While many localbusinesses grapple with financial losses due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, one 19-year-old woman from London launched a business to fill in what she saw as a needfor locals.
Despite trying times, Lana Khadra, a student at Western University, opened up her store, which offersfood options for Londoners on ketogenicdiets, vegan diets and those with otherdietary restrictions.
She started the business earlier in May.
"I really believe in health and I really wanted to bring in new healthy alternatives to London," said Khadra. "I'm hoping people find items that can help them feel better and feel healthier."
While Khadra never expected to open her store during a pandemic, she said she was forced to because of financial hardships the ongoingpandemic brought on, especially after spending moneyon renovating and stocking the shop.
"We really had no option. It was getting financially tough for [my family]," she said.
The idea for the business came a few years back after Khadra went through weight loss and realized there was a need for more alternative nutritional optionsin the city.
At 16, the Londonerstarted to work two part-time jobs in order to save the money for her business.
"It was really tough, especially during exams to balance jobs and school ... but I didn't stop working for it," she recalled.
"I just wanted to make myself proud and prove to myself that I was capable of doing something and I didn't want my age to stop me, so I just worked really hard for it."
When the time came, the teen's parents offered her a loan to open theDiet & Wellness Health Food Store.
Khadra said despite the virus, a few locals have stopped by to shop and she's optimisticabout the future of her store. She hopes people her age will be inspired to start their own ventures.
"Follow your passions and goals and don't let that little voice tell you not to,because nothing can stop you," she said.
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This 19-year-old woman from London launched her own store during the COVID-19 pandemic - CBC.ca
