BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKNW) — Rachel Tawro of Buffalo is bringing a taste of Africa to Western New York. On Saturday she opened an African Variety Store on Jefferson Avenue.
“I wanted to open a business because I am an African,” Tawro said.
Tawro originates from Liberia, and when she moved to Buffalo in 2004 she struggled to find tradition African meals like fufu and cassava leaves.
“People had to travel to Philadelphia, to New York City to get the food. Not everybody is able to drive that far to get food, so I decided to start a little business so people will be able to come and shop here.”
With help from her daughters and members of the Community Action Organization of Western New York, Tawro was able to bring African food, jewelry, and garments to our region. And while her business has kicked off amid a pandemic, she said she’s thankful.
“I am so grateful for me to be able to have a business right now in this country,” she said.
And she is hoping her store front will encourage other Africans to start a business of their own.
Rachel and Daughters African Variety Store is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m..
