Today's AMAZING KARMA! story visits with Youssef Akhtarini, owner of Aleppo Sweets in Providence, RI.
Youssef opened Aleppo Sweets in 2019, a Syrian bakery and cafe where the baklava is the star. The only thing that shines brighter is Youssef's heart, a former refugee himself now using his business to provide jobs and hope to other refugees! Here's his story:
Youssef Akhtarini
HI YOUSSEF! TELL US HOW YOU GOT HERE.
As a young boy growing up in Aleppo, I got to see my father's bakery almost every day. It's a memory that still hurts because the war took it all away. With my wife and children we left first to Turkey, and two years later we left again for a new life in America.
Baking is my passion. Even on the way to America I knew I was going to be a baker. It's why I brought my rolling pins with me from Aleppo, which I still have today! With those rolling pins I started baking again in a rented kitchen that the local Arabic community helped me find. This got me my first start selling at a local farmer's market.
During this time a wonderful person came into our lives. Sandy Martin and her husband supported us in so many ways, and are a big reason we were able to create our bakery. They have become like family to me and my family, and we are forever grateful to them!
Although I am here I can never forget where I come from. Syria a beautiful country with a culture I wish to share with everyone. It's why I named our bakery Aleppo Sweets.
Baklava with pistachio ice cream
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO HELP OTHER REFUGEES?
As a former refugee I know how difficult it can be to start over. There aren't many jobs for people who are beginning to learn English as a second language.
So from the first day we opened Aleppo Sweets I've wanted to help them. People needed jobs, we spoke the same language, shared the same background, and could provide a supportive environment to help them get started. Of course we also welcomed others who were not refugees or Arab. It was a way for them to learn more about Syrian culture and food.
So far I'm happy to say we've helped close to 40 former refugees in this way and hopefully many more to come!
Fatayer
WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR SOMEONE TO SUPPORT YOUR BUSINESS?
It means everything! Our customers who support us are also supporting other families who have gone through a lot. When they buy our food they are helping someone find a better future.
Balouria (knafeh with pistachios & crispy angel hair)
When I see how powerful our customer's support is for the people that it touches, I think about what else we can do. My dream for Aleppo Sweets is to continue to grow so that we can offer more opportunities to other refugees and immigrants. Through our food we can continue spreading love, culture, and meaningful connections – not just in our local community but around the world!
Turkish coffee
WHAT OTHER SOCIALLY IMPACTFUL BUSINESSES DO YOU LIKE TO SUPPORT?
There's another small business that has a similar story to mine. The owner's name is Ahmad Al Kordi. He's also a former Syrian refugee, from Damascus. We became friends while he was looking for ways to start his new life.
One day he showed me what he could do with flowers. Like my passion for baking, his is floral design! We started thinking about ideas and I encouraged him to consider a flower-based business.
In 2024 he opened Rosanna flower shop right next door, with flowers of course but also Middle Eastern gifts and items for the home. We are happy he is so close to us and our customers love the chance to experience our Syrian culture from two businesses under one roof!
Rosanna flower shop
THANKS YOUSSEF! LET'S ALL SUPPORT HIS AMAZING KARMA BUSINESS!
Where: 107 Ives St, Providence, RI 02906
Website: https://www.alepposweets.com/
Our Amazing Karma! award was created to tell the story of a small business doing something exceptional. Behind each of these small businesses is an incredible person doing it even though they don't have to, and spreading good karma when they do!