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Op-Ed By Fadi Dib
Tallahassee Democrat, Oct. 26, 2020

As a small business owner, I’m happy to see an amendment to raise Florida’s minimum wage on the ballot. We launched Cali’s Beauty Supply in 2015 with a mission to provide not only good products, but to help individuals find their unique style. Thanks to our employees and loyal customers, we’ve been able to succeed, expand and open two new stores in Tallahassee.

But I know there’s one thing holding us back from further fast growth: Many of our customers earn low wages, which means they simply do not have the funds to come in more often and spend more when they do. They have to prioritize life’s essentials.

Raising the minimum wage would give them a better quality of life. And it would give Florida businesses a stronger workforce and customer base.

It’s basic economics that when people have more money, they spend more money. If my customers were to receive a raise from a higher minimum wage, they would spend more at my stores and at other local businesses – from grocery stores and hardware stores to hair salons, barbers and restaurants.

I support Amendment 2 to gradually raise Florida’s minimum wage above the current $8.56 per hour because I know it will boost consumer spending and benefit Florida businesses.

Most businesses have more customers than employees, many times over. When customers have more money to spend, it will show up in the revenues of businesses in Tallahassee and across Florida.

If Amendment 2 passes, it will help me increase wages for my employees. When the minimum wage goes up, it resets the wage floor for my business and my competitors.

I start employees now at $9 an hour and quickly move them up based on performance. I don’t leave anyone stalled at their starting wage as too many businesses do.

The reality is that Amendment 2 will require me to raise my starting wages. But I’m not worried about that.

The minimum wage won’t go up to $10 an hour until Sept. 30, 2021. Businesses will have a year to plan for that modest raise. After that, the minimum wage will go up a dollar a year until it gradually reaches $15 an hour in September 2026.

That’s six years from now – not overnight.

I’m planning to continue starting our employees at pay that is above the legal minimum wage as it gradually rises. My customers will have more money to spend in my store and my increased revenues will offset the increases.

With higher wages, my employees will be happier, our customers will be happier – and I will be happier.

We’ve been in tough times with the pandemic. We all need something better to look forward to in 2021.

Raising the minimum wage will give me more hope for the future of my business and my Tallahassee community. It’s a clear signal that we want Florida to come out of this pandemic with an economy that has a stronger foundation to build on.

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Fadi Dib is the owner of Cali’s Beauty Supply, with three locations in Tallahassee, and is a member of Florida Business for a Fair Minimum Wage.

Copyright 2020 Fadi Dib