own store!
