Refugee and Immigrant-Owned Business Coupon Book Spotlight: Part 3

ButterPear

ButterPear was founded by Becky Trout two years ago; however, the collective is made up of many African-Refugee artists, and the social enterprise was built as a place for African artists to sell their items.

ButterPear is more than just a shop of cultural goods. It's a collective that brings cultures together for a greater purpose. 1/3 of the profits are to pay the artists which provides income to their families. Another 1/3 is directed at educational support for school fees or programming to our community leaders, and the rest goes back into the company to do it all over again! ButterPear loves connecting our newcomers back to their culture and showing them the significance and value, it has here in the US.

From Congo to Cleveland

From Congo to Cleveland tells the uplifting tale of Adolphe Musanga, taking readers on a journey through Central Africa and the American Midwest. The memoir begins by recounting a  life of poverty and hardship faced in The Democratic Republic of the Congo, followed by Musanga recounting the different challenges faced as an immigrant in the U.S. such as the language barrier, culture shock and the difficult task of finding employment.  From Congo to Cleveland ultimately shows the reader what successes can be earned with some resilience and dedication. 

Habesha

Habesha, located in the Kamm’s Corner neighborhood on Cleveland’s west side, was founded by Jamal Musa, his wife Tigist Gebremichael, and friend Hiriyti Weldeslasie, refugees from Ethiopia and Eritrea. The founders of Habesha have gone through US Together’s Microenterprise Development Program (MED), a program designed to help refugee and immigrant entrepreneurs start their own businesses.

Habesha serves authentic Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine, including an array of vegetarian, vegan, and meat dishes. Some of the food you can find on Habesha’s menu includes Sambuusa, pastry triangles filled with lentils or beef; Ambesha, traditional flatbread served with cottage cheese; and a breakfast dish called Chechebsa. You can also participate in a tradition coffee ceremony at the restaurant, where friends gather to enjoy cups of Ethiopian coffee together.