One of the most rewarding parts of our work is witnessing people grow in a holistic way and build community through Immigrants Rising’s various programs, services, and grants. Tobore Oweh is someone we were lucky to connect with over the past few years, and we’re excited to share her story with you.
Hi, Tobore! It’s great to chat with you today. Can you share a little bit about yourself for those who don’t know you?
It’s a pleasure to meet you! My name is Tobore Oweh. I am an undocumented entrepreneur and the owner and creative director of The Petal Effect, a lifestyle boutique centered around “the healing powers of flowers.”
How did you get involved with Immigrants Rising?
I first got connected with this amazing community in 2017, when I participated in the first Festival of UndocuInnovation, where I had the opportunity to meet with over 50 undocumented entrepreneurs from across the country.
What other ways have you been able to plug into the Immigrants Rising community since then?
Since then, I have participated in the High School Career Program as well as the Disrupted Students Task Force, where I’ve been able to create an entrepeneurship curriculum for high schol students and advocate for undocumented young people who choose paths other than higher education.
So let’s talk a little bit about alternative paths to finding fulfillment. How has Immigrants Rising helped you launch your own business?
It’s been a journey for me to become an entrepreneur, and I am happy that Immigrants Rising has always been there to support me along the way!
The Petal Effect has long been a dream of mine, and in 2020, I was finally able to get it off the ground. Being a solo undocumented entrepreneur is overwhelming, but benefitting from Immigrants Rising’s entrepreneurship training and receiving a $5,000 grant has enabled me to develop a vision for scaling my business up.
We’re stoked to see where the Petal Effect is headed. How do you see yourself reaching out to the community?
This year, I made a contribution to Immigrants Rising for the first time so that more undocumented people have the opportunities to grow as I did. I’m excited to play a role in reframing undocumented immigrants as people with the power to create and run their own businesses.
Thank you, Tobore for your time and your passion for our communities. Be sure to learn more about our entrepreneurship program here!