Meet Betty: Building a Business on Determination, Soul Food, and Giving Back
Betty started selling food in the streets in Houston, TX. Through determination, hard work, and the support of loyal customers, she built a thriving business rooted in in family, soul food, and a deep love for her community.
Growing up, Betty fondly remembers her mother teaching her and her six siblings how to cook. An entrepreneur herself, Betty’s mother worked in restaurants her whole life and cooked every Sunday for the community. These skills and traditions became the foundation of Betty’s business today, and when people tell Betty she reminds them of her mother, she takes it as a compliment.
“I became an entrepreneur for the independence to work for myself,” said Betty. “It’s a blessing to own my own business and my favorite parts are setting my own hours and meeting people every day.”
In the beginning, Betty would wake up early and sell her home-cooked food until she ran out each day, selling in the streets, local events, and outside of shops. Over time, Betty began to become known in the community for her chicken wings, pork chops, and oxtails. As demand grew, she reached a major milestone in 2025 by opening her first restaurant storefront. Just a few months later, a neighbor introduced her to Grameen America, and joining the program became another turning point in her entrepreneurial journey.
“I had tried to apply for a loan in the past but was denied due to my credit score, and I didn’t want to rely on a co-signer on the business I built myself,” said Betty. “Grameen America changed my life and my business. Without the loan capital, I would have been struggling but now I can buy everything I need for my business.”
Betty used her first and second loans from Grameen America to purchase new supplies, kitchen prep appliances, and food. She plans to use her third loan to replace a broken refrigerator. Betty meets weekly with a group of twenty-two other small business owners in her community. Together, they support each other’s businesses and learn from each other, establishing a sense of connection and community that Betty says she never had before joining Grameen America. Since joining the program, Betty has also been saving for retirement and increased her credit score.
Betty’s family is her biggest source of motivation. Betty’s husband has always encouraged her and Betty’s daughter helps at the business part-time. Betty passed down her entrepreneurial spirit and love for food to her daughter, who is paving her own path as a baker.
“I love my community because the people in this community always show respect and help each other in times of need,” said Betty. “I go out in the community to feed people experiencing homelessness and never turn anyone away when they come to the restaurant.”
For Betty, cooking is more than a business, it’s also a way to give back to her local neighborhood. Throughout the year, she uses her restaurant as a platform to support neighbors in need. During the holiday season, Betty gives away free turkey and ham and buys toys for families who may not be able to afford presents. She also organizes a back-to-school food drive.
Today, Betty owns both a food truck and a restaurant, bringing her one step closer to the goal she has set for herself: opening a third location. As she continues to save, grow, and create jobs in her community, Betty remains focused on building a lasting legacy for her family and future generations.