Calling all heroes that don’t wear capes for this addition to our popular mini-series, let’s dive in. PaSH is centered around sharing inspiring stories, breaking down stereotypes, and sharing the authentic, behind-the-scenes moments that make entrepreneurs so amazing. Let’s get started with, “Why Founder Margaux Murphy Believes You Can’t Save People — Only Support Them“.
Meet Margaux Murphy
Born in Philadelphia and raised in Camden County, New Jersey, Murphy pursued higher education at Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado, where she studied writing and literature. Before establishing The Sunday Love Project in 2014 ,a grassroots nonprofit committed to nourishing and dignifying the lives of the unhoused in Kensington, is known for her radical consistency and unfaltering compassion demonstrated her entrepreneurial spirit by founding Green Team Cleaning, an eco-friendly cleaning service. Through this venture, she provided sustainable cleaning solutions to homes and offices, reflecting her commitment to environmental responsibility. expanding her efforts to combat food insecurity, Murphy opened Greater Goods, a grocery store located in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood.
This Greater Goods, provides free groceries to community members, allowing them to shop with dignity and access nutritious food options .Walking some of Philly’s darkest streets, where most turn away, showing up day after day with meals, blankets, harm reduction kits and the quiet grace of someone who refuses to look away. Margaux’s work has been featured in national outlets including The Today Show and The Philadelphia Inquirer, but she remains grounded in the community that raised her and the people who need her most. Her book, “I AM Loved: The External Quick Stop” ; is available on Amazon and Kindle.
If your business had a theme song, what would it be and why?
“Man in the Mirror”by Micheal Jackson. The song speaks to so many of the issues that I see daily: hunger, homelessness, police brutality, oppression, etc. “I see the kids in the street without enough to eat” is a reality I see every day. That is the exact reason I do what I do and focus on making sure no one I pass in a day is without food. I refuse to be blind, pretending not to see their needs.
What’s the craziest idea you’ve ever had for your business that worked?
Opening a free grocery store. So many people told me the concept of a free-choice grocery store would not work because people would take advantage of it when they did not truly need the resource. I was told I’d never be able to sustain it, in terms of finances. Turns out, everyone was wrong. We are three years into this endeavor and it’s working just fine. The community routinely tells me how we have positively impacted their families. Sometimes taking a risk is exactly what you need to do.It was one of the best ideas I’ve ever had and proved many wrong
What’s your go-to mantra or quote when the going gets tough?
“This too shall pass.” And if true, “nobody died.” I do not give up when things are tough. I accept the situation and get creative about how to move on. I believe we all take a turn with peaks and valleys. My world does not crumble when challenges are presented. I am only human, but I do have the power to change my mentality on how to react to a situation .
Can you share the story behind starting your business and what inspired you to take the leap?
I overslept on Christmas 2014 and missed a volunteer opportunity I had signed up for. To squash my guilt, I bought 12 meals from Boston Market and gave them out to unhoused individuals in Philly. I really only had to do that once to know that was what I was meant to do every day. It just felt right. However, it is important to note that starting a nonprofit was never my goal. I just wanted to help people. But once I started, it was almost like an addiction. My once a week serving food to those in need in Philadelphia quickly became something I did not just feel compelled to do, but WANTED to do. It feels good to know someone is not starving because you made time in your day to help them.
What’s the most “you” thing in your workspace (bonus points if it’s quirky or unusual)?
Magic 8 ball (for all of my most important decisions). I find it to be so completely random, but the answers are real…for SOME questions out there!
What’s one misconception people have about your industry that drives you crazy?
That any person can ever “save” another person. My work on the street was something I always referred to as “street hospice.” It’s likely the people I interact with will not live long lives in their current state of drug addiction. Providing food and conversation is compassionate and kind, but those things do not have the ability to battle addiction. That feat is only accomplished by the affected person. So, saving them is not something any human has the capability to accomplish. I can love people in whatever state they are in, all day long. But that is the extent of my superpowers.
How do you handle competition, and what sets your business apart from others in your field?
I am not competitive. What sets me apart from others is that I look at my field as a collaborative effort, not something fueled by ego. I am always happy to help others who do similar work and celebrate when my colleagues receive grants to better the community. I am quick to suggest resources and grants for other nonprofits. I do not gatekeep information. If the end goal is to help those we serve, I am in no way particular about how that happens. Community is defined as “A group of people that share common characteristics and exhibit social ties, interaction, and a sense of belonging or joint action.” In order to be an outstanding community member, we have to honor all who surround us and applaud their efforts for the betterment of all.
Thank you for reading, “Why Founder Margaux Murphy Believes You Can’t Save People — Only Support Them”. Be sure to come back next month for another amazing Q and A.
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