“I was more nervous than dreaming. I came to America with my...

“I was more nervous than dreaming. I came to America with my mother in 1982. I had no English. No skills. And I didn’t know if I could survive. My first job was selling umbrellas on the street. One of my regular customers was the owner of this Army Navy store. He was an older man. So sometimes I would help him with his customers, just to give him a break. He liked me very much. He said: ‘Henry, come work for me.’ And right away he trusted me. He would let me handle the store by myself. And the customers loved me. They kept coming back, again and again. Our price was a very good price. But most important I think, was me: nice to people, always honest, treat customer like family. I was a very good worker. After seven years the owner says to me: ‘Henry, I’m old now. Please take the store.’ And he gives me the keys. Can you imagine? I was luckiest man. It was beyond dream come true. All of my customers were so happy. They say: ‘Henry, we want you to succeed.’ They come back again and again. Nothing makes me happier than a repeat customer. To see them walk in the door, you can’t imagine. I get so excited. When a customer leaves without saying anything, I feel nervous. Did I do something wrong? But a repeat customer means I did something right. I am OK. I am good at my job. Being a boss is the toughest job in the world. The worries, you can’t imagine. For so many months we were closed by the pandemic. Then when we opened again the city was like ghost town. No traffic. No tourists. On some days two or three hours would go by, and no customers at store. There are months when we sell $2,000, and the rent is $6,500. You can’t imagine. What am I supposed to do? My customers tell me: ‘Henry, we love you. We hope you survive.’ These words give me confidence to keep going. But how do you keep going? And what do you tell your family? I have three children. What do I tell them? Maybe I can drive uber. Or become a waiter. But what about my customers? I have customers who love me. Some of them I have not seen for a very long time. What if they come back and not find me here? And I never even said goodbye. Or thanked them. For all these years. For always coming back.” #comebacknyc