Tags
america, black business, business, coffeehouse, defend, dignity, ecuador, Ecuador expats, employment, entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, expat, expats, female business owners, global, hiring, latin america, respect, small business, teahouse, we the people, women, world
I spent the weekend interviewing for “Mama’s helpers” at the teahouse. I did the initial discussion of the job when people walked in off the streets to inquire more about the job posting outside of my teahouse door.
I stressed two important qualities that one must have to succeed in this positions (the two qualities that led to the firing of the other employees).
#1. You must like/respect/work with everyone . That means people who indigenous, mestizo, gay, black, non-believers in God.
#2. Customer service — American style — is a must. Hence, you must smile, give off a positive energy and ask if clients need something.
Some of the applicants were like “Duh! I know this.” But in reality, people don’t. I assumed everyone living in 2016/2017 would understand that respect and hospitality were the cornerstones of any business. But having to fire two young male employees, after giving them direct warnings, was an eye-opener in creating my brand/philosophy.
I have not written a mission statement for my new teahouse. This week I will clarify my vision for my English center. But I do know, I want to have a space that all are welcomed and treated with respect. Something that used to be the idea of the “American Dream.” My country, the USA, is having great turmoil right now; and at the center of this chaos is fear of others and lack of respect of others.
I am not sure how my country’s situation will turn out, but I know there are millions of Americans who are speaking out against this lack of Americanism. Many who are saying, “Hey, that’s not what I stand for and that’s not what I want my country to stand for.”
What will my tea franchise and English center stand for? At the minimum they will be places to feel a sense of community and a place to grow as global citizens who contributes to our world’s advancement.