Elizabeth Orosco
Northeast News

Saturday, November 30 was Small Business Saturday and to highlight local shops in the community, we spent the afternoon walking along Independence Avenue and visiting Northeast shop owners.

Ayser Jewelry Store, located at 2321 Independence Avenue, offers clothes, shoes, watches, perfume, facial cream, and jewelry from Dubai, India, and Turkey. Jawahir has been in Kansas City for 18 years.
“I like the Northeast because it’s a place where most of my people live. There are a lot of Somalian and African people here and it’s like home.”

Abdi, one of the owners of Al Rahman Halal Market, located at 2536 Independence Avenue, said his family has been in this location for nearly six years. Their shop offers Middle Eastern food, spices, rice, and meat. They also have clothing, a beauty shop, and household items.
“I have lived here pretty much all my life. Since I grew up here, you get to know everybody and meet new faces. It’s like running into a new old friend. It’s a friendly environment and people are always willing to help.”

Ahmed, the owner of Simple Mobile Solutions, located at 2321 Independence Avenue has owned his shop for six years and has lived in Kansas City since 1998. His shop offers cell phones, money transfers, bill pay, cell phone accessories, and more.
“I like being on the Avenue. I love the community, the people, the culture, and all the different people. I like getting to know people and we are always friendly with everyone.”

Crystal Sifuentes, manager of Metro by T-Mobile, located at 2605 Independence Avenue, said her shop has been open for three-and-a-half years. She offers cell service, phones, accessories, tablets, phones, and bill pay.
“It’s a great, central location. There are so many people here and it’s so convenient to get to. You pretty much have to pass by this location to get anywhere; I love the location.”

Harswar, one of the owners of Burmese Grocery Halal Restaurant, located at 2605 Independence Avenue, said her family-owned store has been open for about six months. They offer Burmese food and groceries.
“I live in the Northeast and I like our store being on Independence Avenue. I think the community is really great.”