Diana Awuradwoa Haizel, popularly known as Ms Dee.
Diana Awuradwoa Haizel, popularly known as Ms Dee, is proof of resilience and determination. Born in Maamobi, Accra, Ghana, and now a celebrated restaurateur in the United States, Ms Dee's journey from humble beginnings to owning the well-loved Ms Dee Kenkey House is nothing short of extraordinary.
Ms Dee's story begins with significant struggles. Arriving in the US in the 1980s, she faced harsh realities: "In the beginning, it was crazy; it was tough," she recalled. To make ends meet, she took on various jobs, including washing dishes and cooking for others, often receiving no payment but just food in return. "I was cleaning floors. I was being paid peanuts," she said.
Her early life in the US was marked by instability. After a falling out with her aunt, Ms Dee was left to fend for herself. A friend, Millicent Armah, stepped in to help, leading Ms Dee to a job in home care. This position not only provided financial support but also allowed her to return to school. Despite the challenges, she used the money earned to fund her education.
Ms Dee’s culinary aspirations took shape during a tumultuous period in her personal life. Moving from New York to Virginia to escape domestic issues, she initially struggled to find a job that fit her needs.
With a young daughter and unfamiliarity with her new surroundings, she chose to focus on home care due to its flexible hours. However, this arrangement proved challenging, so she turned to cooking kenkey and banku, traditional Ghanaian dishes, which she sold to local taxi drivers.
Starting from a van that she used to cook and deliver food, Ms Dee faced numerous obstacles, including frequent relocations due to zoning issues with her makeshift kitchen. Her perseverance was evident as she navigated these difficulties, moving from apartment to apartment and eventually buying a van to support her growing business.
“At first, I delivered the food to taxi drivers, but soon they began coming to me,” she said. “When it came time to move, I struggled to find a place I could afford. I lived in several apartments, but commercial activities weren’t allowed, so I was frequently asked to leave. It felt like I had stayed in every apartment in Alexandria.”
Despite facing legal issues after being reported for operating commercially without proper authorization, Ms Dee’s determination did not waver. With the help of a good lawyer and her unwavering spirit, she overcame these hurdles and finally secured a permanent location for her restaurant.
Today, Ms Dee Kenkey House stands as a symbol of her hard-earned success. Ms Dee's journey underscores the importance of faith and perseverance. "What kept me on was the spirit of perseverance," she affirmed in her interview with Sammy Kay. Her story is a powerful reminder that true success often requires stepping out of one's comfort zone and facing challenges head-on.
Ms Dee’s message to others is clear: "We have to have some kind of faith. I know there is a miracle but I don’t wait for miracles." Her path from adversity to triumph serves as an inspiration to many, showcasing how determination and hard work can lead to achieving one’s dreams.
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