Support for Aya Mini Market

Naw Say Phaw is a Karen refugee from Burma resettled in San Diego in 2014. She began her small business, Aya Mini Market, with her family at the forefront of her mind in 2019. Her goal was to better support her family and be present for her children.

On November 9th, 2022, Aya Mini Market in City Heights was broken into. The shop's windows were smashed, equipment such as computers and a cashier machine was broken, and recently purchased food shelves were destroyed. The shop sustained more than $5,000 in damages, a hefty sum for a modest business like this. Our goal is to raise $15,000 by January 31, 2023, to cover all repair costs and improve Aya Mini Market’s security to prevent future incidents like this. 100% of donations through this page will be delivered to Naw Say Phaw, the owner of Aya Mini Market.

Naw Say Phaw is the eldest of six siblings and has supported her family for most of her adult life. Even before the inception of her business, Naw Say Phaw used her income to cover her parents’ financial needs and her younger siblings' annual school fees. Naw Say Phaw is responsible for her entire family's well-being, especially those still in Burma or Thailand. She is their anchor and hope. She is also very active in the community of refugees from Burma in San Diego. She has been participating in various programs offered at the Karen Organization of San Diego (KOSD), volunteering and advocating for the community through the KOSD and other organizations.

Naw Say Phaw enjoys running her shop because her earnings adequately sustain her immediate family and relatives. She also appreciates the control she has over her work hours. She loves that she can spend as much time as she wants with her kids and show up for them whenever they need her support. Her business has afforded her a healthy work and life balance. Many other organizations have supported her and her business since the start-up phase, including: Accessity, Asian Business Association of San Diego, City Heights CDC, International Rescue Committee (IRC), Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), and Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

Aya Mini Market is also treasured by San Diego’s community of refugees from Burma. Her shop is one of very few that sells nostalgic goods from the homeland. Many refugees and immigrants from Burma turn to her when they’re missing flavors of home or childhood. To refugees from Burma resettled in San Diego, her shop is a tether to the home they were forced to leave behind. Our goal is to raise $15,000 by January 31, 2023, to cover the actual damages and improve the store’s security to avoid future incidents by installing a reliable security camera system, secured windows and doors, and alarm systems. Please help us keep her business strong so she can continue to serve her community by providing access to the foods and products that bring them comfort.

Aya Mini Market

4651 University Ave suite A, San Diego, CA 92105