It is tough out there! That I can confirm.
I ordered some groceries this afternoon, and I thought, let me just check what I paid last month and compare the two months. For the same products, I paid in total nearly 9 STEEM more this month. Crazy!

I can understand your parents being worried, as I was also a business owner, and the increase in shop rent can have a huge impact on your business.

Good luck with the contest.
As for the invitation, thank you, I have dropped my entry.