Her Story
About Leila
Leila Yaya owns and operates Yadoo African Caribbean Market, an ethnic grocery store located at 1651 East 87 in Chicago, Illinois. She launched her entrepreneurial journey in 2005 by selling products door-to-door, which eventually led to opening her first store in 2017. After the initial location did not succeed, she relocated the business to its current site in 2018. Yaya takes pride in sourcing and providing products from Africa, such as natural herbs, that her customers cannot find elsewhere, thereby serving her community. Her inspiration stems from a desire to build her own business rather than work for others with limited opportunities. She advises young women entering the industry to never give up, keep pushing through challenges, and persist even after failures.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Leila
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
When I began door-to-door, a lot of people laughed at me when they saw me at the door. I talked to one of my brothers and he told me don't mind, just keep pushing. Whatever you are doing, you're selling stuff and people laughing, that means you're gonna make it. Never give up.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Just never give up. Try whatever, even if it's hard, just keep pushing. You may fail a few times but it shouldn't be the end. You're gonna make it out.
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