Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kwame Sarfo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Kwame, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
My optimism comes from the way I see the bigger picture and refuse to settle. I’ve got a vision for my life that’s bigger than where I am now, and every move I make—whether it’s scaling my income, building my store, or hiring smart—is a step toward that future. Even when life hits hard—like the accident that could’ve changed everything—I don’t fold. I regroup, I pray, and I find another way forward. My resilience isn’t about fake positivity—it’s been earned. What sets me apart is that I back my hope with strategy. I don’t just talk about goals—I make plans, take action, and adjust when I need to. My optimism is real because it’s grounded in vision, built on faith, and carried out with discipline.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I run Original Kaneshie Market, a West African grocery store based in Old Bridge, New Jersey. We specialize in bringing authentic African flavors, ingredients, and culture to our community—everything from Ghanaian staples like shito, banku, and fufu flour, to hard-to-find spices, snacks, and pantry essentials. What makes this work special is how deeply personal it is. This isn’t just a business—it’s a way of keeping tradition alive and giving people a taste of home, whether they’re first-generation immigrants or curious food lovers exploring something new.
What excites me most is seeing how much joy a familiar ingredient or product can bring to someone who hasn’t had it in years. During the pandemic, we pivoted and grew 20% by partnering with UberEats and GrubHub, which added $5K a month in online revenue. That shift made our offerings more accessible than ever, and we’re continuing to expand our reach and explore new ways to serve the community—online and in person.
Right now, we’re focused on upgrading our customer experience, adding more exclusive imports, and planning a few local events that celebrate African food and culture. Original Kaneshie isn’t just a market—it’s a bridge between continents, built on flavor, tradition, and community.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Resilience kept me going when things got tough—whether it was slow months at the store, unexpected challenges like the accident, or just the pressure of wearing multiple hats. I learned to push through setbacks, stay grounded in faith, and keep my eyes on the long game. For anyone starting out, just know that challenges are part of the process. Build mental toughness, stay consistent, and don’t let temporary losses throw you off track.
Resourcefulness helped me stretch what I had—time, money, connections—and turn it into something bigger. Whether it was leveraging food delivery platforms to grow during COVID or learning new skills to keep expenses low, I found ways to make things work without waiting for perfect conditions. My advice? Don’t get stuck waiting to have “enough.” Start where you are, use what you’ve got, and keep figuring it out as you go.
Relationship-building has probably been the most underrated but powerful skill. Whether it’s building trust with customers, forming partnerships, or growing my team, the people around me have played a big role in every win. If you’re early in your journey, focus on showing up with integrity, delivering value, and staying connected. People remember how you make them feel—especially when you’re authentic.
Master those three, and you’ll build something real.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
One book that played a major role in my development is The Law of Attraction by Esther and Jerry Hicks. It helped me understand how much power we really have in shaping our lives through mindset, energy, and intention.
A few key takeaways that stuck with me:
You attract what you focus on – This reminded me to stop giving so much energy to fear, lack, or doubt. Instead, I started focusing on the outcomes I actually wanted—abundance, peace, success—and aligning my thoughts, feelings, and actions with that vision.
Your emotions are a guide – I learned to check in with how I feel, not just what I think. If I’m feeling off, it’s usually a sign I’m out of alignment with the version of me I’m trying to become. That emotional awareness has helped me shift faster and stay centered.
Believe it before you see it – That one’s huge. Whether it’s growing my store, scaling my income, or manifesting major breakthroughs, I’ve had to fully believe I deserved more before I could actually receive more. Faith had to come first.
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