MOGADISHU (KAAB TV) – In the heart of Mogadishu, amidst the bustling streets and the resilient spirit of its people, lies a small street food stall that has become a symbol of hope and determination, not only for the owner but for the local truck and tuk tuk drivers as well.
This is the story of Layla, a mother of four whose journey from despair to entrepreneurship is nothing short of inspiring.
Laila’s life was profoundly affected by the civil wars and the rampant unemployment in her homeland. These dire circumstances forced her to make a difficult decision: to leave her beloved Mogadishu in search of a better future for herself and her young child.
With hopes and dreams fueling her courage, Laila migrated to Saudi Arabia, yearning for stability and the chance to build a new life.
“Everyday I could hear and see women leaving my city to immigrate and work in Saudi. I left through a dangerous sea journey towards Yemen and then Saudi Arabia,” she told Kaab TV.
A Harsh Reality
However, the reality of life as an immigrant was far from what Layla had imagined. The promise of opportunities quickly faded as she encountered numerous challenges, including language barriers, and being undocumented immigrant wondering in the streets of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The harshness of being a foreigner in an unfamiliar land was something she could not bear even though she got illegal employment as a maid.
The struggle to find work and the constant fear of deportation shadowed her every move. Eventually, her fears were realized, and Layla was deported back to Mogadishu, her dreams shattered and her spirit tested.
A Change of Heart and a New Beginning
Back in Mogadishu, Layla found herself at a crossroads. The adversity she faced could have easily led her to despair, but instead, it ignited a spark of resilience within her. She decided that she would no longer place her fate in the hands of others.
With a renewed sense of purpose, Laila chose to channel her energy and determination into something she could control—her own business.
Standing inside her stall on the corner of the street in Suuq Bacaad, Mogadishu’s third largest marketplace, Layla proudly tells Kaab TV that despair is not her option.
“I am doing this job for 10 years now. For those who were children when I opened are now coming as customers to buy my food,” she says confidently.
With limited resources but an abundance of willpower, Layla set up this small street food shop as her own entrepreneurship business.
“I did not want to beg or ask someone to give me food. I knew I could do and I did it,” she adds.
She chose to sell fast food items that were both affordable and beloved by the locals, such as chapati, local food and egg burgers. The nights are her most busiest ones because of the increased number of customers.
Her stall quickly became a popular spot in the neighborhood, not just for the delicious food but for the story of the woman behind the counter and the charming face she gives her customers.
“Life has been a series of challenges,” Layla admitted, her eyes reflecting both the hardships of the past and the optimism of the present. “But each obstacle has made me stronger. My street food shop is more than just a business; it’s a testament to the strength and resilience that lies within each of us.”
(Interview by: Anisa Ahmed)