Every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 73-year-old Inez Hudson can be found outside Super Choice Foods supermarket in Lakeland, Florida, selling homemade pies and cakes to supplement her income, as her fixed income is insufficient to cover her living expenses.
Inez has had her share of ups and downs, but everything changed due to the generosity of a stranger and social media. Now, her baked goods are in high demand. She has been operating her small business outside the grocery store since November 2018, often waking up at midnight to start baking. Her specialties include pecan pie, sweet potato pie, pineapple pound cake, and red velvet cake with cream cheese icing.
Recently, a local resident named Mannie, who goes by @mannierants on TikTok, noticed Inez selling her cakes in the hot Florida sun. In a viral video, Mannie showcases her setup—a tray table and footstool covered with white tablecloths and filled with her baked goods.
He shares his love for sweet potato pie, purchases two from her, and empties his wallet in gratitude, which brings Inez to tears. Mannie says, “I don’t know what your challenge is. I wish I could do more. I want this to be bigger for you. I want more people to come and support you.”
Mannie didn’t stop at just buying; he called for help on social media, stating, “I don’t know her or her situation, but my heart tells me she needs our support.” He told Fox13 News that his goal was to rally local support, not to seek fame. His post garnered over 800,000 views and nearly 6,000 comments, attracting people from near and far to Super Choice Foods to buy Inez’s baked goods.
Long-time friends of Inez are thrilled for her, knowing her financial struggles. “I told her, God said, ‘stop worrying.’ Trust Him, and more people will come, and it’s going viral,” said her friend Jamie Overstreet.
Inez’s only concern now is running out of inventory. While her newfound popularity makes her a little anxious, she is thrilled that her hard work is finally being recognized. “It makes me feel happy because I’ve been doing this for so long, and it’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” Inez remarked.
Supporting Local Business
Inez is part of a growing number of seniors who cannot rely solely on their fixed incomes. According to the Pew Research Center, the older workforce has nearly quadrupled since the mid-1980s, now totaling about 11 million people. With inflation and rising housing costs, many who should be enjoying retirement find themselves needing to continue working.
Supporting local businesses and small entrepreneurs is crucial. When you buy locally, you ensure that money goes to those who need it most rather than to large corporations focused on profits. By choosing to shop at small businesses, you directly contribute to the livelihoods of your neighbors and friends. Next time you’re deciding where to shop, consider places like Inez’s; your support could significantly impact someone’s life.