The Ice Coffee That Taught Me About Authenticity in Business

I want to tell you a story about my sister. She’s the adventurous one in the family—someone who always dives headfirst into life while I’m more of a “play it safe” kind of person. Recently, she left her stable job as an accountant to chase her dream: running a handicraft workshop teaching people how to make silver rings.

She poured her heart (and savings) into this small business. After months in Guangzhou learning the craft and preparing every detail on a tight budget, she finally launched her first physical workshop. And guess what? Her advertising worked wonders—appointments started piling up. Not a huge success, but a pretty good start for someone doing it for the first time.

I was so proud of her that I wanted to do something thoughtful. One scorching afternoon, I decided to buy iced coffee for her customers as a little treat. I figured it’d make their day better and maybe even prompt some glowing reviews. But when I told her, she quickly pulled me aside and said, “Don’t.”

What’s Ahead

• A Lesson in Managing Expectations
• The Skepticism Dilemma
• How Honest Businesses Can Stand Out
• A Final Thought
• Additional resources

A Lesson in Managing Expectations

At first, I didn’t get it. I was just trying to help! But she explained:

• Her workshop is built on a tight budget, and while the coffee was on my treat, she was worried about setting the wrong expectations.
• What if someone mentioned the “free coffee” in a review? Customers might start expecting extras like that in the future.
• More importantly, she didn’t want her workshop to feel like it was relying on fancy perks. Her focus is on delivering affordable, high-quality guidance and a space where people can create something meaningful with friends and family.

She wanted her reviews to reflect what she truly offered—authenticity, not an illusion she couldn’t keep up with. And honestly, I was impressed. It takes guts to stick to your values when it’d be easier to do otherwise.

The Skepticism Dilemma

Her explanation got me thinking about my own experiences as a customer. My wife and I have fallen into traps before:

• An “affordable” facial session with glowing reviews turned into a nightmare of upselling. The affordable price? Just for the first session, as long as you left a good review.
• Renovation companies that offer a tempting quote, only for “problems” to appear once the work begins—along with hidden costs. And by the time you’re knee-deep in renovations, switching contractors is no longer an option.

Because of these experiences, I’ve become skeptical of anything that seems too affordable. I’d rather pay more upfront than risk being scammed. But this creates a sad reality: genuinely good, affordable services—like my sister’s—often get overlooked because customers are afraid of being burned.

How Honest Businesses Can Stand Out

The question is: How can honest, down-to-earth businesses overcome this skepticism? Here’s what I think can help:

1. Transparency
   Be upfront about what’s included and what’s not. Spell it out so customers know exactly what they’re paying for—no hidden surprises.
2. Authentic Reviews
   Encourage customers to share honest feedback about their experience. If they chose your service because of affordability or quality, ask them to mention it in their review.
3. Show, Don’t Just Tell
   Pictures or videos of real customers enjoying the service go a long way in building trust. It’s harder to fake a genuine smile.
4. Share Your Story
   My sister’s journey—quitting her job, learning the craft in Guangzhou, and starting from scratch—is inspiring. Sharing these personal touches helps customers connect with the person behind the business.

A Final Thought

Businesses like my sister’s remind me that trust takes time to build, especially in an era of overpromising and underdelivering. While she may not appeal to everyone right away, her authenticity and dedication will shine through. And as her brother? I couldn’t be prouder.

Sometimes, the most meaningful lessons come from something as simple as an iced coffee.

Additional Resources

If you’re intrigued by the idea of learning silver ring making in an affordable, hands-on workshop, I highly recommend checking out my sister’s workshop. She offers quality guidance in a welcoming environment, perfect for both beginners and seasoned crafters. Head over to her site to learn more and book a session!

** Disclaimer: some of the references links provided are for the source of reference purposes and do not imply any relationship or partnership with the website or their owners.

Hey There!

Thanks for taking the time to read this post—we hope it added a little value to your day. Whether it’s about managing money, growing your investments, or leveling up in life, every step you take matters.

If you’ve got questions, thoughts, or even your own tips to share, drop a comment below! We’d love to hear from you. And if you think someone else could benefit from this, feel free to share it with them—let’s spread the good vibes.

For more updates, insights, and ideas, subscribe to our newsletter [coming soon]. Got a topic in mind you’d like us to cover? Let us know! Your input means the world to us as we build this community together.

Let’s keep striving for growth, success, and a little more peace of mind—one post at a time!