Newcomers show business acumen

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This article was published 15/08/2023 (1124 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Brandon has seen a surge of entrepreneurial spirit among new immigrants.

Among these enterprising new arrivals is Send Us Cleaning Services founder Friday Olowookere. Specializing in auto and office detailing, Olowookere’s journey into entrepreneurship began in April 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I started the registration process and registered the business during the lockdown,” he said.

“The inspiration came from the need to provide meticulous car detailing services and efficient office cleaning.”

His auto detailing services extend beyond just washing cars.

Olowookere emphasized the meticulous nature of his work, aiming to bring cars back to their pristine condition after harsh weather conditions and daily wear and tear. However, he found that some clients didn’t fully appreciate the effort required.

“Many immigrants see the work as a car wash, but I take pride in offering a comprehensive detailing service,” he explained. Despite facing initial challenges, he remains committed to his vision and hopes to expand his business’s reach.

Originally from Lviv, Ukraine, Enjoy founder Alina Maksymiv has brought her love for sushi to Brandon with her business. Her passion for creating sushi as a form of art shines through in every dish she prepares.

“I believe any business should start with a desire to grow and develop, with eyes that shine from this work,” Alina noted.

“That’s what makes it a success.”

Though her business is still in its early stages, Alina’s dedication to quality and authenticity is evident. She has turned her passion for sushi-making into a venture that reflects her Ukrainian roots and appreciation for Japanese cuisine.

Niral Patel and Darpan Patel, the owners of Guinness Tavern by the Double Decker, have taken an established name and transformed it into a new experience.

The historic location has seen management changes over the years, but the current owners, who landed in Brandon in 2021, have infused it with new life, as they have 16 people on their payroll.

Having taken over the bar and started the business on Aug. 14, 2022, Niral Patel said, “We saw the potential of this business and wanted to bring back the memories of the past.” Their approach includes offering a unique private bar experience and hosting special events, such as $5 wing hours.

“We’re focusing on quality and customer service, and we’re seeing positive growth in our sales and customer base,” Niral Patel emphasized.

However, like many businesses, they’ve faced challenges such as security concerns, especially in downtown.

“We had instances of break-ins and disturbances, which has raised concerns about safety in downtown,” Darpan Patel shared.

Despite these challenges, the owners are committed to creating a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere that resonates with Brandon’s diverse population.

Another entrepreneur, Samuel Solomon, recognized the need for driving education within the community. His venture, AKSUM Driving School, offers driving instruction in English, Arabic, Amharic and Tigrinya.

“There is a demand for driving education,” said Solomon, who hails from Ethiopia, emphasizing that driving is a necessity, especially in the city’s winter climate. The driving school offers practical instruction and online knowledge test preparation courses in multiple languages, catering to a diverse population. Solomon’s commitment goes beyond instruction — he provides interpretation services for written tests, breaking down language barriers that may hinder success.

Despite only recently starting operations, Solomon’s driving school has already garnered positive feedback. He highlighted the affordability and flexibility of his services, making them accessible to a wide range of individuals.

With the sole aim of exploring investment opportunities in the aesthetic treatment space, Happy Skin Laser + Aesthetic Clinic founder Eleonor Mascardo embarked on a journey of empowerment last year.

Originally from the Philippines, Mascardo’s passion for nursing led her to open her own clinic, offering services such as laser treatments, botox, and fillers.

“I wanted to venture into something my family has been doing,” she shared, drawing inspiration from her family’s business in Chicago. After obtaining her registered nurse licence in Canada, Mascardo seized the opportunity to establish her clinic, focusing on advanced treatments that help clients feel good about themselves.

With her clinic’s recent opening, she has already received a warm response from the community.

In his own case, Sunday Frangi recognized a gap in the community’s social landscape and set out to fill it with his business idea. With plans to open Peoples’ Place Cafe Lounge, Frangi is driven by the desire to create a space where immigrants can connect with their cultures and find a sense of belonging.

“Brandon’s population is growing, and immigrants need something to connect with — activities, food, and social experiences that resonate with their backgrounds,” Frangi explained.

While he acknowledges challenges, such as licensing and security concerns, Frangi remains resolute in his mission to provide a safe and inviting environment. He appreciates the support of organizations like the Brandon Downtown Development Corporation, which is investing in revitalizing the downtown area and supporting small businesses like his.

However, Muhammed Farqun’s journey as the former owner of Khan Foods offers insights into the joys and challenges of entrepreneurship. He highlighted the flexibility of being one’s own boss but also revealed the sacrifices involved, such as the lack of family time.

“You miss a lot when you’re running a business because you cannot get a day off or go on vacation,” he noted.

Farqun’s experience also shed light on the importance of menu simplicity and efficient operations. Reflecting on his journey, he emphasized that despite challenges, the lessons learned are invaluable. He plans to embark on a new chapter by purchasing a franchise and hopes to find an investor to join him in this venture.

Downtown program co-ordinator Emmanuel Ahaneku told the Sun that the BDDC plays a crucial role in supporting immigrant entrepreneurs and businesses in the downtown area.

The corporation’s initiatives, such as the Downtown Investments Program, provide support to businesses for capital projects and improvements.

“The corporation has approved grants for 12 immigrants (businesses) between March and July 2023 alone,” Ahaneku said. “Its collaboration with business owners to address security concerns and enhance safety measures is a major concern. The police presence and security camera installations are steps taken to ensure a safer environment for businesses and customers.”

Ahaneku acknowledged the importance of feedback from immigrant business owners and their pain points related to security. He stressed the collaborative approach in working with these entrepreneurs to find solutions that make downtown Brandon a thriving and secure hub for businesses.

» aodutola@brandonsun.com

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