Community Support For A Small Business Captures My Heart

All of my foraging gear was stolen from a parking lot a few weeks ago when I was finishing up one of my walks. Every item for work that I have: safety gear, field guides, water bottle, clippers, knives, gloves, the whole kit… I was devastated. As a small business owner hustling to make ends meet, it was a huge hit. Everything I had slowly accumulated over the last few years was gone in seconds. Deciding to leave traditional work behind to pursue a passion-driven path, set an example for my son, and do something that fuels my heart was difficult and scary enough; losing all the tools I needed to do my work was an overwhelming blow.

It’s hard not to get existential about events like this. I found myself thinking, “Maybe this is a sign to stop,” or wondering if fate, the universe, or god was trying to steer me in another direction. After an evening of ugly crying and processing, I realized, I didn’t feel that I was being directed away. Instead, I began to wonder if perhaps this setback meant I was actually moving in the right direction.

In one last-ditch effort to find my things, I posted on Instagram and Facebook. Upon waking, I had multiple messages from people reaching out with encouragement and well wishes for the speedy return of my gear. Strangers shared creative suggestions about how or where to look “just in case.” It was support I didn’t even know I needed. It was humbling to see the community's support for a small business like mine.

The world of wild food education and small business ownership can be solitary. Even though I lead group walks, workshops, and engage on social media, it can still feel lonely at times. I hadn’t realized how isolated I had been feeling until the community swooped in with their encouragement, making me feel deeply supported and seen.

The support came from the most unexpected places. Friends and community members reposted my plea for help. People I’d never met offered assistance to replace my gear. One morning, I even woke up to a gift card in my inbox from a social media friend who wanted me to know that my work was important and appreciated in the community. Each act of kindness felt like a warm hug, boosting my drive and reminding me that I wasn’t alone. My voice felt heard, and I knew I was part of something bigger than myself. This existential crisis became exactly what I needed, and my cup was filled to overflowing.

And now, I re-build. I’ve replaced some of the most important items in my kit and as for the rest, I will get scrappy and make it work, knowing they will be replaced all in due time. What I do know is that I’m moving in the right direction. This has fuelled my drive to push forward. I want to be someone who helps draw people into the exciting world of nature. I want to fuel curiosity, calm fears and encourage the adventure of engaging with food growing all around us.

To all my well-wishers, and to everyone who has supported me along the way with encouragement and thoughtfulness, thank you, thank you. I am incredibly grateful for this community and can’t wait to get to know all of you better. Let’s keep these conversations going—I want to meet every one of you!

Love, Humbled Mel

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Thank you To Everyone 💛

My happy place: hands dirty in the forest.

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