A Better Tomorrow

My name is Kuukua Yomekpe and I am originally from Ghana, West Africa. I have made the U.S.A my home for 20 plus years. I love food, writing, and Student Affairs. Somehow over the 20 years I've managed to make these loves all work together.

Two years ago I left my job in academia and my writing to pursue the other love: sharing my culture through food. I accomplished this by running a pop-up restaurant and catering company for the past year and a half. People and research say most businesses take about 5 years to get off the ground and food businesses are the most difficult. Despite knowing this I gave myself 2 years to be sustainable. I knew 5 years was not doable for me so I said if 2 years came and I hadn't progressed to the next level, then I would return to academia. In addition, in the past 7 weeks due to a level three hip and knee strain sustained in a freak accident, I've been stuck on crutches and have been unable to work or take any catering jobs.  This accident showed me that the business was not yet sustainable and it wasn't ready to move to the next level yet.

I hope to not completely give up my dream. I might transition to just doing supper clubs for a while, but I am ready to be self-sufficient again and not so reliant on the kindness of my friends. I interviewed two weeks ago and this past weekend I was offered a position at a college in the Ithaca area. I will be assisting in directing Academic and Career services.  As much as I am looking forward to working with the students, making new friends and neighbors, it is bittersweet to be giving up my dream even for a little while.  Today was my first day back to my pop-up after getting rid of the crutches, and I had to begin telling people I was shutting down the pop-up. It wasn't a good feeling. 

In any case, I'm writing to ask for your help to make this move happen with as little stress as possible. Because I haven't worked since May 9th, I have no money in my bank account.  I have been living off credit cards for the last 7 weeks and all of my major bills have been covered by friends. Once I got off crutches I gave two cooking classes and used that money for the rest of my May bills. I hate to burden the same friends over and over so one friend suggested that I open it up to everyone to help me out. Asking for help is not easy for me. I'm always eager to help others but I always shrink from asking for help. My close friends who know this have just been offering help and for once, I've just accepted with no questions.

I am asking for $5000 to cover all July  expenses and my impending move to take my new position at the college. Although the college is willing to reimburse for the transportation part of the move, I must put up the money upfront. I'd like to get caught up on all bills and since I am breaking my lease, pay August rent as well. Anything I raise over and above will go to paying down the credit card debts that I incurred as a result of running this business from my personal finances that are now past due.

Please let me know if you have questions, and if you live in Columbus, and would like me to make you food in exchange for a donation, let me know.

Thank you for your support of me.

Kuuks