this is why.

For the past three years, I've minimized cost for the business by manning the shop myself. My mom takes my place when I'm out. (She doesn't mind since she has all these Koreanovelas to watch!) But of course I greatly appreciate her help. My dad's too.

Of course there are random days (and holidays) that I just decided to close for the day. I guess the patrons of the shop are used to it. They know they can order online, or pick up from the house even as late as 11 in the evening or even on Sundays when we're closed.

I guess until it reaches the point that I really couldn't handle it anymore, I won't hire any employees yet.

And sometimes it's quite interesting to meet all these people. I'm first-name basis with some of them. I'm met some of the kids, the husbands. My friend calls it value-added service. And it touches my heart when people appreciate it. I could quote people who have said "TCP just makes it easier," and "I admire your excellent service!"

Of course it isn't always easy. There are demanding ones. There are those who order online last minute and pressure you to ship it asap so they receive the next day.

You just get all kinds. What's good is that unlike clients for architectural projects whom you're stuck with for months or even years, I just encounter the patrons of the shop, one day at a time. It's been my life for the past few years. I'm probably the only architect in the world who set up office inside a baking supplies shop. Hahahaha. But then that's me. Sometimes trying to do the unconventional stuff!