In a busy area of Lagos, there was a woman named Hajia Mariam who sold sachet water by the roadside. Her business was small. Competition was everywhere. Many sellers tried different tricks to attract customers. But Hajia Mariam chose a different path. She focused on honesty. She made sure her water was clean. Her prices were fair. And she never cheated customers with fake measurements. Some people told her she was too simple. “Others are making more money by being clever,” they said. But she remained consistent. One day, a school teacher noticed her steady customer base. Unlike others, people always returned to her stand. Curious, the teacher asked a customer: “Why do you always buy from her when others are closer?” The customer replied: “Because I trust her.” That trust became her strongest business asset. Over time, her small stand grew. She was able to open multiple selling points across the area. Her success didn’t come from tricks or shortcuts. It came from consistency and integrity. Hajia Mariam often said: “Trust is slow to build but fast to lose. I choose to protect it.” Many people chase quick success. But long-term success often belongs to those who stay honest even when it is not the easiest option. What value do you think builds trust the most in any relationship or business?
