“Somehow I doubt that,” Callie says. “I’m sure it’s in the genes.”
That’s weird. Not only is Callie complimenting Gavin but Gavin is complimentingmeover something he has never appreciated. In fact, my ability to draw a crowd was the source of our many,manyarguments in the past.
“Well, I better get back.” Callie climbs back into her Jeep. “Thanks again for your help today.”
“No problem.” I wave.
After she drives off I turn to Gavin.
“So now I’mgoodat drawing a crowd?”
“I was being polite,” he says. But the drunken smile on his face tells me otherwise. “By the way, did you make any money with the items I gave you?” he asks, changing the subject.
“Nah, I didn’t sell the things you gave me.”
“I told you that’s not the right market for luxury goods.”
“Yeah, you were right,” I say, even though he wasn’t. I also don’t point out another thing Gavin was wrong about. I don’t need to always make a show of every little thing I do. I don’t need to tell Gavin, or anyone else, about the money I got for my bracelet or that I donated part of it to the beautification fund to feel good about myself. It’s enough that I know I did.
Excerpt
“You can never go wrong when you surround yourself with people who uplift you.”
The American Dream Achieved: The Story of Dale Ok, Founder of It’s Ok!
Transcript
60 MinutesInterview with Gloria Ok
Interviewer:You headed a charity for the homeless and a walk for breast cancer, and have raised funds for under-resourced schools. Seems like you’re quite busy.
Interviewer:Says here your title is a strategic advisor at the company. Can you explain what that means?
Gloria:Since its inception, I came up with the strategy for It’s Ok! on how to sell, where to sell, and what to sell. Dale said I was great at strategy, so that’s what we decided my official role would be.
Interviewer:Sounds like you did quite a lot. In fact, some would argue that that’s what a founder and CEO does.
Gloria:No, no, no. That’s Dale’s role. He’s always made the business deals. I only advise him on how to do it.
Interviewer:If it’s okay, I’d like to know a little bit about you.
Gloria:Me?
Interviewer:Is that allowed?
Gloria:Of course it is. It’s just…these interviews aren’t usually about me.
Interviewer:I don’t understand. Don’t you work at It’s Ok!?
Gloria:Yes, I do. But these interviews are mostly about Dale, since he’s the head of the company.
Chapter 18
It isn’t until I get into the house that I notice it’s way past noon, and Mom and Dad have been gone half of the day. Maybe they scored a barely used chaise lounge from a designer brand and are arranging for its delivery. Or maybe they’re having to haggle with the vendor, since Dad only packed suits and and gives rich-people energy. Honestly I’m not sure what to make of it, considering we’ve never had to shop retail, let alone consignment. But Mom and Dad must have anticipated being out all day, since I find cut rolls of kimbap wrapped tightly with plastic wrap on a plate left for me and Gavin.
Since Callie and I barely had time to eat, I’m famished. I tear off the wrapper and put a piece into my mouth. The sautéed vegetables wrapped in rice and roasted seaweed burst with a mix of sesame oil and garlic. It’s so good, I don’t wait to finish the food in my mouth before I shove another piece in.
