Overcoming Obstacles to Help Others
by Zigmund
eBay Staff Member

People use eBay for many reasons, from increasing that collection they've been working on for years to making some extra spending money. But member miyabee views eBay as much more. For her, eBay is a tool she uses for a cause that is very close to her heart: helping people, especially single moms, who are either homeless or in danger of becoming homeless.

Why is this particular issue so important to miyabee? Because she has been there herself.

When she discovered eBay, she was slaving for a legal firm in Washington, DC. "I hated all the hours I had to work…I felt as though I was in jail." In her free time, she opened a booth in an antique shop to pursue as a hobby. That's when she stumbled across eBay. Seeing that she could use the site to get ideas of what customers wanted, she learned as much as she could and started to teach the other antique dealers. "I so enjoyed eBay that I decided to quit my job and go into eBay full time."

Unfortunately, everything did not work out quite as planned. Financial difficulties led to her having to move out of her apartment, and she found herself without a home.

"The interesting thing about this 'adventure' is that when I first began eBay, I wanted to be of help to the homeless and single moms." However, before having to leave her apartment she had met some very rough homeless people and began to have doubts about her mission.

"I had to become homeless myself, so that I could realize that basically we all are one."

Storing her items at a local church and using the computer provided at her homeless shelter, she began the road back. She made some friends over the Internet, eventually moving in with one of them as their business assistant in exchange for a place to live and a chance to get back on eBay. She scoured the thrift stores for items to sell, never forgetting her original mission. "Most of my products come from thrift stores (which sponsor agencies helping the homeless). This is important to me, as I have special ones I want to support."

Her business began to grow, so she hired single mothers to pack the items. Slowly, her courage and perseverance paid off, and her business (and her self-esteem) gradually began to grow. Today, she is proud to say that she is now a PowerSeller. "I didn't believe that I would make it. Then one day I woke up - and there was the email! I was so excited!"

Now she uses her personal experiences with both financial crisis and eBay in a program she's developed to help others in need.

"It is my desire to help others who are financially struggling. I believe the best way to do that is to teach them to fish, rather than simply giving them a fish to eat (I love that saying). I take them on a shopping trip, give them $25, and help them pick items to sell. I take the pictures for them and show them how to use the site.

"They just have to show me that they have the strong desire and will to make it on eBay".

Looking back on her adventure, she has some advice for new eBay members. "First, learn what is selling. And don't spend a lot for items at first. Also visit the discussion boards and chat rooms so you can learn from others. There are so many wonderfully helpful people on eBay - there is always someone willing to help you out. If you work hard and are dedicated, anyone can make it."

What is her next goal? "To help form an eBay club in my area so that we can all help each other out. And also to manage my own thrift store. I also hope to teach an eBay class at a University some day." Considering miyabee's track record, odds are good she will meet these goals.