For nearly twenty years, my mother, Cathy, was the heart of Beller’s Bakery. Customers came not just for croissants, but for her warm smile and kind words.

One rainy night, she offered leftover pastries to a homeless veteran. To her, it was simple kindness — but the next morning, she was fired by the new manager, Derek, for “violating company policy.” After 18 years of dedication, she left in tears, folding her sunflower apron for the last time. Watching her pain inspired me to build a company that valued compassion.

Years later, Derek applied for a job at my startup. During the interview, he boasted about firing “an older woman” for giving away food. I told him, “That woman was my mother.”