08/23/2026
An Open Observation About Support, Business, and Relationships
To my family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, and everyone who knows me or knows of Jenkins Notary and Fingerprinting Services and Others LLC,
I want to share something that has been on my mind for quite some time. This is not a rant, an attack, or an attempt to make anyone feel guilty. It is simply an honest observation based on what I have seen and experienced over the last several months.
As many of you know, I am the owner of Jenkins Notary and Fingerprinting Services and Others LLC, a small business proudly serving communities throughout the State of Illinois. We provide notary services, fingerprinting services, and mobile services that allow us to travel to cities and counties across Illinois to meet the needs of our clients.
Over the last few months, I have watched people I know support businesses owned by strangers, acquaintances, and friends. I have seen posts liked, shared, commented on, and promoted. I have seen people celebrate the accomplishments of others and help increase the visibility of their businesses.
At the same time, I have noticed very little support directed toward my own business.
I am not talking about spending money. I am not talking about making purchases or booking services you may not need. I am referring to the simple acts of support that cost nothing—a follow, a like, a share, a recommendation, a comment, or even a referral when someone is looking for services that my company provides.
As a business owner, it can be difficult to understand why the same support that is freely given to others is not extended to someone you know personally, someone who has consistently supported others in their endeavors.
I have always believed in supporting people. I have followed businesses, shared posts, referred customers, encouraged entrepreneurs, and celebrated the successes of those around me. That is who I am. Therefore, it is discouraging when that same level of encouragement and support is not reciprocated.
Before anyone assumes that this observation is based on emotion alone, I want to be clear that it is not. I have paid attention. I have observed. I have watched the patterns. This is not based on one incident or one day. It is based on months of seeing what is supported and what is overlooked.
There are times when it has made me feel as though I have always been viewed as the black sheep—the person who is expected to support everyone else while receiving little support in return. Whether that perception is accurate or not, it is how these experiences have felt from my perspective.
What I have learned through this journey is that support is not always determined by relationships. Sometimes the people closest to you are not the people who champion your dreams. Sometimes strangers become your biggest supporters, your best clients, and your strongest advocates.
Even so, I wanted to share this observation because I know I cannot be the only business owner who has experienced this. I would genuinely like to know whether others have faced similar situations and how they handled them professionally while maintaining their relationships.
My commitment to Jenkins Notary and Fingerprinting Services and Others LLC remains unchanged. I will continue to serve the people of Illinois with professionalism, integrity, and dedication. I will continue to build, grow, and invest in my business regardless of who chooses to support it and who does not.
To those who have supported my business, referred clients, shared posts, encouraged me, or simply believed in what I am building—thank you. Your support has never gone unnoticed.
And to everyone reading this, I leave you with one question:
If someone you knew was building a business and all it took was a few seconds to like, follow, share, or recommend them, would you do it?
Respectfully,
Cheryl Jenkins-Redd
Owner
Jenkins Notary and Fingerprinting Services and Others LLC
