12/18/2024
uess what happened to me at Trader Joe’s?
I’ve been shopping at my local Trader Joe’s for years, ever since it opened, and it’s always been a highlight of my week. The team there is amazing, the products are great, and it’s just one of those places that feels good to be in. But a few months ago, something truly unforgettable happened that I’ve been meaning to share. About three or four months ago, I went in to pick up a few things. You know how it goes: you grab a cart, plan for just a couple of items, and suddenly, it’s full. By the time I got to the cashier, my cart was loaded! That’s when I met JP.
JP greeted me with the warmest smile and asked, “Do you need a bag?” I said, “Yes, ma’am.” Then, laughing, I joked about how my “quick trip” had turned into a cartful of groceries. Without missing a beat, she said, “Trader Joe’s is the best place to shop—great prices, great products, and an even better place to work!” I couldn’t help but smile back and teasingly asked, “Did they pay you to say that?” But I could tell she meant every word. She looked me in the eye and said, “It’s the truth.” I told her I believed her because I really do love shopping there. We started chatting, and she shared a bit about her life. Her name is JP—she said it’s “like JP Morgan, but without the money,” all while grinning ear to ear. She’s in her 70s, full of joy, and proud of her family and kids. It felt like talking to an old friend.
Then came the moment that left me speechless. As I loaded up my groceries, I realized I’d need a cab to carry everything home. When I mentioned it, JP asked how far I was going. I told her, “Just 13-14 blocks.” With that same warm smile, she reached into her pocket, pulled out some cash, and said, “I want to pay for your taxi today.” I froze. My eyes filled with tears. I told her how much I appreciated it but asked her to save it for someone who really needed it. “All I need from you is a hug,” I said. And that’s exactly what she gave me—a big, heartfelt hug. She wished me a beautiful day, and I left with my bags, trying to hold back tears, completely moved by her kindness.
I flagged down a yellow cab, still thinking about JP and her incredible warmth and kindness . When I got in, the driver asked where I was headed. After I told him, he smiled and said, “This trip’s on me. No charge. Have a great day.”( that's also another story) What?!! My heart was overflowing. Two acts of kindness in one day! I couldn’t wait to get home and share the story with my family. The moment I walked through the door, I said, “Guess what happened to me today?” and told them everything about JP and the cab driver. The very next day, inspired by JP and her amazing spirit, I went to the Trader Joe’s website and submitted a new vendor application for my Ethiopian Hot Sauce.
My dream is to see my hot sauce in every Trader Joe’s—represented by incredible people like JP—as well as in other local groceries and shops where we get good foods with organic ingredients, like Fresh Market and Whole Foods.
To celebrate this story and to honor JP, I created a special discount code: JP50%. If you’d like to try my hot sauce, use the code for 50% off at https://ethiopianhotsauce.com - My way of spreading a little kindness, just like JP did for me.
With love,
Sara 💛
The first, truly original Ethiopian Hot Sauce. Our hot sauce is a cultural blend of Ethiopia and The American South.
