Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

I worked as a dishwasher at Whole Foods Market, and one day my supervisor asked me to cook. Despite not knowing much English, they helped me learn, and I became a cook, meeting customers and selling food. In 2024, I started a kitchen inside my other business, a selfie museum. It was tough, but by November 2024, we began on DoorDash, and we’re still going strong.

How do you stay motivated?

I'm proud of how far I've come and excited to keep learning and improving. As a dad of two kids, aged 4 and 3, and with a supportive wife who’s been a big help, they are my main motivation. My family gives me strength and inspires me to keep pushing forward, both personally and professionally.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With $25,000, I would purchase a food truck equipped with the necessary tools to operate efficiently. This would allow me to take my business on the road across Illinois, selling my food at festivals, parks, and other events. My goal is to bring greater recognition to African cuisine, sharing its flavors and culture with more people while growing my business and supporting my family.