HOW A SIMPLE ‘WAKA’ TURNED INTO A MEMORABLE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE FOR MY SON

Hey lovelies ❤️
It's your favorite girl @debbie-ese 😍
Welcome to my blog 🤗

Yesterday was quite a long day for me and quite eventful I must say. Nigeria observed a public holiday in honor and respect of the immediate past President of the country, Muhammadu Buhari, who passed on a few days ago. He was buried in his hometown yesterday and the Federal Government declared a public holiday to honor him. As a result of this, schools were closed for the day, so I had the opportunity of spending some quality time with my son who followed me to do my 'waka'.
Since I had some errands to run I decided to take him along with me. The major task I went out to complete is to get someone who can help me create an indoor signage for my business. I'm looking to design somewhere in my house where I can use to take professional photographs for my fashion business especially the ready-to-wear. While I was going from one part of the market to the other making enquiries from people around on where to get a reliable person to get the job done, something else caught my attention. There were some fine displayed children footwears.

I didn't plan to buy a shoe nor did I have it in my budget, but sometimes we have no choice but to do some impulsive shopping. The children’s footwears were beautifully displayed on the roadside among other products displayed by other vendors like men's trousers, blazers, and so on. Among the pair of shoes is one particular brand that caught my attention the more. It is a black shoe with a sole shaped like some fire flames. It is so sleek and stylish. I walked up to the vendor and asked if he has my son's size - size 26 and within few seconds he checked his goods and brought out a size 26. So we tried it on my son and it fitted him but it was looking like it will be tight for him after some months so I requested for the next size, size 27. The size 27 was slightly big but we may have to stuck some shoe pads in it to make it fit perfectly.

I could see the joy in my boy's face as he was trying the shoes and he affirmed that he likes it when I asked him if he liked the shoes. We then moved on to discuss about the price since we are sure he's got his size and he told me it was ₦6,000 ($4.00) and I feel like it was a fair deal for such quality and design. Also, if I'm to compare the price to other children’s shoes have got in recent times it is quite affordable for that quality.

Once we reached a conclusion I proceeded to do my other 'waka' and I was able to get someone's contact for the signage when I'm ready to make it. My son didn't even wait for us to get to the car before he pulled his sandals and wore his new pair of shoes. I'm sure he really loved them and can't wait to flaunt them.

I couldn't but reflect on how often we look down or underestimate roadside vendors because they are not in some fancy shop with bright colorful lights. We often feel like they sell inferior products but it is not always true. These vendors can offer you an array of authentic products at affordable prices and I must say that some of my best purchases are from roadside vendors whether it is fruits, food items, slippers or even fairly used furnitures.

There is no doubt that we need to be cautious when we are buying from the roadside so as not to buy stolen items or fake products but we should not totally dismiss these hardworking entrepreneurs who display their goods by the roadside just because they've not got some fancy business environment. They are just trying their best to make living for themselves in a tough economy.

A quick question
Have you ever found a beautiful piece (any product) from a roadside vendor?

I'd love to your hear story in the comment section.

waka (pidgin English) - to go somewhere

Thanks for reading and see you in my next one.

ABOUT ME

Just a quick reminder:

The text and photos on this blog was created by me, unless I state otherwise.

The cover images are designed using Canva with strict adherence to elements that are licenced for use under their terms.

Photographs are taken with my Samsung Galaxy A52 - 64MP Camera and other amazing features that absolutely capture the moment in high quality.

Lastly, do not use any of my content either text or image without asking me for authorisation. In other words, unauthorised used of my content is highly prohibited.