Our Father Passed Away

Our father, our beloved Baba, passed away just one week ago. One of the very last conversations we had with him was about this lawsuit. We were in the midst of gathering evidence to prove that Melissa Calrow of Vieira’s Bakery lied (yet again) about still selling the knockoff burlap bag.

Baba was heartbroken when he learned about the lies. You see, no matter how difficult life got for him, or for our family, Baba was an honorable man. He believed in hard work, in honesty, and in doing the right thing even when no one was watching. He never lied, never cheated, never stole, and never steamrolled anyone to get ahead. No matter how deep the poverty we faced growing up, we vividly remember Baba always, always making an honest living. He couldn’t understand how easily Melissa could lie about something so serious. He called her a coward. He had other choice words, too. He remembered her sitting in our restaurant multiple times , smiling in our faces. He just couldn’t fathom how anyone could be so cruel and evil, so willing to erase our work and rob us of our family's livelihood without an ounce of remorse. Before he passed, we made Baba a promise- that we wouldn’t back down, no matter how long or hard the road might be. But the painful truth is, the last few years of his life were spent watching his daughters fight a battle we never asked for, when we should’ve been growing our brand, expanding our business, and experiencing the joy of everything we built with love, determination, and sacrifice. We started this journey to save Baba's life, to take care of him.

Now, we carry that promise forward. Melissa Calrow and Vieira’s Bakery tried to rob our family of what we rightfully earned through years of sweat, pain, and perseverance. They tried to erase what we built from nothing but love and courage. We will not rest until every lie is exposed.

We will not rest until everyone responsible is held accountable.

We will not give up because this fight isn’t just about a bag.

It’s about truth. It’s about honor.

It’s about family. This fight is not over for us. Not by a long shot. Despite how broken our hearts are right now, we will continue this fight and we will honor our promise to Baba. Today. Tomorrow. Forever.