In the past five years, she has gathered nearly 100 citations, an achievement she is proud of. She has also invested a significant amount of money in the hopes of receiving a refund as part of an ongoing lawsuit.
Last year, her husband began requiring weekly kidney dialysis, and she took a break from work in March to recover from a hysterectomy. During their time off, a group of compassionate vendors banded together to support them financially, donating $3,000 to help with their expenses.
Despite returning to work, business has been slow for Mrs. Soto. The impact of the pandemic has changed the economic landscape, making it harder for her to earn a consistent income.
Mrs. Soto expressed her concerns, stating, “Everything has changed after the pandemic. The situation is not as favorable as it once was. People are struggling with finances, taxes, and are spending less. It’s challenging to keep up with expenses.”
She shared her struggles, revealing that she hasn’t made $900 in a week since last summer. During a recent week, she only earned $360 in five days, making it difficult to cover their $2,000 monthly rent for their one-bedroom apartment.
To support their finances, her 19-year-old son works at a nearby shoe store. Mrs. Soto is considering finding a morning job in addition to selling hot dogs to make ends meet.
Describing the situation as very challenging, Mrs. Soto continued her evening shift amid the backdrop of a quiet night in Hollywood. As she closed up after seven hours, her earnings for the day totaled $85, hoping for a better day ahead.
