Brooke Coleman is a living proof that dreams can come true with hard work and perseverance. Five years ago, she was pregnant and homeless, struggling to survive as a single mother. Today, she is the proud owner of Stuffed Enuff, a restaurant that offers a unique and delicious menu of stuffed dishes.
Coleman’s journey began when she decided to enroll in a culinary arts program at Sinclair Community College, using the little money she had saved. She had always loved cooking and wanted to pursue her passion. After graduating, she started a small catering business, where she earned the nickname “Chef B”.
Her catering service was a success, and soon she had the opportunity to open her own restaurant in Dayton, Ohio. She named it Stuffed Enuff, because most of the items on the menu can be stuffed with a variety of ingredients, such as spinach, pineapple, hash browns, tomatoes, eggs, jalapenos, and more. Customers can customize their own stuffed rolls, stuffed burgers, and stuffed meat with whichever stuffing they like. The restaurant also offers chicken wings with eight dips, and a soul food menu on Sundays.
Coleman said she wanted to do something different from what any other restaurant was doing. She also wanted to share her story and inspire others who are going through tough times. “I was going through a struggle. One night I looked at my family and decided I was never going to be in that situation again. I knew if I worked hard, I would never have to go back to that shelter,” she told Face2Face Africa.
Coleman’s story is not only inspiring, but also representative of the challenges that many homeless black families face in the US. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), black people accounted for 40% of all people experiencing homelessness in 2019, despite being only 13% of the population. Black families are also more likely to experience homelessness than white families, with a rate of 85 per 10,000 compared to 24 per 10,000.
On the other hand, Coleman’s story also shows the potential of black entrepreneurship as a way to overcome poverty and create wealth. According to the US Census Bureau, there were 2.6 million black-owned businesses in 2018, up from 1.9 million in 2012. Black-owned businesses generated $150 billion in annual revenue and employed 1.1 million people.
Coleman is one of the many black entrepreneurs who have defied the odds and achieved success in their fields. She hopes that her restaurant will not only satisfy her customers’ appetites, but also motivate them to follow their dreams.
Brooke is an amazing entrepreneur, and we at Rising Africa want to celebrate her today. Keep pushing higher and higher and redefining what is possible. You are truly a Rising African and an able role model for the new African. Rising Africa is a dynamic platform that highlights the remarkable achievements of Africans worldwide and provides up-to-date information on scholarships and sponsorships available to African youth. Our vision is to inspire and empower the next generation of African leaders by showcasing the diverse accomplishments and talents of Africans across different fields, including technology, business, arts and culture, and social activism.
Through our Success Stories portal, we celebrate Rising Africans of all ages and sectors who have risen above challenges and made impactful innovations. Our Wonder Kids section features young achievers aged 1-12, while the Super Teens category highlights those aged 13-19, and Young Achievers profiles those aged 20-30. We also have dedicated portals for Women in Africa and persons living with disabilities.
In addition to celebrating African achievement, our Opportunities portal connects African youth to the latest sponsorship, scholarship, awards, and other life-changing opportunities. By providing access to these opportunities, we aim to empower African youth to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact in their communities.
At Rising Africa, we believe in the limitless potential of Africans to create a prosperous future for the continent. Join us in celebrating African excellence and building a brighter future for Africa.
References:
- She was pregnant and homeless. Now, she owns her own restaurant – Face2Face Africa
- This Former Homeless Mom Now Owns Her Own Restaurant – Black Enterprise
- Brooke Coleman Homeless Single Mom Now Owns Her Own Restaurant in Ohio – Salone Messengers
- Once Homeless, This Single Mom Now Owns Her Own Restaurant in Ohio – Black Business
- The 2019 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress – HUD
- Annual Business Survey (ABS) – US Census Bureau
