Within the metropolis of Seattle, removed from the bustling streets of Portmore, Jamaica, Sophia Ellis has created one thing really particular — Simply Like House Caribbean Market. As the one Jamaican/Caribbean market in Washington State, it’s greater than a store. It’s a bridge to house for Caribbean nationals and an introduction to island tradition for others.
Now celebrating six years in enterprise, Sophia is reflecting on her journey, one which started in a modest condo kitchen and grew right into a cultural landmark.
From Portmore to Seattle
Sophia grew up in Garveymeade, a scheme in Portmore, St. Catherine. “Garveymeade is the very best scheme,” she says proudly. “That’s the place I grew up, and it formed a whole lot of who I’m. The hustle, the group spirit, the way in which individuals look out for one another — that have taught me resilience and find out how to take advantage of what you might have.”
Her choice emigrate wasn’t born out of hardship. “My migration to the U.S. wasn’t as a result of life was unhealthy for me again house. I had companies. I’d say life handled me pretty,” she says. “However I wished extra. I wished to problem myself. By all of it, I stayed true to who I’m.”
After a while in California, a brief journey to Seattle shifted her path. “Seattle felt like the proper place. It’s numerous and stuffed with potential. It wasn’t simple beginning over, nevertheless it gave me the push I wanted.”
A Hustle That Began at House
Earlier than changing into a full-time chef and entrepreneur, Sophia says she was “doing no matter I needed to do to get by — hustling, figuring issues out.” Cooking, nonetheless, had at all times been her ardour. “I’d cook dinner on Sundays, and also you’d have as much as ten or extra individuals in my condo ready for a plate.”
It was her boyfriend who gave her the nudge to show it right into a enterprise. “He stated, ‘Why don’t you begin promoting plates as an alternative of simply cooking and giving it away?’ The next weekend, I did simply that — and the remaining is historical past.”
That leap of religion led to the launch of a meals truck. It was a serious step, however not with out hurdles. “Early on, the well being division shut me down for 11 months as a result of my meals truck was bought in China, they usually stated it didn’t meet their rules right here. That would’ve been the top,” she recollects.
“However I had religion and a deep love for what I do. So as an alternative of giving up, I rebuilt the meals truck to their satisfaction and got here again stronger. The group confirmed up for me. They supported me by way of my setback.”
Higher Entry to Actual Meals
Operating the meals truck revealed a much bigger downside: sourcing genuine elements. “I had a tough time discovering Jamaican elements constantly,” she says. “I used to be travelling, packing suitcases, and even then, it nonetheless wasn’t sufficient.”
That problem sparked an answer. “I noticed a spot. Caribbean individuals wanted higher entry to actual meals. So I made a decision to open a grocery retailer that will fill that hole — a dependable place for Caribbean elements for individuals like me who wanted high quality and authenticity.”
On 25 June 2022, Simply Like House Caribbean Market formally opened its doorways, changing into the primary of its type in Washington State.
From contemporary East Indian mangoes and callaloo to spices, clothes, and sizzling meals, Simply Like House shortly grew to become greater than a market. “It’s an expertise of Jamaican tradition,” Sophia says. “We provide Jamaican and Caribbean produce, groceries, clothes, and cooked meals. Whilst you may name it a spread retailer, we consider it extra as a group area — someplace individuals come for a style of house and a way of belonging.”
A Style of House within the Pacific Northwest
Although she primarily shares Jamaican merchandise, she makes positive to incorporate gadgets from throughout the area. “Our aim is to serve the broader Caribbean group in Seattle, so we attempt to embrace necessities that signify varied islands.”
Sophia is intentional about her sourcing. “I work with importers who concentrate on Caribbean items. Some gadgets I usher in straight from Jamaica after I can. I don’t minimize corners. If I say it’s Jamaican, it has to style Jamaican.”
The importance of what she’d constructed hit her unexpectedly. “I introduced in my first set of contemporary fruit from Jamaica, and somebody walked in and requested if these had been actual East Indian mangoes. They stated, ‘I haven’t seen mangoes like this since I left yard.’ That’s after I realised this was larger than only a retailer. I used to be reconnecting individuals with part of house. That’s when it sank in — I’m making historical past.”
Constructing With out a Blueprint
As a Black Caribbean girl in enterprise, Sophia has confronted greater than her fair proportion of challenges. “There have been a couple of hurdles I believe got here due to my id and background. However I’m a superwoman, I at all times overcome obstacles by turning them into energy.”
With out entry to funding or native examples to observe, she needed to determine it out on her personal. “I actually carved my very own path … from day one, I funded each side of the market and kitchen myself, no financial institution mortgage, no grants. Juggling purchasing, prepping and cooking almost broke me till I realized to set correct work hours.”
A Group Pillar
Regardless of the percentages, Sophia has grow to be a significant a part of Seattle’s rising Jamaican group. “The response has been unbelievable,” she says. “Individuals have proven a lot love — not simply Jamaicans or Caribbeans, however all backgrounds.”
She’s additionally deeply concerned in the local people. “I help native occasions, sponsor gatherings, and supply sizzling meals to the much less lucky on a weekly foundation. Simply Like House has grow to be a go-to spot, even when somebody simply desires to cross by way of and have a chat in patois.”
Seattle could not have the dimensions of a New York or Miami Caribbean inhabitants, however Sophia sees the tradition thriving. “There’s a bunch referred to as Friends of Jamaica Seattle that brings individuals collectively, particularly for Independence. There’s additionally Crimson Lounge — a Jamaican-owned membership that holds Caribbean nights. The Jamaican presence right here is powerful.”
Wanting Again, Giving Thanks
As Simply Like House celebrates its sixth anniversary, Sophia is taking the chance to thank everybody who has supported her. “This journey hasn’t been simple,” she says. “However each single one that has walked by way of these doorways, shared or adopted my story on social media, advised a pal about me, or supported in any method — I respect you. You’re the cause that is nonetheless alive.”
“To my day ones — my message is easy: by no means surrender, even when it feels not possible. Thanks all for driving with me.”
Recommendation for Future Entrepreneurs
For different Jamaicans or Caribbean nationals seeking to begin a enterprise in Washington, Sophia’s recommendation is easy. “Don’t count on immediate help, however keep constant. Washington is stuffed with alternatives, however it’s important to be ready to place within the work in order for you it to final.”
When you’re within the Seattle space, you should definitely cease by Simply Like House Caribbean Market at 9431 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118. It’s also possible to keep linked with Sophia and the Simply Like House group by following alongside on Instagram and Facebook for the newest updates, merchandise, and occasions.
