Random acts of kindness are always appreciated when they are most needed. Customer service tips can make a difference for servers in restaurants, for example. This was the case for the server who waited on client Isaiah Garza.
Garza asked his server for her preferred customer service tip after he finished his meal. She was quite hesitant, but when she finally answered she became even more speechless with Garza’s response.
Isaiah Garza is determined for good in the world. Garza, a big name in the fashion industry, was born from humble beginnings.
He shared, “I was homeless multiple times. I was homeless, sleeping in abandoned offices and in my car. There were times that I was really really hungry and I had nothing so I know what that’s like.”
Garza struggled to find his way in the world. However, he believed that everything would be okay if his heart was right.
He told himself, “Take it one step at a time and lead with positivity. Everything happens for reasons. When something doesn’t work out, maybe it’s because it was supposed to lead you somewhere else.”
His optimism and perseverance would open doors, and now he counts big-name clients like Chance the Rapper, Cardi B and Justin Bieber.
Garza had a very tight budget before his big break. He was studying at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.
He recalled, “I I would go to LA’s fashion district and find out how to make $50 work. I was just buying random supplies and putting them together. You can believe in anything and everything, so you’ll do it no matter what. And that’s what I did. I led with love, kindness, worked hard, made sure I was ready for when the tide would turn, and did so with love and compassion..”
A friend from FIDM would be his big break. While his friend was working on a shoot with Rihanna, Garza found the courage to offer his jewelry for the artist’s styling.
That one “yes” changed his life forever. When a French magazine with Rihanna on the cover wearing Garza’s jewelry was released, Garza’s inventory of jewelry immediately sold out.
Garza took this message to heart. He said, “To someone who is struggling, even a little help and positivity can be incredibly meaningful.”
This is likely why he is so generous with his customer service tips. Since then, he has helped victims of trafficking and the homeless and worked with companies to assist people in need.
“If it’s social good and I know it’s going back to people who are in need then that’s good enough for me.” Garza is extremely grateful to work with companies that care.
KFC and his collaboration raised half a million dollars to help non-profit organizations in the country fight hunger in their communities. He also randomly assists individuals and families, such as servers who depend heavily on customer service tips.
Garza surprised the server at that restaurant by asking for a customer service tip. After initially responding that she would be happy with the tip he offered, Garza said that she would be grateful for a $20 tip.
Garza insisted and asked what she needed. The server told Garza that she needed to pay her phone bill and buy a new air conditioner.
Garza did not hesitate in the least and handed over a completely unexpected customer service tip – $50 for her phone bill, and another $300 for an air conditioner! “It’s something I truly, truly, and deeply appreciate.,” the server said. “This has never happened before to me.”
The server was so grateful that she immediately changed her mind. “I’m just going to give it to my mom to be honest,” said the server. The most welcome customer service tip would help pay off her mother’s mortgage.
Garza is dreaming big, however, and his magnanimity won’t end with customer service tips. He hopes to help even more people, perhaps with schools in the developing world, shelters for homeless people, and survivors of trafficking and abuse.
He would love to host a talk-show where he could help others. Garza hopes to be the largest non-profit in the world.
Garza added, “The philosophy that’s helped me is if you can just help one person, that’s one person in life that you can save and it multiplies from there.”
That customer service tip already multiplied when it went on to the server’s mother. Garza is a true example of those who want the world to be a better place. She is also an inspiration to all of us to give opportunities to others when we can.
You can see the heartwarming exchange between Garza, the server, and below:
