Fresh Somalian food on NE Glisan

Khadro Abdi

Business owner Khadro Abdi, a refugee from Somalia who came to Portland in 2005, has demonstrated both her own resilience and the power of Portland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem over the past several years. She adapted to a new culture, language and business environment. She relied on a positive attitude to forge her path, recognizing that while starting a business is complex and difficult, it’s also a learning process.  

Her support came from several nonprofits funded through Prosper Portland’s Inclusive Business Resource Network. IBRN members Livelihood NW, IRCO and others offered help with food product development and licensing as well as legal and accounting advice. A Small Business Development Center course inspired her to develop a unique spicy/sweet red sauce to pair with the sambusas she served at her first small restaurant. Thanks to a partnership with local grocery Market of Choice she launched her Alleamin Yanyo sauce in 2017.  

In August 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, she opened Alleamin African Kitchen, a micro restaurant selling fresh Somalian food, sauces, and catering. Her food products are now available at groceries and farmers markets throughout Portland.  Khadro is grateful for the help she’s received from the network partners, saying, “They helped me with both personal and business questions.  I found kindness and cultural understanding.”