From escaping the tumultuous Liberian civil war to becoming the driving force behind Brick City Vegan, Adenah Bayoh’s journey exemplifies resilience and the transformative power of adversity. Her childhood experiences instilled in her a deep sense of community and admiration for entrepreneurship, inspired by her grandmother’s successful ventures in Liberia despite limited education.
Rooted in her own struggles and the kindness she encountered, Adenah’s commitment to philanthropy fuels her mission to give back to supportive communities. Her passion for the restaurant industry and dedication to philanthropy converge in Brick City Vegan, a beacon of health and accessibility in Newark and Montclair. By addressing food deserts and championing nutritious, locally-sourced fare, Adenah aims to spark positive change, one meal at a time.
As a Black entrepreneur, she has navigated challenges with unwavering determination, advocating for resilience and perseverance among aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women and minorities. Her accolades, including being named to Ebony Magazine’s Power 100 list and NJBIZ’s Best 50 Women in Business list, amplify her voice in promoting diversity and inclusion. Now, as a member of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York Advisory Council on Small Business and Agriculture, Adenah is poised to shape policies that advance opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs, ensuring equitable access to capital and resources for all.
Can you share more about your journey from escaping the Liberian civil war at a young age to becoming a successful entrepreneur and founder of Brick City Vegan? How did your experiences shape your passion for the restaurant industry and your commitment to philanthropy?
My journey from escaping the Liberian civil war to founding Brick City Vegan has been a transformative one. Growing up amidst conflict and uncertainty taught me resilience and the importance of community. Watching my grandmother run several successful businesses in Liberia with very little formal education, instilled in me a profound appreciation for and aspiration toward the realm of business.
My commitment to philanthropy stems from my own experiences of adversity and the kindness I received from others along my journey. I believe in giving back to the communities that have supported me. My experiences have shaped my passion for the restaurant industry and my dedication to philanthropy, driving me to create positive change in the world, one meal at a time.
Brick City Vegan is not just a restaurant but also a movement towards healthier eating and food accessibility. Could you elaborate on your vision to eliminate food deserts and make nutritious food more accessible to communities, and how Brick City Vegan aligns with this mission?
My vision is rooted in addressing the pervasive issue of food deserts and enhancing accessibility to nutritious food within communities. I am committed to creating sustainable solutions that empower individuals to make healthier choices and improve overall well-being. Recognizing the critical need for accessible, high-quality food options, I founded Brick City Vegan with a mission to serve as a catalyst for positive change.
Brick City Vegan operates on the principle of inclusivity, offering a diverse menu of plant-based options that cater to various dietary preferences and restrictions. By prioritizing locally-sourced, organic ingredients, we not only promote healthier eating habits but also support local farmers and reduce our carbon footprint.
As a Black entrepreneur, you’ve faced various challenges and setbacks in your career. How have these experiences shaped your approach to business, and what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women and minorities, who may encounter similar obstacles?
Throughout my career, I’ve encountered numerous obstacles and setbacks, from financial struggles to discrimination and bias. However, each of these challenges has served as a learning opportunity and has shaped my approach to business.
These experiences have reinforced the importance of resilience and perseverance. As a Black entrepreneur, it’s essential to remain steadfast in the face of adversity and to never lose sight of your goals. Despite the setbacks, I’ve remained committed to my vision and have learned to adapt and pivot when necessary.
My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women and minorities, is to believe in yourself and your abilities. Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors, allies, and fellow entrepreneurs who can offer guidance and encouragement along the way. Don’t be afraid to speak up and advocate for yourself, and remember that your unique perspective and experiences are your greatest assets.
Your achievements, such as being named to Ebony Magazine’s Power 100 list and NJBIZ’s Best 50 Women in Business list, are remarkable. Can you discuss how these recognitions have impacted your career trajectory and your advocacy for diversity and inclusion in the business world?
Being named to Ebony Magazine’s Power 100 list and NJBIZ’s Best 50 Women in Business list has been profoundly humbling and validating. These recognitions serve as a platform to amplify the voices of underrepresented groups in business, shaping my advocacy for diversity and inclusion. They’ve expanded my visibility, enabling me to advocate for change and influence decision-makers. I’m now even more committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, whether through mentorship, advocacy, or creating opportunities. These honors reinforce my belief in the power of diversity to drive innovation and build stronger organizations, motivating me to continue advocating for an inclusive and equitable business community.
Being appointed to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York Advisory Council on Small Business and Agriculture is a significant honor. How do you see your role in shaping policies and opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds?
As a member of the Advisory Council, my role is to provide insights, expertise, and perspectives that reflect the unique challenges and opportunities facing small businesses and entrepreneurs in today’s economy. I see it as a responsibility to advocate for policies that foster an environment conducive to entrepreneurship and to ensure that the voices of underrepresented communities are heard and represented in policy discussions.
One of my key priorities is to advocate for greater access to capital and resources for small businesses, particularly those owned by women, minorities, and other underrepresented groups. Access to capital is often cited as one of the biggest barriers for entrepreneurs from marginalized communities, and I believe that addressing this issue is essential for fostering greater economic inclusion and empowerment.
Be sure to discover more about Brick City Vegan by visiting the website, here!
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