A South Tyneside resident is bringing new flavours to the local community and going from strength to strength in 2024.  Mayowa Peace Akande launched South Shields African Store in 2023 to help locals gain easy access to traditional African foods and wares. Located on Frederick Street, the shop has seen a 40% increase in customers already in 2024, as it appeals to customers of both African and British descent keen to serve up flavoursome dishes.

Originally from Nigeria, Mayowa runs the store alongside her role as a care worker in South Shields. She says,

“Most of us in South Tyneside struggle to get African food. We either had to go to Newcastle or Sunderland. It’s much easier for us to have a source of food in South Shields, for those in South Tyneside to access. There is a strong African community in South Tyneside, and this is a way of giving back to them.”

The store doesn’t only cater to those of African descent, however. Mayowa has served customers from all over the region, and even the world.

“We’ve also had British people and individuals from all over the world shopping with us, who want to try different foods. It’s an opportunity to benefit everyone, both myself and everyone in South Tyneside.”

As part of Mayowa’s efforts to build her business, she enrolled on the Start Up South Tyneside programme and completed the business growth workshop. This programme is delivered by TEDCO Business Support on behalf of South Tyneside Council, which aims to support local residents with their aspirations to start up a business. It is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Mayowa comments,

“It was a chance to learn, as well as share my ideas. I had a lot to take away to help me grow my business, and it was a lot of fun. I wish I could go every day to keep learning! I was able to express my goals, my concerns, and my challenges, and receive help and guidance. It made me feel less alone, as people were very willing to help.”

TEDCO Business Advisor, Bill Hartshorne, adds,

“Our Start Up programmes are designed to help entrepreneurs like Mayowa find their feet and embrace the tools available to them. It’s great to see her benefiting from its services, as well as the added ability to network with other entrepreneurs. I’m delighted the courses have been useful for Mayowa and that she’ll be looking to utilise what she’s learned as her business continues to grow.”

Follow the South Shields African Store on Facebook. To find out more about the Start Up South Tyneside programme, visit the TEDCO website here.