Today we’d like to introduce you to Ameneh Marhaba.
Hi Ameneh, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey with Little Liberia is deeply personal, it’s rooted in survival, heritage, and a passion for food that started in my mother’s kitchen. I was born and raised in Liberia, my mother’s homeland, and also spent time in Tripoli, Lebanon, where my father is from. Growing up, my mother didn’t have much, but what she did have was an incredible gift for cooking. Food was our survival, our currency, and our way of building community. I learned early on that cooking wasn’t just about nourishment, it was about resilience and connection.
After immigrating to the U.S., I carried those lessons with me. In 2016, I hosted my first pop-up in Detroit, sharing the flavors of Liberia and the African diaspora with a community that was eager to experience something new. Little Liberia quickly grew into more than just a food concept, it became storytelling, cultural exchange, and honoring the traditions and roots that shaped who I am today.
Over the years, the journey has had its challenges, but it has also been filled with incredible moments, like almost making it to MasterChef in 2019. In 2022, we won $100,000 from the Hatch Detroit contest, and that propelled this dream.
We’ve had our challenges, but we have a location we love, a community that is welcoming us with arms wide open, and the support of so many people who want us to succeed.
Through it all, Little Liberia has remained community-driven. We’re a restaurant-in-the-making, but we’re more than just the food. Little Liberia is about creating opportunities, fostering belonging, and celebrating the culture. Our story is still being written, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road to building Little Liberia has been anything but smooth, but every challenge has shaped both me and the business in ways I never expected. As an immigrant, a Black woman, and a first-generation entrepreneur, I’ve had to navigate many barriers, especially when it comes to funding. Access to capital has been one of the biggest struggles. Like many other business owners, I haven’t had the financial backing or generational wealth to fall back on, so I’ve had to be resourceful. I’ve had to rely on pop-ups, and community support to keep the vision alive.
Another major challenge has been educating people about Liberian cuisine. Many people are unfamiliar with the flavors and history behind the food, so part of my work has been introducing and sharing the cultural significance of every dish I create. That’s why storytelling is such a big part of Little Liberia, it’s not just about the food; it’s about preserving and celebrating our heritage.
Beyond that, balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with everyday life hasn’t been easy. There have been moments of doubt, exhaustion, and feeling like the odds were stacked against me. But what’s kept me going is my ‘why’, knowing that Little Liberia is bigger than me. The struggles have been real, but so has the community support, and that’s what makes it all worth it.
We’ve been impressed with Little Liberia, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At the core of Little Liberia is the belief that food serves as a bridge—it connects people, conveys stories, and fosters community. We want every visit to Little Liberia to feel like coming home, offering a gateway to the vibrant heritage and flavors of West Africa.
We’re currently operating through catering and special pop-up events, but we are excited about establishing our first permanent location in the East Warren Corridor, across from Next Chapter Books. We want to be a community-centric space that not only serves great food but also creates opportunities and fosters connections. We strive to embody the diversity, warmth, and vibrant spirit of Liberia, making it a place where everyone can find a piece of home.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Little Liberia wouldn’t be where it is today without the incredible community that has supported me along the way. First and foremost, my mother deserves so much credit. She taught me everything I know about cooking, resilience, and the power of food to bring people together. Her love and determination are the foundation of everything I do.
Beyond that, the Detroit community has been instrumental in my journey. From the very first pop-up, people showed up, believed in the vision, and kept coming back. I’ve also had the support of incredible organizations and mentors who have guided me along the way, especially Hatch Detroit and Comerica, whose investment in my dream is helping make our brick-and-mortar location a reality.
I also want to acknowledge my friends, family, and the chefs and food entrepreneurs who have shared advice, resources, and encouragement. Building a business is hard, but having people who truly believe in you makes all the difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://littleliberia.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/little_liberia
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/littleliberia
