Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My inspiration comes from the rich traditions of the MENA region and the power of food to connect people across cultures. I strive to preserve and share the authentic flavors of Libya and the broader MENA region while creating a space for true hospitality. My journey is fueled by a passion for storytelling through food, a commitment to excellence, and a vision to make MENA cuisine more accessible with the outcome of building community, expanding palates, and bridging cultural divides.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated by my passion for sharing the rich flavors and traditions of MENA cuisine and the impact Tripoli’s has on our community. Every dish we serve is an opportunity to connect people, spark curiosity, and challenge misconceptions about our culture. Seeing customers embrace new culinary experiences, return with friends and family, and express appreciation for our authenticity fuels my drive. Beyond food, I’m inspired by the journey of growing Tripoli’s into more than

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would make a strategic investment to grow Tripoli’s and expand our brand by boosting catering operations through investment in marketing, equipment, and staff growth to accelerate our goal of increasing catering revenue from 3% to 30%; and retail product expansion to scale production and packaging for our hummus, limonada's, and spice mixes, bringing us closer to our goal of getting them onto grocery store shelves.