“I used to come downtown when I was a little girl, and I always thought I’d like to work here. There’s so much happening and so many people to meet. People from everywhere, all different languages. A girl from Italy came by the shop a few days ago and really liked the big silver earrings I was wearing. She wanted to know where I got them, but I couldn't remember, so I just took them off and gave them to her. They matched her outfit; they looked good. She hugged me and tried to give me a dollar, but I said ‘No, no - it’s a gift from America.’"